Group+3

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"]] || Sarah Kelly

Jo Barker Emma Roles Bonnie Johnson

Alexandra Murphy

Rob Bauer

Jessie George || //**Judgement:**// What is wrong with this? Why will this not work? Is this safe? Can this be done? || Mobile phones in the classroom must be closely monitored to ensure the correct activities are being completed. By allowing phones into classrooms the possibility of bullying and theft may increase. Each child will be expected to have a mobile device and mobile bills could be high for parents if students aren’t connected to WiFi. Also student-teacher relationship boundaries may become blurred without clear guidelines in place.

=
Allowing students to freely use their mobile phones during class time is not a favorable idea. Mobile phones can be extremely distracting which in turn impacts on engagement in classroom tasks and learning outcomes. Student’s safety may also be jeopardized. The teacher cannot monitor what students are doing on their phones. Content and conversations may be highly inappropriate and can go unknown. This can have a devastating effect on a child’s life. =====

Mobile phone in an educational setting, especially a classroom is not ideal. Today's learners are easily distracted, and having a mobile phone in class is a another stimulate to distract these learners from collaborating face to face, staying on task and most importantly hinders there learning potential. Other implications that can come from mobile phone use in the classroom, include increase in bullying and harassment, theft, cheating, as well as safety issues can arise. However with careful consideration and guidelines, these issues and implications can be limited, and in turn be used purposefully in the classroom.

Some students are more easily distracted than others. When you introduce mobile phones into the classroom the numbers would rise and the teacher would have to try and monitor what each student was searching, which in my opinion is impossible. This in turn would create engagement problems within the classroom, it would put more pressure on the teacher, and it could limit the amount of time a teacher spends trying to teach important content. The danger of cyberbullying and internet safety is also a problem when you have 23 students in your class and only one teacher trying to monitor their movements.

Through the use of mobile phones in the classroom a whole new range of disturbances can occur including lack of focus with students being on their phones texting or listening to music while learning is occurring, the phone not being on silent and noises interrupting lessons or the possibility of students communicating with each other to meet up at points on the school campus to get out of classes. As well as these, cyber bullying can also become a major problem in the classroom which can and will have detrimental emotional affects on students, classroom structure and behaviour management. Students need to feel they are safe in their learning environment as well as actually learning in the learning environment and not being distracted every two seconds.

I think the main things wrong with phones in the classroom are the distraction they have on students, the risk of cyber-bullying and the uncontrollable nature of roughly 25 mobile phones. It is very difficult to control each device while also trying to teach for the whole day so having strict rules governing the use of phones within the classroom is the way to go.

Mobile phones in the classroom would be very distracting for students. The teacher would have to very closely monitor something like this, as it would be easy for students to be on Facebook or playing games on their phones during a lesson. This could also add to the issue of bullying, with students more easily being able to say something nasty to someone with the push of a button. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/blue.jpg width="140" height="128"]] || Sarah Kelly

Jo Barker

Emma Roles Bonnie Johnson

Alexandra Murphy

Rob Bauer

Jessie George || //**The Process:**// Where are we now? What is the next step ? Where have we been? What sort of thinking is needed? || The majority of teenagers have mobile phones these days and spend more time using technological devices than not. Schools have begun to integrate technological devices in classrooms gradually over the last 5-10 years. Only during the last 5 years have we seen independent student’s devices. This is paving the way for more devices to be used.

=
Mobile phone use is prevalent in schools today. Obviously there has been immense advancements in technology over the past decade. Mobile phones now offer consumers many diverse applications to increase communication and provide regular entertainment. The educational system must be aware of these changes and take action on the best possible solution to mobile phone use in schools. ======

Children and teenagers in today's society basically live on their phones and are constantly connected to some form of technology. Having continually adapting our curriculum over the past decade to suit current learners, the next step is the incorporation of technology that goes above the current level. The use of mobile phones however in classrooms needs to be enforced with deep consideration to a number of factors to ideally be used as a tool for learning rather than a hinder.

In todays society majority of the population have phones. Most people always have their phones either on them at all times or at an arms length away. Mobile phones are evident in schools today but they are being used for personal use instead of educational. Mobile phones can be an endless supply of new knowledge if used correctly. Schools will need to put in place educational classes to teach student about safety on the their phones, an idea similar to sex education. educating students of the things they need to be aware of.

