Group+4

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"]] || Emily Humphrey

Shane Burgess

Trina Hartley

Rachael Mac Gregor

Janna Erinn Lynam Brooke McLeod

Morgan Foster

Kiara-Che Geddes || //**Judgement:**// What is wrong with this? Why will this not work? Is this safe? Can this be done? || Mobile phones can be very dangerous, especially if children are not taught about the effects they can have if used incorrectly. Students may use their phones to distract other students in the class or themselves, cheat in tests, message other students answers, bully or harass individuals, take photos of students and teachers without their knowledge or use social media/networking sites in class time. Using the internet and phones in the class can work if students and teachers are educated about the risks and usage is monitored.

As mentioned under the "red hat" there are certain dangers and risks associated with allowing students to use mobile phones during class. However under careful guidance and monitoring there are occasions where mobile phones could be used successfully within the classroom

Mobile phones are such a broad topic within the 21st century classroom, with many people being for and against them for multiple reasons. Mobile phones pose the risk of multiple dangers in this age due to the access of internet on all mobile phones. The internet can be quite dangerous when readily accessible and if children are not taught how to use their phone internet properly. Students may also distract others, or themselves with their phones via texting, games, and app use. Mobile phone use can work if the students are properly monitored, have set rules and expectations, and if they are taught properly about any risks.

The use of mobile phones in the classroom doesn’t always allow learning managers to constantly monitor communication. This could potentially cause issues such as being off task and cyber bullying, therefore causing more issues than other previous methods of learning. If students are using secure websites, activities are carefully monitored, and they understand the severe impacts of cyberbullying, it can be safe. Therefore this can be done, however a certain amount of trust will also need to be given to students.

Mobile phones are a distraction to students; checking and sending texts, using apps and the internet, taking photos and videos; therefore, the distraction to other students and the classroom in general would be manifold and would clearly have a negative impact on student performance in their learning outcomes. Although, the vast majority of students today have smart phones, this would be an issue in schools where students are from low-income or different backgrounds providing an inequality issue and schools would possibly be required to provide phones to students who aren't able to afford them, requiring extra funding and budgeting. Personally, I do not think it is a good idea learners having access to mobile phones within the classroom as they can easily become a distraction from other applications within the phone and the learning manager would struggle monitoring the activities the learner's progress throughout the lesson. They could work if there was specific restrictions in the phone from distracting applications though I do believe it will be of great struggle for the learning manager to maintain the class's attention when needed with having the use of mobiles in the classroom.

Mobile phones are not an essential tool in the classroom. There are so many other alternatives to mobile phones, such as iPads, iPods and interactive whiteboards. All of these offer the same benefits that a mobile phone does (access to the internet, educational games, recording abilities etc.) which offers the question: What is the purpose of having a mobile phone in the classroom? If it is to distract and disengage students, then they certainly will achieved this if introduced.

Allowing mobile phones in an educational setting, such as a classroom is not a great idea. Mobile phones are distracting at the best of times, let alone when students are trying to engage in learning. If mobile phones were introduced into classrooms, students would need to be closely monitored e.g. text messaging and internet access turned off as well as strict guidelines as to when they can be used. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/blue.jpg width="140" height="128"]] || Emily Humphrey

Shane Burgess

Trina Hartley

Rachael Mac Gregor

Janna Erinn Lynam Brooke McLeod

Morgan Foster

Kiara-Che Geddes || //**The Process:**// Where are we now? What is the next step ? Where have we been? What sort of thinking is needed? || Mobile phones and digital technologies are everywhere in the 21st century. The next step would be to talk to educators and schools about their preference, how they would go about implementing technology into the classrooms, what the pros and cons are, the policy documents required and discussions on online safety. The thinking required needs to be on connecting learners to the range of helpful information from around the world that can be accessed from the device in their hand (connectivism).

Currently through my experience I would believe that over 95% of students own mobile phones. Also the schools that I have visited during pracs the rule is that there are no phones allowed in the classroom. Is that a good rule? Can a better decision be made?

Mobile phones, along with other multiple electronic/digital technologies are found in everyday life, everywhere you look. The 21st century is commonly referred to as 'the digital age' for this particular reason as technology is such a prevalent thing within everyday life. The next step would to be spreading more information about these digital technologies so there is not misconceptions, this should be done between schools, teachers, parents and students. The thinking required needs to be that the more information there is out there, the less dangerous this technology becomes.

