Group+6

Add your thoughts to this wiki, reflecting on mobile phones in education .You are welcome to put on and take off a new colour hat as your reflect on different issues and perspectives!

De Bono's Hats
If you are unfamiliar with de Bono's six thinking hats, [|visit][|Volunteering Australia] for a reso urce on the topic. Then edit the table provided as scaffolding, add your ideas, opinions, and where possible your research. How will a collation of diverse perspectives from 19 different people inform your thinking? How could you use this in your classroom?

Kodie Hoppe
 * ==Colour Hat== || ==Names of students adding ideas== || ==The colour perspective== || ==Your ideas, research, perspectives and arguments== ||
 * [[image:black.jpg width="126" height="122"]] || Samantha Gleeson

Leonie Trenaman

Brydie Blackburn

Amy Maidment

Kirstin-Ann Wilson || //**Judgement:**// What is wrong with this? Why will this not work? Is this safe? Can this be done? || Mobile phone use within the classroom has many disadvantages. From an obvious distraction to classwork, issues with cheating, bullying and other unsafe practices stemming from unmonitored use of a individual's usage of the personal device. Teachers would have a difficult time ensuring 30 students are on task. There is also the issue that every individual would own a mobile phone, which could create a greater divide between students from varying socio-economic backgrounds if they could not afford one, causing even more distractions from school work.

Today teenagers live for their mobile phones, if they are allowed free access to their phones in class, how do we as teachers compete? Teachers already struggle to compete for full attention from students during lessons, allowing mobile phones in the classroom will just add to the many distractions that students face. Safety issues for students will also be questionable. Will allowing mobile phones at school increase a student’s exposure to online threats or promote online bullying? Another issue would be the equality of students; not everyone will have a mobile phone, some may have more high tech devices.

The major red light i see for mobiles in the classroom is a open gate for cyber bullying and students being distracted in class, teachers already have a tough job keeping students to keep engaged in the classroom with other technology and the only way it can work is with very strict rules and consequences.

Mobile phones in the classroom are a bad idea for a number of reasons. This first being they are a major distraction. Students will become disengaged in learning experiences, miss fundamental skills and knowledge and fail to participate as an active member of society. Competition between children regarding differences between devises will begin as insecurities around socioeconomic disadvantages arise. This will place pressure on parents and may lead to theft. Mobile phones in the classroom will not protect children from bullying on a serious and in some ways permanent level as children may exploit their peers or even themselves due to their ill-understanding of web-etiquette, this may also lead to children being a target for predators. Mobile phones in the classroom are trouble; they are not safe and prohibit children reaching their full potential. It cannot be done.

Modern technology is used more and more in the classroom to engage students and improve performance. When posed with these questions in regards to having mobile phones in the classroom I can see many advantages, and disadvantages. These days mobile phones can do a lot more than just text message and make calls.

Advantages


 * Internet- quick access to information
 * Email – sending and receiving information
 * Bluetooth – connecting to other technology in the classroom
 * Apps – educational games
 * Camera – Collecting evidence of practical work

Disadvantages


 * Distractions
 * Cyber bullying
 * Unable to monitor usage
 * Cheating

Before allowing the use of mobile phone in the classroom, the school as a whole would have to consider if it is appropriate for all students. Some students may not be able to afford these item, so special considerations would need to be taken place, such as a hire system. In most high schools, and some primary, students are already equipped with and an iPad or laptop, which does exactly the same things that mobile phones can do, they are just bigger. On the other hand teachers also need to be mindful of their own use of mobiles whilst in the classroom.

media type="youtube" key="NgnmseT4zTg" width="502" height="282" align="center"

I personally believe that there are defiantly negative outcomes that come with allowing students to use mobile phones within the classroom. These days from a very young age, children are exposed to technology whether it be an IPad, iPod, a phone or laptop. Although there is no getting around the fact that we are headed for a heavily technology driven future, I do believe that there should be limits to how much and what type of technology students should be exposed to. Within a younger school environment I do not think that the students should be exposed to the use of mobile phones within the classroom environment. As there are many bad situations that could arise from these, EXAMPLE: cyber bullying could occur (in todays day and age cyber bullying is the number one form of bullying), students could get distracted with social media sites and games. I also feel as though having too much technology within a classroom can take away from the authentic interaction time and conversation time that can be had between students, their peers and also the teacher. || Kodie Hoppe
 * [[image:debonoshats/blue.jpg width="140" height="128"]] || Samantha Gleeson

Leonie Trenaman

Brydie Blackburn

Amy Maidment

Kirstin-ann WIlson || //**The Process:**// Where are we now? What is the next step ? Where have we been? What sort of thinking is needed? || Research suggests the majority of children starting from middle to upper primary have mobile phones or iPods that can connect to the internet. Policy surrounding the use of mobiles in a schooling context usually prohibit them in the classroom, or on the school grounds at all. The next step would be perhaps thinking about integrating them in a positive way in the classroom, or alternatively, increasing the education surrounding internet and mobile phone use to ensure the safety of students. A forward thinking and constructivist approach is required to make sure the outcome is positive for all.

