Group+23

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?


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

Allyce Stegman

James Jennings

Alycia Miller

Rachael Clancy

Stephanie Hauser (s0233940)

Erika Small

Megan Courtney (s0197388) || //**Judgement:**// What is wrong with this? Why will this not work? Is this safe? Can this be done? || As an adult ESL teacher, I will speak from the perspective of a VET teacher. I was happy to have mobile phones in my classroom as a part of enriching our class. However the potential for distraction is always there, this is where clear guidelines for classroom climate and expectations should be clear. A trusting relationship between student and teacher needs to be established. Even more negative than this, however, is the question of equitability within the classroom and the availability of this technology to everyone.

With average attention spam slowly decreasing due to over stimulation, an added distraction like mobile phones will only make it harder for an educator. As an adult learner I have seen the frustration from many lecturers as they struggle to maintain students attention (they are scrolling and sharing non-related information on social networks instead). Although personal devices such as phones shouldn't be encourage within the classroom (due to noise distractions) they can be used as a way to enhance and engage learners outside the classroom (e.g. group assessments/sharing resources). Safety should be heavily considered with young learners (considerations about appropriate content/access, bullying etc) but, for adult learners safety should be the responsibility of the individual.

I believe that mobile phones present minimal benefit in the classroom if not used efficiently. They pose too much of a distraction to the learner. With the growing interest in social media in this day and age, there is far too much to pull a learner away from his or her tasks. Though with structure and objective, there is every chance a mobile phone can be used to an educator and learners advantage.

It is evident that in today’s society technology is a resource that is forever changing, developing and growing. Fundaments such as computers and iPads are incorporated into our student’s learning environments with the goal of giving students the chance to connect to a learning focus in hope of achieving a new skill or gaining understanding and knowledge. Implementation of mobile phones with in a learning environment has the strength to create distance between students, educators, learning environments, peers and the school community. In my opinion mobile phones are a source of extra stimuli that encourages aspects of distraction and is a tool that can open portals into cyber bullying resulting in students not feeling excepted and learning managers struggling to create an environment that mirrors acceptance and equaliSafety issues

Safety issues, such as cyber bullying can result in student alienation, depression and disengagement.The effects of too much exposure to tech devices on a childs brain is still being determined and needs to be considered. Children can become overstimulated and distracted. A mobile device would be distracting to many students, with the temptation to play a quick gamed of Minecraft or check Instagram at their fingertips. These issues would need to be address and clear expectations and scaffolding should be established before the implementation of phones within a classroom to ensure a safe and and productive environment for all students.

Mobile phones in a classroom setting are unnecessary, a safety concern and a major distraction for students and teachers. Students would be able to access restricted sites due to a phone’s ability to connect to the internet via “mobile data roaming”. The impact of this being that students could access sexually explicate content as well as sites that make link them to predators which makes mobile phones a potential and major safety issue. Teachers must also be restricted from using mobile phones whilst on duty; if a child were to be injured whilst the teacher was looking at their phone, the teacher might be made liable for neglect. Finally and most likely, students might be caught up playing computer games or texting friends whilst they are meant to be working.

Mobile phones can be a large distractions for the student and everyone around them. If mobile phones were allowed in an educational setting, strict guidelines and expectations would have to be set out in order to maintain a safe learning environment. There are many risks when allowing personal technology as it is a one-to-one device and hard to monitor. The risks would be texting, using the internet inappropriately and playing games.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for students being subject to the technologies used in their everyday lives, within the classroom environment. However when I say this I am more referring to technologies such as computers, internet, iPods and iPads. Mobile phone usage would open the door to text message communication between students, this cannot be monitored by teachers which is dangerous when it comes to bullying etc. Also, 99% of phones manufactured today have cameras built into them - IS THIS SAFE??? Can we as teachers monitor what students are taking photos or videos of, and if they share them amongst others?? WHAT EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE DOES A MOBILE PHONE HAVE? Students can access internet and apps via school iPods and iPads that can be monitored through the schools' internet connection. Having their own personal mobile devices would go beyond any security measures that the school has on their internet server as students would use their own data connections. The reality is that as teachers we would have no clue what students were accessing or doing on their mobile phones. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/blue.jpg width="140" height="128"]] || Vanessa King

Allyce Stegman S0242279

James Jennings

Alycia Miller

Rachael Clancy

Stephanie Hauser (s0233940)

Erika Small

Megan Courtney (s0197388) || //**The Process:**// Where are we now? What is the next step? Where have we been? What sort of thinking is needed? || I found the dictionary apps most helpful with audible pronunciation and using images and Wikipedia to define a concept time saving and crystal clear. This information was gladly shared with the rest of the class. The DOS of that ESL school at the time thought that mobile phones in the class looked bad for marketing and wondered why the students couldn’t use a dictionary like he did (25 years ago). The student requests and feedback for better WIFI facilities within the classroom spoke volumes about the direction the classrooms should go in.