Currently students have access to classroom computers, personal laptops and iPads. There are few schools in comparison that use mobile phones. The next step is to ensure all learners have access to one of these at all times. In the past the use of these technologies was more restrictive and harder to access. Creative thinking and investigation is needed to find new ways to use these technologies to benefit learners’ understanding.

Students these days are what Prensky refers to as 'Digital Natives'. Meaning that the use of digital technology is inherent in their lives and they know not of a time before these advanced digital technologies. Students expect to see technology integrated in their learning and educators need to find appropriate ways to incorporate technology into their pedagogical frameworks. Research needs to be implemented to determine the best way we can use mobile phones in the classroom and whether these effects have a positive outcome on student learning. Technology, especially mobile phones, have become a major part of our every day life as most people struggle to go anywhere without taking their mobiles with them. The next step would be majority of schools having access to laptops, computers, ipads and interactive white boards within every classroom and ensuring the learners each have adequate knowledge of how to navigate this technology correctly and more importantly safely.

It is basically guaranteed that teaching in a modern classroom, your students will have been exposed to various forms of ICT. Students know the basics of how to operate technology, and of course ICT classes are a given. However, the next step for educating students on technology is safety. Unfortunately, the internet is not filled with people whose intentions are good, and to assume that is dangerous for your students. With the various forms of technology communication students use; online chatting, texting etc, the ways for unsafe people to connect with them is a wide range. Ensuring that students know how to go about using devices in a safe way is essential.

Nowadays children are exposed to a variety of technology devices, especially mobile phones. Over the past few years the curriculum has begun to cater for and include these uses of technology for 21st century learners. Mobile phones offer a variety of different applications and would be a huge asset to the learning environment if implemented in an appropriate way. Schools need to assess the risks and develop a medium in harnessing this technological advancement so it can be used as a positive educational tool. ||
 * [[image:green.jpg width="147" height="121"]] || Emily Humphrey

Shane Burgess

Trina Hartley

Rachael Mac Gregor

Janna Erinn Lynam Brooke McLeod

Morgan Foster

Kiara-Che Geddes || //**Creativity:**// What new ideas are possible with this? What is my suggestion for success? Can I create something ne || There are so many new ideas and possibilities that can come from using digital technologies/mobile phones. In math they could use the compass, google maps, calculator, the health app to track how many steps they have taken, the digital and analogue clocks, research equations and terminology- there is so much they can explore and do. In order to create success in the classroom educators need to monitor student learning and check for understanding so that the digital technology is aiding their learning and not hindering it.

Mobile phones could be used in the class room in a variety of ways. They could use various apps incoperating the latest technology or simple things like the calculator. They could make phone calls to industry professionals to learn from them.

With mobile phones, there are endless possibilities available within the classroom. Such as using a variety of apps to help them with research projects, if they are a EAL/D student they can use an app to help with language difficulties, those with hearing impairments can use talk-text apps. My suggestion for success is to ensure there are passwords on the phones, and limitations onto which programs the children can access. There is a range of programs to use on the phones, iPads, and computers to create new digital technologies while learning a range of things.

New ways to communicate, collect information and create are possible. To succeed, like with previous resources, they need to be chosen and tailored to students’ needs and interests. It is easy now for teachers to create new tasks and learning avenues with these technologies. Mobile phone usage in the classroom and for learning can be tailored to just about any subject in a variety of ways. There are a range of apps that students can load onto their smartphones like garden variety ones such as Google Maps, Webster's Dictionary or Itunes University. There are also apps available that have been created specifically for the classroom environment such as Numbler Math Game and Cliff's Notes Study Guides. Mobile phones can also be used creatively with their cameras and filming capabilities and used in role plays and such. Having the use of mobiles in the classroom could open up a rang of new ideas, with the use of a calculator, internet, videos, camera, etc. in just one hand size device. my suggestions for success is for the school to ensure there are restrictions within the phone to prevent the learners getting distracted and off task, only certain times for the mobile phones to be out and frequent monitoring of the use of the mobile phones from the learning manager. For this to be a success there needs to good communication between the learning manager and students of what is acceptable and what isn't.

