Cell phones in the classroom? Are you sure, Dr. Kolb?

     I appreciated Dr. Kolb coming to speak to us about cell phones being used in the classroom for more than just opting out of discussions and engagement. The policy for cell phone usage at my field placement is changing-they are increasingly being utilized as a learning tool. In my mentor teacher's classroom, cell phones are used by students to make observations during laboratory experiments and to record/share data with other group members. Students that take Forensic Science as their elective are also able to use their devices to take pictures of staged crime scenes. Students at many other schools, however, are not as fortunate; I am aware of policies in other public schools that completely prohibit cell phone use. 

    While I understand and appreciate the policies of other schools, it seems as if continuing them may be very detrimental to student engagement and learning in the classroom. Cell phones are more accessible and affordable to students than other forms of technology, which can yield positive outcomes for school districts that are having challenges incorporating technology use into their budgets. In addition to assisting with funding issues, using cell phones for performing formative assessments of student learning is a time-saving measure. Assessments can be done in real time, and because students are already very familiar with how to use them, very little time is needed for training. Student responses for formative assessments also have the added advantage of allowing students to provide them anonymously, which can also increase student engagement. It takes away the fear of embarrassment that students may have of providing a wrong answer, and allows the teacher to determine where there may be any gaps in knowledge or misconceptions.    

     Another concern involving cell phone use in the classroom is the issue of equity. While cell phones can be costly and students of varying backgrounds and socioeconomic status may be unable to provide their own devices, school districts may be able to provide devices to these students due to the savings that they have when allowing those that do have access to use their own devices. While at one time I was somewhat skeptical of the educational benefit of cell phones in the classroom, my experiences at Thurston High School and with my own daughter have shown me how beneficial they can be for typically developing students and for those with special needs. Thank you Dr. Kolb for helping to enlighten us on the benefits of their educational classroom use.