Being on placement in primary schools I can 100% state that high schoolers are not the only students who have mobile phones. Once that school bell hits 3:00pm and students come out of their classes, many are reaching into their school bags and pulling out their phones and texting other students. These students are around 10 years old (Grade 5) and normally have the latest smartphone and not just a hand-me-down from mum or dad. It is important that if mobile phones were to be introduced into the classroom that they are regulated and only used for learning purposes between school hours and then after for that personal purposes. It is funny to think however at how dependent we have become on mobile phones for everyday life and the fact that we are discussing their introduction to the classroom where 20 years ago, mobile phones were only served as a purpose for communicating with other people and not to entertain us or serve as a purpose for learning.

Mobile phones are so easily accessible and affordable nowadays that the vast majority of school students own one. Depending on which model is purchased students can access a wide variety of content that they wouldn’t normally be able to. Schools need to be aware of what students are doing on their phones, what the phones are capable of doing and accessing, and somehow harness this technological advancement for educational gains.

These days most kids have a mobile phone. With the

digital age well upon us, kids are asking for mobile phones

and iPads for presents instead of toys. With this

knowledge, the education system has had to shift and

incorporate the use of technology into the classroom. ||
 * [[image:green.jpg width="147" height="121"]] || Sarah Kelly

Jo Barker

Emma Roles Bonnie Johnson

Alexandra Murphy

Rob Bauer

Jessie George || //**Creativity:**// What new ideas are possible with this? What is my suggestion for success? Can I create something new? || Possibilities are endless with new devices and applications being created constantly and world-wide. Students are provided with a new way to look at information and more whole-class learning can be accomplished through group chats that can be updated in and outside of school. Teaching styles can be changed and adapted to suit all learners and learners can learn through a variety of different strategies and techniques. Mobile phones offer ease of use as they are a small hand-held device that carry applications to aid education.

=
If mobile phone use could be controlled in a way that permitted students to access educational programs rather than irrelevant and distracting applications (Facebook), then the idea of integrating this popular device may not be frowned upon. To enable this, barriers to other applications must be put into place. Students could then search, explore and learn relevant information on their own device! How convenient! ======

The use of mobile phones in the classroom can open the door to numerous avenues. It is relatable to all students and diverse learning types are targeted and stimulated. We have seen an increase in the use of iPads, laptops and other technology devices, hence the use of mobiles can target greater success at an easy reach. Mobile phones are used around the clock, so using the device as an avenue to learning can be another step forward to going that extra mile for learning, however when it is used appropriately.

Through using mobile phones within the classroom searching for information and exploring is at the touch of a finger. This would be very useful and less time consuming as students don't have to walk to the computer lab. In saying that, the government would have to put restrictions in place so that students cant log onto or look at webpages they shouldn't be looking at. This would be similar to the restrictions on the computers in schools now.

Providing that mobile phone usage in the classroom is monitored and regulated, the possibilities are astounding and mobile phones could be used in the classroom quite successfully. Students can access thousands of apps to aid in their learning, creativity or to act as a stress reliever. They are able to research new information through video or on the Internet in a matter of seconds and then send this information via email, text or phone call to other students. As a learning manager in a class of students with mobile phones, it would be essential to set up a form of communication that all students could use to contact the teacher and vice – versa for instance a forum where students could ask questions to the teacher if necessary and perhaps other students could aid in this questioning as they may have the answer to what is being asked. The teacher could also use the forum to remind students about home work, events or use it as a platform to provide feedback to students.

Obviously with the technology advancing at an astonishing rate and new software and hardware features being developed daily, the possibilities are basically endless. I would suggest that the Australian government dedicate time, money and personnel to developing highly educational and engaging apps that can be downloaded for free onto students’ smartphone. These apps can then be used in class on a class set of tablets or students’ personal mobile device.

To successfully incorporate the use of mobile phones there would need to be some sort of monitoring device installed on the phone. However, this would be very difficult as it would be hard to make this sort of thing mandatory on a personal mobile phone. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/red.jpg width="116" height="133"]] || Sarah Kelly

Jo Barker

Emma Roles Bonnie Johnson

Alexandra Murphy

Rob Bauer

Jessie George || //**Feelings:**// How do I feel about this? What do I like about the idea? What don't I like about the idea? || I personally believe that students should have mobile phones in this day and age due to safety concerns and mobile phones can be a great way to teach young students responsibility. The use of mobile phones in schools is concerning though, due to the fact that they are unable to be monitored sufficiently, especially if personal devices and can lead to inattentiveness and bullying issues inside the classroom and in the playground. Exceptions could be made for older students as they gain more responsibility in their education and within their school. Personally, my high school had a strict no phones policy but I have used my personal phone to aid in the completion of Year 11 and 12 assignments. Many schools now provide students with an iPad/Laptop, making mobile phones unpractical to complete school work. Issues may also arise for students with older model phones or students who do not have a mobile phone.