We are living in the era that everything can be done on our phones. It can replace a watch, calculator, TV, calendar, computer, radio, CD player, camera, GPS, scanner, the list goes on and on. There is literally an app for just about anything you can think of! Whether we like it or not technology is the present and ever evolving future. Phones could be the next indispensable tool for education if careful considerations were given to equality (Has everyone got access to phones? Are they equipped for the task?) and prevention planning of personal distractions or use (e.g. switch to aeroplane mode to eliminate phone calls/text).

With structure and objective we can make mobile phone use beneficial in the classroom. We currently have the world at our finger tips. If we don’t know something – we Google it! I think with the correct resources through apps that engage students rather than give away answers, we can move forward with more effective learning. In the past we had to learn the correct method of looking something up. Let’s challenge learners with the same methods, though on a technological level.

Mobile phones have the ability to connect an individual to all aspects of the world around them. With just a slight touch to the device, an individual can identify the latest news, transfer money between accounts, and contact another person on the other side of the world. There are so many apps that are available and this can truly place an emphasis on learning in a kinaesthetic way. With the implementation of well thought out lesson plans, the use of mobile phones can allow students to reach learning outcomes in a way that mirrors society.

Through conversations with my peers and other teachers the generally consensus appears to be that of fear of safety issues and regulating the use/focus of phones in the classroom. There is no doubt that the Apps could provide multiple opportunities for student engagement, interesting and authentic lessons as well as catering to a variety of learning styles within the classroom. Previously teaching has been based on behaviourism theory type of learning, thankfully we now know that knowledge is best learned through a variety of ways including collaboration, and the use of meaningful, engaging and relevant pedagogy. To this end, ICT use (Mobile apps)could be a useful tool in providing such ways of learning and has the potential to help all students in achieving positive learning outcomes. Collaboration between teachers on how to achieve the most effective outcomes is essential.

Mobile phones are prevalent in today’s society; this

is an undeniable fact and teachers must be aware that in the future mobile

phones may become part of pedagogy. Teachers must also be aware that students

may already have access to a mobile phone or even bring one to school with the

permission of parents. Assessment of a situation may be needed if students are

using their mobile phone inappropriately.

So many things can be done on smart phone now days, to the point that phones in the classroom can become a great technological resource. They can replace many concrete resources such as dictionaries, thesaurus, calendars, calculators etc. To forward this technology I believe mobile phones should be allowed so students can use these resources that are available right in their pockets.

Yes, technology use is increasing day by day and new gadgets and programs and ways of utilising these technologies are being developed, but which of these are educational and which don't serve the purpose? Of course we cannot expect to 'chalk and talk' and have students listen to us, we need to incorporate exciting technologies and devices that serve an educational purpose to achieve active engagement in the classroom. Though when I think about having mobile phones in the classroom, all I can imagine is text messaging, picture/video taking and social networking. Do we want to TEACH our students or supervise leisurely activities that should be left for outside school hours? The thinking needed is simple - yes technology is GREAT, it is ESSENTIAL within any successful 21st century classroom and yes we want students to ENJOY the learning process.. but where do we draw the line? Are we letting the thought of engaging students scare us educators into allowing them beyond boundaries that are so desperately ESSENTIAL?! ||
 * [[image:green.jpg width="147" height="121"]] || Vanessa King

Allyce Stegman S0242279

James Jennings

Alycia Miller

Rachael Clancy

Stephanie Hauser (s0233940)

Erika Small

Megan Courtney (s0197388) || //**Creativity:**// What new ideas are possible with this? What is my suggestion for success? Can I create something new? || The recording and playback function is very useful for pronunciation tasks in class. Also the ability to film role plays and watch them back (this used to be a lot of equipment for me). Our weekly presentations could be done on a wikispace, flickr, or any number of apps and easily presented with a mini projector (again the laptop, large projector, USB’s were time consuming. It never ceases to amaze me the ICT knowledge and ideas the students have to collaborate together to make the class engaging and interesting.

I created a Padlet for my year seven prac class and used it as a means to gather and share information all about Egypt. The site allowed students to access the information outside of class-time and interact with their peers. It also allowed me to monitor the students involvement and gather formative assessment information.

Put something new and up to date in a student’s hand, prompt them with a challenge and I believe the results speak for themselves. Through an app store there are so many new ways of new learning. For example a calculator that you can scribble sums into using your finger. Learners will engage with such activities because it’s new and it’s different. We definitely can’t look passed the use of video and recording either. I believe you would see some interesting and very clever ideas flow if you asked students to present information through song, via a recorded video – straight from their mobile phone!

