Reflection

Activity 12:
What is my plan of attack for next year? Next year, I want to make sure that I attack this slowly but surely so that I (and my students) do not get overwhelmed. I'd like to use a wiki in creative writing and maybe in Lotus Leaf for a class editorial. I know there is a place for Google Voice but I'm not quite sure about how to use that one in my classes yet. I'll have to digest that one. I already use Blogger for student journals and Google docs, but I'd like to share calendars in Lotus Leaf as well, especially since I am making the kids cover stories as instant coverage, on-the-spot reporting.

With all of this technology, I still think the best way to share what we've learned is through conversations. Some conversations that I want to have as a district are about cellphones and about the censorship that is done on our websites, especially as educators. There are a plethora of tools out there on the web, which ironically all the bigshots are saying are important, but we are not able to access them all.

Poll Everywhere

Ok, I LOVE the idea of this one! I got into a discussion at home with my husband, an avid cell phone taker, about how cell phones can be positive in the classroom. When I saw this, I jumped at it as a way to make my case. Polleverywhere.com allows students to poll in on a group opinion question posted by a teacher or presented, post questions or give answers. It will then show up on the whiteboard. I instantly thought of ten different ways to use this in my room. First, and the most fun, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire review games. Poll the audience or phone a friend. HELLO! Perfect. Next, bellwork. I already have students answer a question or edit something when they come in. Now, they could use their cellphones and see others' answers. Third is for polls and surveys in journalism. They cannt find a way to poll everyone the snail way. Here, it would be so easy.

So, I share these thoughts with Marc and he says, "But they won't do it." Yes they will, I thought. They do my bellwork everyday. But then, after watching the demo, I see the problem. There is no way to track who the message came from. That could prevent them from doing it and/or become dangerous for inappropriate messages and answers popping up on your board.

So, polleverywhere.com, please keep trying because I am loving it. I am planning to wait for you to tweak an already great product and then put it on my list for heading the Using Cellphones in School fan club.

Social Bookworm

Well, a social bookworm ate my bookmarks. I logged in and created a delicious account and when I went to sync the bookmarks, it told me "no." Yes, me. I could hardly believe it! Here I am, rushing through my assignments because I procrastinated and I am haulted by this worm. How dare they stand in my way of summer.

Demon Devices? Using Cellphones in the Classroom

Are cellphones really the enemy as many teachers and administrators make them out to be? I thought it was interesting that a video earlier in this unit discussed the fact that these devices are the dreams of yesterday and, now that they are here, we are yanking them from the hands of students. In a day where money is not properly dispersed for advances like technology in the classroom, the cellphone becomes an even more important tool to have around. We complain that students don't have computers. But, in fact, they do. They are the teeny rectangled contraption that we just took and sent down to the AP office. They can type on them, send emails, do research and collaborate with others. Why are we punishing them for doing so? Sure some students will be distracted by them and some will use them for social purposes. I hate to tell you this, even after you take the cell phone, the same student will find an alternate way to be distracted (perhaps by flinging paper into Tina's hair) or socialize (by hand signals across the room better than those in the major leagues).

I, personally, use cellphones in my journalism and Lotus Leaf classes. I encourage students to take pictures, text or call sources, and send me assignments. This is the most productive and relaxing time for me as a teacher as I can stop being a babysitter and teacher. Actually, I rather facilitate the learning and they are engaged and feel empowered. There are times, however, when I notice that a student blatently is using the device inappropriately. I simply take the cell phone then because I have already warned them against such things. They get upset but then are more likely to use it correctly the next time. The anger usually subsides when I explain that
I am treating them like adults as they have been asking for years for us to do more of.