=
I oppose the notion of mobile phone usage in schools. I can understand the importance of educating students on concerning issues that are frequent within today’s society (cyber bullying, pedophilia). This can and still should be done, however I don’t feel as though this information is required merely on the basis of being allowed to bring hand-held devices to classrooms. If the mobile is used for educational purposes, then that is OK- yet is this possible? With social media at an all time high, this leads me to believe it is unlikely. =====

Personally, incorporating the use of mobile phones ideally can be a step forward in teaching and stimulating all learners. However in reality when weighing it up, the use of mobile devices has more negatives than positives. Students have access to numerous other technology devices such as laptops and iPads, which are more practical when put against mobile phones.

Personally I believe that by having mobile phones in classrooms as a learning tool it would make learning more efficient and engaging. However, teachers, schools and the government have to explore different ways of safely implementing this idea into schools and classrooms.

I feel that the inclusion of mobile phones in the classroom could work positively but also negatively. They could work positively through being used as another tool for accessing information, communicating with other students and the teacher and being safe whilst in the school environment, but without monitoring and regulation, they could work negatively in the classroom with cyber bullying becoming an issue, students getting distracted through playing games or texting other students and not using them for their intended use in the classroom. I like the fact that mobile phones can be used as information and communication sources but I do not like the fact that through mobile phones not being closely monitored or regulated in the classroom, some students may lack focus or not learn to their full potential. Instead of mobile phones, perhaps the students could use an iPad or Laptop as these devices can be regulated and monitored better than a mobile phone i.e students wouldn’t be able to hide an iPad under their desk to text where they could do it with a mobile phone and software can be added to an iPad or Laptop to ensure students aren’t looking at topics that are inappropriate or distracting. Through the use of an iPad or Laptop, there is then no longer the concern for cyber bullying as applications such as Facebook or iMessage would be blocked on the school servers and students are able to only access information and apps that are deemed safe and credible on the school server.

Being a digital native and having a smartphone I feel very good about using phones to their full potential, including as an education resource. However I am fully aware of the difficulty involved in trying to successfully integrate mobile phones into classrooms. Finding some middle ground will probably be the key here. But students need to be considered in the equation as well, after all they own the phones that we’re all talking about.

I feel greatly opposed to the idea of having mobile phones

in the classroom. I feel that they are too much of

distraction. They could definitely be beneficial with many

many apps that are dedicated to things like spelling and

maths, however there is too much overwhelming evidenceof cyber bullying to make this a reality. ||
 * [[image:debonoshats/yellow.jpg width="117" height="128"]] || Sarah Kelly

Jo Barker

Emma Roles Bonnie Johnson

Alexandra Murphy

Rob Bauer

Jessie George || //**Benefits:**// What are the good points? Why can this be successful? Why is this a good thing? || Students are able to access quick information at a click of a button and use an array of applications to assist in their learning. Many features of their phones such as Facetime, GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth allow students to access new, fun and innovative ways to learning. Information is more easily shared with peers and classmates. Students will grow up with technology at their fingertips and constant use of technology will better prepare them for the future. Phones are more transportable than iPads and laptops due to their weight and size. Great for school excursions for safety reasons.

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Majority of students are familiar with a mobile phone device. With this familiarity, comes confidence and eagerness to use and discover what else this little machine has to offer. Students can carry their phones and they don’t have to wait their turn to use them. Therefore, precious teaching time is not wasted on walking to the computer lab! =====

The use of mobile phones in the classroom has various educational benefits. Students can use phones for educational purposes like research, projects, calculators, and even putting in important dates when a homework assignment or a project is due. When used correctly, it is a significantly useful communication tool, that can assist learners with activities and online collaboration tasks. In general the use of phones can prepare students for the future and adult life and jobs. Most jobs these day use mobile phones as one of their main tools for work. So forth the use of incorporating mobile phone use into the classrooms early, allows students to have greater skills for the future.

Nearly every student would have a mobile phone or would have been in contact with one with their life time. Student would be familiar with how to use and engage with a mobile phone which creates confidence and willingness to learn. If every student had a mobile phone it would be less time consuming, no one would have to wait their turn, students wouldn't have to share and they could carry them around. Students could also use this tool as a way to stay in contact with their teacher after school hours, it could also eliminate paper homework sheets as students could email their homework to their teacher.

