Cell Phones: a trend in Education

Although many may not agree, cell phones should be allowed in the classroom. The reality is that cell phones are here and students have them. Although they can be disruptive and have ethical issues, cell phones are a learning tool for students. More and more educators are incorporating cell phones in their lessons. Most teachers understand that we live in a world where technology is advancing at a quick pace and as educators they must adapt to the new world and bring it in the classroom. Our teachers need to teach in today’s world and not in the classrooms of yesterday. Therefore teachers should stop the banning of cell phones and accept them in the classroom. Cell phones have many benefits and since students already have them, all they need to learn is how to use them in the classroom. Students already know how to text, play games, and take pictures. But they don’t know how to text Google to obtain information, they don’t know how to take pictures from their phone and post them in their blogs, they don’t know how to create a project using their video camera on their phone and share with classmates. There are a lot of possibilities students have by using their cell phones. Bellow will be a small list that points out some benefits and ideas of cell phones in the classroom. Hopefully this will give educators a new positive look at cell phones and see the cell phone as more than a distraction and disruptive device.

•Affordable: students already have them in their pocket

•Motivate: new way of doing assignments

•Information: Text Google (466453)to answer definitions or questions

•Pop Quiz/Polls: students can text answers and comments and will be displayed (polleverywhere.com) no right or wrong answer only participation points

•Calculators: most phones have graphic calculators

•Picture: Take picture and submit it with text describing picture taken

•Video: Create a video with group re-enacting a scene from a book

•Reminders: text students reminders of homework

•Absentees: Students who are absent can text teacher questions regarding assignments or homework


*It is important to have control of the classroom and explain to students the rules and expectations. Cell phones can be used in a positive educational way as long as educators set the example and model the proper way.