There is no question about it- technology is definitely the way of the future! Already in classrooms whiteboards have been replaced with interactive whiteboards, ICT is incorporated into classrooms at the early years of Prep. Without a doubt mobile phones are a huge part of everyday life – communication, buying, selling, calendars, alarms, social media, google and so much more! What we need to examine though is there another to approach this without using students personal mobile phones? School Tablets/iPads may all provide the same classroom necessary apps and activities.

The 21st century is heading into the technology era and technology in the classroom is the future. As we do head into 21st century students will also need to learn about the safety side of technology.

Children of the 21st century are different to their parents, they are digital natives and this has to be acknowledged by their teachers to ensure student success. Students of today understand this technology, sometimes even better than they would a book or blocks. They are engaged and excited by technology and it is clear their engagement with learning experiences is heightened when IT is incorporated as a learning tool. Educators need to recongise this and maybe instead of fighting against they technology, work with it by thinking flexibly and use the technology to their advantage.

Technology isn’t going anywhere, teachers need to embrace the ever growing trends in technology and introduce them into the classroom. Children of the 21st century have grown up with technology all around them, it’s what they know and feel comfortable with. Ask a student today to research something in an encyclopaedia and they would feel very uncomfortable. The fact is, kids are Tech Savvy, they want to use it and if we as teachers and provide them with learning opportunities that are connected to technology students would be more engaged in the learning process.

We live in an era where technology is heavily relied on, in work and social life. These days it is an odd occurrence to see people with out some sort of technology glued to their hands at all times, so it is not a case of just ignoring the issue and letting it just pass by, because it won't. Therefore I feel as though we need to embrace technology in the classroom, however do it in a way that helps to enhance the students learning in a positive and strenghtening way. || Kodie Hoppe
 * [[image:green.jpg width="147" height="121"]] || Samantha Gleeson

Leonie Trenaman

Brydie Blackburn

Amy Maidment

Kirstin-Ann WIlson || //**Creativity:**// What new ideas are possible with this? What is my suggestion for success? Can I create something new? || As seen with other digital technologies, mobile phones could be used to engage students and enhance learning experiences. Students could submit texts or emails to instantly answer questions, have a plethora of research at their fingertips, document processes with a camera, communicate and collaborate easily and quickly with other classes, be it across the hall, or across the globe. The possibilities here are endless. A carefully scaffolded lesson with clear expectations of behaviour would be required to ensure the successful use of these devices within an educational context.

Having Mobile phones and tablets can be an advanced and interesting way for students to take classroom work and homework home with them. They may be more inclined to complete homework! A suggestion could be allowing phones at school, but only allowing them in the allocated classes or classroom activities. Students should not have access them during direct teaching lessons, but rather certain activities or tasks.

Teachers can incorporate mobile phones and/or tablets into their planning be it either how to use the technology safely and correctly and what other uses they can use the phone for, for example the calculator and the calendars.

Really, possibilities are endless with this type of technology and it certainly would enhance the creative limits in a lesson and children interest and accountability regarding homework tasks. Children could install apps on their phone which allowed them to blog or submit their work via a class forum etc. These submission could included various modes of communication such as videos, pictures and or cartoons etc. created with other applications. This type of activity encourages authentic learning as they children customize the activity to suit not only the criteria, however also themselves. Children and parents could communicate via calendar and evidence of children working and their class behaviors could also be easily access by parents

These days Mobile phones can do everything a computer can, if not more! The advantages of this, is they fit in the students pockets and can be easily accessed at any given time. Teachers have to set strict rules about when the phones can be used in the classroom and when they cannot. Students need to be invited to take out their phones for the purpose of a particular learning activity and put away when they are not needed. This is already happening in classroom today's, where in some schools every student must have an iPad as part of their ‘stationary requirements’. The possibilities for use of this technology is endless, but a tech savvy teacher is also required.