The good points of students having mobile phones in class is that they have the world at their fingertips and are able to access new information, ways of learning and communication in a matter of seconds. This allows students then with this rapid ease of information and learning to hopefully complete tasks at a faster rate as well as share information and learning with other students in the class through a wide range of communicative platforms. Learning through a mobile phone can be successful as long as students use their devices smartly and for the purpose of information tools whilst in the classroom.

Just about any human under the age of 20 can operate almost any form of modern communication device regardless of their previous experience with it. As digital natives, generation Z and partly generation Y are very confident with new technology and as such, can use it to its full potential. This has the potential to create wonderful learning opportunities within the classroom. Students would probably also prefer to use their own devices as they would work more efficiently on it compared to a class set of something they are maybe less familiar with.

The good points of using a mobile phone in the classroom is that there are many useful educational apps that can be downloaded that can tie in well with a lesson. Mobile phones can also provide students with information access and could easily research any topic. ||
 * [[image:white.jpg width="153" height="133"]] || Sarah Kelly

Jo Barker

Emma Roles Bonnie Johnson

Alexandra Murphy

Rob Bauer

Jessie George || //**Information**//: What information do I have? What are the facts? What information do I need? What do I want to KNOW? || Local teachers believe the mobile phones will be more of a hinderance and distraction when used in a classroom setting. Online safety is a big concern with no way to monitor online activity of students. Too many questions are left to be asked: How do schools and teachers incorporate phones into their lessons seamlessly and without behavioural aspects of students changing? How do you monitor student activity? Do students have to use their personal devices? Who pays for the device plan; school or parents?

=
Journalists are keen to address and explain the technological boom in the educational system and what this means for teachers, students and parents. In these articles the issue of mobile phone usage is pointed out. Various sources claim these devices can hinder a student’s ability to learn optimally and engage positively in the classroom. I would like to know how the mobile phones could be integrated in a way that ensures students are not exposed to any cyber bullying and are free from the distractions on their phones! =====

Information obtained indicates that mobile phones in classrooms are more of a hinder rather than a beneficial tool for learning. They can have great influence on building further avenues for use of technology, however in an educational setting they are more of a distraction and problem rather than a learning tool. Further questions that need answering include: how to monitor students activity and what particular enforced rules should be emplaced? Another important question is how doe educators integrate mobile phones seamlessly into lessons?

Educators believe that by having mobile phones within classrooms will create more a problem rather than a solution. Teachers believe that in a classroom setting mobile phones will distract students. Safety is a concern too, restrictions on webpages and anti cyberbullying needs to be put in place to allow students to fully focus on exploring and gathering useful information. There are still many questions to be answered which leaves e thinking that we still have a long way to go before mobile phones are introduced into classrooms.

Being an avid mobile phone user myself, I can see mobile phones in the classroom not being very successful learning tools and instead another form of distraction. Throughout writing my responses I have wasted a lot of time on my mobile phone instead of getting my work done and I can only predict that if we were to bring mobile phones in to the classroom, another 24 people are going to be distracted by their phones instead of getting their work done. “Australian research suggests that cyber bullying most commonly occurs in late primary school and early high school, with one study stating that 10 – 14 year olds are the most common age group reporting cyber bullying (50.6%). This was closely followed by 15 – 18 year olds (44.2%).” ([]). Aided with these statistics, it is all too common to see in the media young children self harming or committing suicide due to cyber bullying and if mobile phones were to be introduced to the classroom, these statistics would rise and many more children would either self harm or commit suicide which is something nobody wants to happen to Australia’s youth. Information I both need and want to know is if I were to implement mobile phones into my classroom, what would be some good apps or communicative platforms I could use with my students? How could I get students to respect learning with their mobile phones and only using them as a learning tool through school hours? And how would I be able to regulate and monitor the use of mobile phones in my classroom to ensure that they are being used for learning purposes and not for the wrong reasons?

Owning and using my own smartphone every day at Uni tells me that they are incredibly distracting and really hinder my engagement. However I also know how easy it is to quickly google something or use my phone to help out while at Uni, so I'm undecided as to whether or not they are good or bad for classroom use. The media would have us believe that every student in Australia has a mobile phone and that every student uses them to bully others, however I highly doubt this is true. We need to come up with a way to use smartphones in class in an educational and non-distracting way and I would like to know how we can do this.

The information that I have, having grown up with this technology, is that I know how it works and I know the benefits, but also the downfalls first hand. The facts are that technology will keep advancing and that eventually, we may need to face the fact that mobile phones will be incorporated in the classroom. This is when we need to research strategies for ensuring our students have a safe cyber environment in the classroom. ||