The possibilities of technology are seemingly endless - students have a massive range of ICT tools to choose from to enhance their leaning. Death by powerpoint is common phrase used by teachers everywhere, and it is very true. Students may have the tools to create many different fomats of displaying their learning, but are restricted by what they have or haven't been taught. By showing and teaching students, you soon will be seeing weeblys, wiki pages, video presentations and so many other forms of presentations. Giving students the guidance and knowledge to attempt these presentations will open their eyes to new ways of learning.

Using mobile phones as an educational tool in a classroom is an exceptional idea which would allow students access to educational apps and information more easily than ever! With constant monitoring (firewalls for banned apps/internet sites/instant messaging/facebook) mobile phones could be a huge success in classrooms to aid students in their individual learning. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/red.jpg width="116" height="133"]] || Emily Humphrey

Shane Burgess

Trina Hartley

Rachael Mac Gregor

Janna Erinn Lynam Brooke McLeod

Morgan Foster

Kiara-Che Geddes || //**Feelings:**// How do I feel about this? What do I like about the idea? What don't I like about the idea? || I like the idea of incorporating phones into the classroom- we seem to be incorporating computers, iPads and a range of other technologies, so why not phones. I do believe that a certain amount of trust needs to be there in order for this to work successfully in the classroom. Educators need to trust that when students are set a task that requires them to use their phones that they will use them appropriately and stick to the task. This goes for the students as well- the teacher is trusting them to be responsible so they also need to have respect for the teacher by using the device for the task and not violate the privilege. Online safety and distractions are my biggest worry when incorporating technology into the classroom.

Mobile phones can be a tempting distraction for students and if not monitored appropriately it could cause issues with student engagement and learning. If students are allowed to use phone for school work it could be hard to know if students were doing school work or playing around.

I am not a fan of having mobile phones in particular in the classroom, however I do support the use of other digital technologies such as iPads and iPod's. While I agree that mobile phones can be positive to research and apps, they can also be a major distraction which is my main concern, as well as the concern of the safety of the students and the legal ramifications that can come with it.

I think that using phones in the classroom is a wonderful way to help students learn. I like that mobile phones allow learner to become independent with their learning, which will help them develop the skills they need for the future. I don’t like that mobile phone screens are small in comparison to iPads, which are currently being used in many schools. iPads make it easier to display what they have produced. I personally believe that Mobile Phones could possibly have a role to play in the attainment of successful student learning outcomes; however, I would like to see some definitive evidence that mobile phone usage would have an effect on student learning and I believe that the particular classroom would need to have a comprehensive pedagogical framework. That particular school would also need to devise an effective school policy on the use of mobile phones and they would also need to ensure that all students have access to the correct equipment. I personally don't believe it is the best idea incorporating mobile phones into school activites. I do agree that it could be of great assistance for classroom work though I do also think that it can become too much of an easy distraction.

I feel that intentions may be in the right place, but mobile phones are definitely not essential to any classroom. There are multiple resources that offer the same features that a mobile phone does, and so making the purpose of a phone in a classroom redundant.

Incorporating mobile phones into the classroom could be a step forward in this techno savvy world. However, I personally believe that iPads are viable in the exact same way. Through the use of iPads, students have access to internet and educational apps without the unnecessary use of instant text messaging/phone calls and they are much cheaper than a smartphone. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/yellow.jpg width="117" height="128"]] || Emily Humphrey

Shane Burgess

Trina Hartley

Rachael Mac Gregor

Janna Erinn Lynam Brooke McLeod

Morgan Foster

Kiara-Che Geddes || //**Benefits:**// What are the good points? Why can this be successful? Why is this a good thing? || Phones can be used in emergency situations, they have a variety of engaging and useful learning apps, can be used to document school engagements, can be used to document an excursion or photos of their work for an assignment/project, can create a class website where they can interact with each other safely and ask questions, have class quizzes where they select the answer on their phone (answers tracked and go straight to the teachers computer with the students name and results) and also just to access the internet- which they may not be able to do at home. It is a good thing to have in the classroom if they are used correctly.

There are some possible innovative ways of incorperating mobile phone use into the classroom. This this could engage students through the use of technologies they use at home.

Phones can be quite innovative within the classroom, and open many doors to other parts of the world. They are an engaging tool, as the students are used to this technology from a young age from their parents and other influences in their everyday lives. The students can use phones to access a range of information, use the technology to complete programs and learn new skills that they will continue to use in their everyday future lives.