With technology, but more specific mobile phones changing and upgrading every 6-12 months

the things that students can do and achieve with these devices are endless. They could be

implemented in an everyday lesson, to vary the teaching and to accommodate the learning

needs of all learners, or they could be used to teach and show the students how the tool could

be used in a real life context. The students can also communicate and learn on different d.

platforms with students and professionals all over the world. . || Kodie Hoppe
 * [[image:debonoshats/red.jpg width="116" height="133"]] || Samantha Gleeson

Leonie

Trenaman

Brydie Blackburn

Amy Maidment

Kirstin-Ann Wilson || //**Feelings:**// How do I feel about this? What do I like about the idea? What don't I like about the idea? || I am feeling in two minds about this. On one hand, mobile phones are a great distraction, research suggests that children are lacking focus as they are surrounded by an ever changing and dynamic digital environment. How could one teacher be sure 30 students are on task? That they aren't cyber bullying? That they aren't talking to strangers? Or simply playing an unrelated game or watching inappropriate content? On the other hand, we have seen how things like computers and tablets have bettered our classrooms. These digital native children are engaged, and have access to an unlimited amount of information. They can document their work, communicate easily with professionals and other students. I do worry that this would create socio-economic disparities, and mobile phones are owned by the individual or their parents, therefore creating a greater divide. Perhaps the good old tablet or computer would be a better option for safety and access.

I feel there are many issues about student equality. The issue over who’s phone is bigger and better, some students may not have wifi at home to complete certain tasks etc. Many parents have different views on their children owning mobile phones, they shouldn’t be expected to buy a mobile phone for their child as part of school supplies.

I also have a sense that there would be a matter of students who can afford a phone and those that can not and the many different versions of a mobile phones. Many cultures also have beliefs about technology so it may not be fair to those at a disadvantage to join in on these activities.

I feel that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. A fundamental requirement of an optimal learning experience is that is it engaging for the children. If the children in your classroom are engage by mobile phones why not use that to your advantage and use the devises as learning tool. It is however essential, in my eyes, teachers spend a serious amount of time educating their students about web-etiquette. The children need to be aware there are always serious consequences should they misuse the luxury, both in the classroom and for the rest of their lives. They need to be aware and able to recognise unsafe situations also.

I am on TEAM TECH! I am a 90’s baby, and have grown up with technology being introduced into the classroom. I love technology and often find myself trying to fit it into my daily lesson plans, because kids love it too. Sometimes they can even forget they are doing ‘school work’. Teachers need to set strict guidelines, expectations and monitor their students to ensure those mobile phones are being used appropriately in the classroom.

I am defiantly divided when it comes to deciding how I feel about this. I feel as though mobile phones could be a resource that will strengthen, enhance and accommodate a variety of learning wants, needs and styes but then on the other hand, it is then up to the classroom teacher to ensure that the students are being safe, sensible and on task whilst using the devices. This essentially means that the classroom teacher will have to add another thing to do on their list of ever growing aspects to monitor in the classroom. || Kodie Hoppe
 * [[image:debonoshats/yellow.jpg width="117" height="128"]] || Samantha Gleeson

Leonie

Trenaman

Brydie Blackburn

Amy Maidment

Kirstin-ann WIlson || //**Benefits:**// What are the good points? Why can this be successful? Why is this a good thing? || Children love using technology, therefore using mobiles to engage students would be a great idea. Individual tasks can be completed with ease, students with special needs can also contribute to classroom discussions and less time would be wasted moving to computer labs, or waiting for a turn on the iPad. The tracking of students could also be monitored through the use of mobile phones, increasing the safety of individuals. In moving with the times, carefully scaffolded and monitored use of mobile phones within the classroom can be successful.

Good points could be:
 * students can take work/homework home
 * It could be a way to incorporate the students interests and engage them in learning.
 * Incorporating technology is a big part of the future
 * access to so much information at their fingertips!
 * Opens up learning possibilities

This is a good idea to have mobile phones as it does keep the students up to date with the new technologies. students will be able to use the technology to keep in contact with friends teachers and family when in need of help in academics and out of school scene being if they are in trouble or being bullied they can reach out.

There are some obvious benefits for mobile phone use in the classroom, namely: instant communication for parents and educator via email after school hours, memory enhancer with photo application, voice recording application for children with ILP due to literacy struggles etc., and enhances learning design with aids the learning process. Mobile phone interest students as they are familiar and confident with the devise, this encourages their curiosity to learn new content as they know already know how to explore. Teachers and schools are able to tailor learning experiences which cater for all learners with the flexible devise. This increases the possibility of all learning experiences being effective.