With the influence of each student having access to a mobile phone, learning becomes something that can be shared, not only with their classroom peers but with the community. For example, students could have the ability to expose their parents, grandparents and neighbours to their classroom wiki in which visual recordings of their science experiments could be presented. The students could have access to learning how to compose and send emails in a practical way. Personal blogs give students the opportunity to create reflections such as ‘On the holidays’ and ‘Sports Day’ – these sources of a student’s progression could be shared through social media via the use of school approved programs.

Difference in the classroom should be embraced as we know. Moblie phone apps can support all learning styles and enhance student-centred learning. For example students could choose their preferred medium for presenting their understanding and knowledge of a topic this may include a Weebly page, collaborative wiki, Voki, iMovie the options are endless. Creativity and engagement would most certainly be enhanced and possibly lead to a deeper understanding of the topic.

Mobile phones are essentially miniature computers now. If the school could work out a way to ensure students cannot access restricted websites, games or use phones to make texts when inappropriate mobile phones might be rather useful in the classroom. Unconfident students might feel more comfortable texting responses, and the teachers would have a record of student responses for assessment purposes.

Smart phones can essentially replace computers as they can do most of the things computers can. Schools could alter their curriculum delivery to cater for these devices. Such as letting studdents use apps for their assignments or to present information such as Splice, Voki, Bubble.us, Worlde etc. This could promote every student's creativity.

After reading through other people's responses I do find valid points and good reasoning behind allowing mobile phones into the classroom... With a set of rules that must be followed (or else privilege revoked) I am sure that yes, mobile phones could be a valuable resource for students. For successful integration the main priority would be student safety which would come down to that important set of rules. Perhaps ensuring that students are working using the schools internet so that the security is still in place for them would be a great start. Students would be able to engage with learning in a range of different ways including:

- videos (e.g. oral presentation) - voice recordings (e.g. in place of taking notes) - photographs (e.g. evidence for science experiment) - using educational applications - wikis, blogs, weeblys - all have mobile versions of their website or an app ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/red.jpg]] || Vanessa King

Allyce Stegman S0242279

James Jennings

Alycia Miller

Rachael Clancy

Stephanie Hauser (s0233940)

Erika Small

Megan Courtney (s0197388) || //**Feelings:**// How do I feel about this? What do I like about the idea? What don't I like about the idea? || I am excited to have these ever evolving ICT prospects within my classroom. They keep me very much as engaged as my students are.

I love the idea of expanding my options for ICT resources for when I am on Prac in schools. Using a variety of platforms helps not only my students to stay engaged but, makes my job of presenting information so much more fun. I have access to music, videos, interactive simulations, pictures all at the click of a button. My only concern with phones is that they might not be used for the task that it is intended for.

I like the idea of how mobile phones CAN be used. However, restrictions and effective monitoring will need to be put in place, posing setback to the ideal objectives of this learning experience.

I believe that mobile phones have the strength to expose students to typical learning experiences in a fun and exciting way. I also think that it is crucial for students to have an understanding of how to use technology as it places such a strong significance on society today. However, I believe that without exceptional management of the device, the learning goal could take a back seat for students as they discover the power of the device.

As engagement and participation is essential to learning, there is no doubt that certain apps on Mobile phones would encourage both these aspects. I'm excited by the prospect of creating more opportunities to allow all students to be creative and autonomous in their learning. I am overwhelmed however by the choice of Apps that are available and am concerned about how to limit student access to those that are the most effective in scaffolding a knowledge and understanding of the focus topic.

I feel like mobile phones in the classroom are not a

good idea; reflecting back to my high school years… having access to a mobile

phone within the classroom deterred my academic learning. I often wish I had

done better in school and that is a feeling I do not wish my students to feel

whilst I have some control over the situation.

With the right implementation of these devices, mobile phones in the classroom could become a great learning and teaching tool. Although there are many negatives such as texting and using the internet inappropriately, the positives out weigh these.

I feel very strongly that mobile phones within classrooms are NOT a good idea. Would a mobile phone be supplied to those students who do not own one because of personal/parental beliefs or rules? Is this unfair? Assuming that EVERY student would have a mobile phone, I believe that mobile phones would be just another distraction (texting, calling, Facebook, Instagram etc.) and would hinder students' learning overall. There are a variety of other methods of technological engagement that have already been imbedded into pedagogy in majority of Australian classrooms (personal laptops, iPads, iPods) and this number is growing to meet the demand. These devices offer all of the positives that a mobile phone does, eliminating the unnecessary distractions. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/yellow.jpg width="117" height="128"]] || Vanessa King

Allyce Stegman S0242279

James Jennings

Alycia Miller

Rachael Clancy

Stephanie Hauser (s0233940)

Erika Small

Megan Courtney (s0197388) || //**Benefits:**// What are the good points? Why can this be successful? Why is this a good thing? || One of the habits of mind an ESL teacher will try to instil in an ESL student is that they need to use their English outside the classroom. With mobile phones being a daily part of life, the tools that they offer (e.g. easily accessible dictionary, camera) will help enhance their learning experience outside the classroom and also allow them to bring it back into the classroom!