These allow learners to connect globally, find information quickly and independently, also be creative in new ways. This can be successful through the use of differentiation that the technology provides. This means that learners can work to their pace and level. This is a good thing because it’s exactly what students need. Students in the 21st century are living in the global information society and are already living in an interconnected world so incorporating mobile phones into the classroom would be a seamless transition for most students and they would have the opportunity to be more engaged with their learning and will possibly more motivated to learn as a result. Having mobile phones in the classroom could assist greatly in different subjects such as maths, English, sose or science as they have a wide range of applications to assist with these subjects such as books, the internet, a calculator, graphing etc. with technology becoming part of our every day life it could also influence the student's engagement towards the lesson for the better.

The few exceptions that mobile phones could be necessary is when similar resources cannot be located or purchased, but even then they would have to be strictly monitored.With diligent behavior management, this could successful in a classroom, provided the students are not getting distracted or off topic. Using mobile phones as back up, although risky, is till beneficial as it allows students to use various formats to enhance their learning.

Through the use of mobile phones, students are able to quickly access information and educational applications. Most students would be familiar with the use of mobile phone which in turn allows students to be confident within their learning. Each student would have the benefit of their own individual smartphone, so students don’t have to take it in turns to use the ipad/laptop. ||
 * [[image:white.jpg width="153" height="133"]] || Emily Humphrey

Shane Burgess

Trina Hartley

Rachael Mac Gregor

Janna Erinn Lynam Brooke McLeod

Morgan Foster

Kiara-Che Geddes || //**Information**//: What information do I have? What are the facts? What information do I need? What do I want to KNOW? || I have looked around the web and found that personal safety/bullying is still a major concern when the topic is discussed. The facts are that we are living in a digital world where technology is easily accessed and used daily a variety of reasons- but should they be used in school learning? I would like to discuss with a teacher, who does implement phones into their classroom activities, and find out: does it work, are there any negatives, how do they monitor learning, how do they monitor online safety, would they suggest other teachers to implement the use of phones?

I don't have a large amount of info or facts. I only know what I have seen and experienced. To learn more I could speak with practising teacher about their thoughts, ideas and opinions. Also to research for other published works on the issue and make a more comprehensively determined opinion.

From searching the internet, I have found that more and more classrooms are incorporating digital technologies in the classroom. However, mobile phones are not quite there yet whereas iPad's and iPods are more prevalent in the rooms. Bullying is a major concern with the use of mobile phones and IM'ing capabilities. It would be interesting to have a discussion with a figure of authority within a school whether this be a senior teacher, or principle as to whether they agree with this digital age.

I understand how to use a large range of the technologies and what it can be used for. However, I need to keep finding out about new technologies and apps as they are constantly being produced. I want to know what is next and how it is going to benefit my future classroom. I know that the current student body in Australia have been born into a technologically advanced and connected digital world, what Prensky has termed 'Digital Natives'. I know that the internet is now available anywhere including student mobile phones. Statistics from ACMA state that 89 per cent of teenagers have a mobile phone and that 56 per cent use that mobile to use the internet. This suggests a divergence between use of mobile phones outside of the classroom and their use within the classroom. I would like to know how mobile phones can be used as an effective classroom tool and whether it affects my students academic performance positively.

I don't have a great amount of information towards this topic, though from my personal experience of being a student with having my mobile phone on me in the classroom and as a student teacher it is very evident to me how much of a distraction mobile phones can be to a person of any age. I would like to learn more about how to ensure of safety when using phones within the classroom, from threats such as bullying as well as how much a school can restrict other distractions from the students such as facebook.

From being in classrooms as both a teacher and an educator, I know that the smallest distraction can veer a student off task. As far as statistics and facts go, I am lacking in that area, however, I would love to know more about the correlation between phones in the classroom and how that ties in with cyberbullying, distraction levels and general safety of students. To make an informed decision, I would also like to know about the success rates of having a phone in the classroom.

Online safety is a major issue when it comes to allowing phones into classrooms. Having the internet/instant messaging so easily accessible could lead to the inability in monitoring students’ activity resulting in cyber bullying. Many believe that having mobile phones in the classroom will be more of a distraction, than an educational tool. I would like to know how mobile phones can be integrated positively and what sort of measures will be included to ensure students are closely monitored in their usage. ||