Good Points include


 * Internet - quick access to information for researching topics and finding new information
 * Email – sending and receiving information or assessment tasks
 * Bluetooth – connecting to other technology in the classroom such as speakers or projector screens for presentation
 * Apps – educational games, creating blogs, collecting information in groups
 * Camera – Collecting evidence of practical work

Mobiles phones are small and compact but can be very beneficial to learning if used correctly. ‘Smart phones’ can do everything a computer can, but we wouldn’t expect a student to carry their desktop around to classes. I am studying to teach very practical and hand-on subjects, and have already included the use of mobile phones to take photos of finished products and upload them to blogs and portfolios to be then used later to complete assessment tasks. The size of a mobile phone is very convenient to students and it is one thing they never forget to bring to class

There are certainly some positives to using mobile phones into a classroom setting. These being: - Being able to work on school work/assignments via distance, whilst still having all students include their input. - If the students re going to be away, the classroom teacher scold then just email the work that the students have to do, or notes that the students need to go over right to their mobile phone and know that they will be able to look over it no matter where they are. - There are many education applications, games and study guides that the students can down load free of charge, without the schools or the parents having to pay any additional fees. - Mostly all students will have or will soon have a phone, as it is a "necessity" (i say that term loosely) of life, so for most people it would not have to be an additional resource that parents have to buy. || Kodie Hoppe
 * [[image:white.jpg width="153" height="133"]] || Samantha Gleeson

Leonie

Trenaman

Brydie Blackburn

Amy Maidment

Kirstin-Ann WIlson || //**Information**//: What information do I have? What are the facts? What information do I need? What do I want to KNOW? || Research suggests that there is no stopping the influx of digital technologies. Their presence in the classroom will only ever increase, and to ignore this simply because you weren't taught that way, or you don't own them would be ignorant and hindering 21st century students. While technology can be great, research show the damage it can do when not used appropriately. Too much time or being unsafe online can have obvious detrimental effects on students. More research will need to be completed on the use of mobile phones within the classroom, and I would be interested to see if a teacher have successfully implemented lessons incorporating mobiles within the classroom and the preparation that went into getting to the point where the lesson was worth while. Interesting!

Today it is very common for each classroom in a school to have access to a number of tablets/iPads and computers already. Technology is already a major part of learning, and has already opened up many doors for learning. Mobile phones are a large part of our business and personal lives, Do we want it to be a part of our education system as well? I would be interested to see a trial period implemented into a classroom, to examine student interaction, engagement and distraction.

There is lots of information out there about mobile phones and the safety of them. i would want to know do we really need mobile phones in the classroom when we already have computers and ipads accessible in most classrooms?

Research regarding the very real topic of IT in the classroom suggests educators may as well jump on board, as technology is not going away. It is however to important for educators to acknowledge it is not always necessary to incorporate technology into learning experiences; there are sometime better learning tools for the intended learning process. Nevertheless, should the educator choose IT, it is fundamental they use it appropriately, as if they don’t it may cause confusion, damaging the delivery of the content and in turn children’s understanding of new knowledge. Further research on the implementation of mobile phones in the classroom will need to be conducted to for me to tell the true pros and cons of the notion. It will be interesting to talk to mentor teachers and other teachers regarding the practicalities of the idea and if it is ‘worth the trouble’. Time will tell.

We all know that technology such as the Mobile Phone isn’t going anywhere, and is only going to become more and more advanced as they year’s progress. The fact is teachers need to stay up to date and know what is happening in the technology world otherwise their students will be the ones doing the ‘teaching’. If a school decides to introduce mobile phones into the classroom, teachers need to be supplied with information on how to successfully monitor and control usage.

At the rate that mobile phones are evolving these days, it is evident that they aren't going anywhere. In fact they are just getting stronger and more high tech as time goes on. However research shows that the use of too much technology can have a negative impact on a persons life. Such as sitting in side and not doing enough physical activity, becoming obsessed with certain aspects such as Facebook or being bullied. For a piece of technology such as a mobile phone, it is important for earning managers to throughly think about how and why they are using them in particular lesson and questioning how they are enhancing the students learning. I believe that if learning managers are abel to create a healthy balance of technology use within the classroom, it can enhance students learning. || https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgnmseT4zTg ||
 * || Amy Maidment ||  || References