 * Quick access to information (inside and outside the classroom)
 * Engaging for students
 * Endless supply of useful apps
 * Encourages ICT skills
 * Share knowledge world-wide

This is a different way of learning with the world and creativity at our students’ finger tips. New is interesting, therefore engaging. Once we have a students focus through new learning, their retention of knowledge will be far greater.

It allows students to access information with a simple touch of the finger. They will not only engage with the curriculum but it will be an exciting experience. They will be exposed to so much more then what a text book can offer. They will learn how to use the device correctly. There are so many apps that could cater for learning and could be individually differentiated with the implementation of the mobile phone. It is a resource that could cater for diversity and knowledge could be shared.

student engagement= more knowledge learned. up-to date informed resources can be accessed quickly collaboration of a variety of perspectives often leads to more knowledge attained. Caters for learners and their uniqueness. Can enhance creativity and autonomy ICT skills essential for 21st century workplace

Whilst most of my views on the use of mobile phones in the classroom are negative, there are numerous positives. Students would have access to their own miniature computers that could quickly access information. There are also a number of apps which have major benefits for educational purposes.


 * World of information in their pockets
 * Engaging for all students
 * Useful in everyday life
 * APPs
 * access to the internet
 * online collaboration

The positive points, while in my opinion, are outweighed by the negative include:

- Individual access to a personal device - Readily available internet access for Googling etc. - App access both at school and at home - E-mail access for networking with peers - Obviously engaging for students - novelty to be allowed to use a mobile phone in the classroom ||
 * [[image:white.jpg width="153" height="133"]] || Vanessa King

Allyce Stegman S0242279

James Jennings

Alycia Miller

Rachael Clancy

Stephanie Hauser (s0233940)

Erika Small

Megan Courtney (s0197388) || //**Information**//: What information do I have? What are the facts? What information do I need? What do I want to KNOW? || Mobile phones are not going away. They are relevant to Adult Education. I could make a lot of money if I create a really good ESL app for the classroom (:

Australia has become a digital nation with mobile phones used by 97% of Australians and the internet used weekly by 90% of us (Enhanced Media Metrics Australia). The facts speak for themselves, mobile phones are here to stay. With the app store adding thousands of new programs that can be used in education, why not take advantage and use them. I would love to look into how to make the personal mobile phone secure and monitored network similar to the school computers.

In my experience I have come across students as young as 7 whom have a mobile phone, and take it to school. These devices are well entrenched in our lifestyles. We must use them effectively to help us learn. They can’t be a distraction if they are already a tool.

A mobile phone is something that has become so vital with in society. Children are aware of what they are and possibly already have a strong connection to the device. If the mobile phones were introduced into the learning environment then some measures would need to be implemented in order to secure that the device is being used for direct learning experiences.

After being exposed to a variety of perspectives my initial opinion, " Mobile phones would be a distraction" has altered. As i'm now more knowledgeable on the positive aspects of using apps in the classroom I can see that ICT learning is fundamental to learning in the 21st century and children will need skills in these areas for future lifelong learning. Importantly, the use of tech in the classroom will enhance engagement and thus often learning. Ways of ensuring a safe environment for all students when using such devices is something I would need to investigate, before implementing them into my teaching.

67% of cell owners find themselves checking their

phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice their phone

ringing or vibrating (PEW Research Center). This fact is detrimental to a

classroom environment, if students are checking their phones constantly they

cannot learn effectively. Mobile phones do have both positives and negative,

the negatives mostly stemming from a student being able to access inappropriate

content, I want to know: can all inappropriate content be blocked to ensure

mobile phone can only be used for positively?

Mobile phones are relevant to every member of society. Schools need to embrace the new means of communication and sourcing information. Schools need to create an effective and fair policy and expectations regarding mobile phone using in an educational setting to change with the times.

Mobile phones are such an integral part of today's society. You can guarantee that there is a larger percentage of the population that carry one on a daily basis, than those who don't. If mobile phone are to enter Australian classrooms there needs to be A LOT of research and preparation into how to effectively integrate them into the learning that is taking place. Yes they may seem to be a very engaging and useful, but how SAFE are they? How do teachers know what students are doing or looking at on their mobile phones? I think it's all well and good to say "yep, perfect idea, great resource, bring 'em in!"... But the precautions that need to be taken, the rules that need to be set in stone, and the way in which they are used in classrooms are crucial elements to be considered first. ||