Cellphones in the classroom

There are so many reasons why cellphones are being banned in the classroom and the only sound reason that I have heard is to prevent students from being mugged. Personally, I advocate using cellphones in the classrooms -- provided that the teachers know how to integrate it in class.

I read an article about cellphones being used as a tool for cheating inside the classroom. As an example, consider the student taking a photo of the exam and sending it to a friend, via MMS, and waiting for the answers, either via SMS or another MMS. (Hi Mommy Jaye! *wink*) Well, students will always be students -- they will try to do anything, if they can get away with it, right? Admit it, you were once a student.

Anyway, for the example above, if the teacher is creative enough to use an alternative assessment tool, rather than exams or quizzes, then the cheating scenario mentioned will not even be realized. Exams and quizzes are so over-rated, and frankly, passe. As what our new Dean of the UP College of Engineering emphasized, it should be outcomes-based assessment.

Another reason I heard was that students tend to use their cellphones to send SMS to their friends whilst the teacher is lecturing in front. One teacher even said that it is a matter of giving respect to them.

The challenge here is - these kids will not use a cellphone to SMS, unless in emergency situations, if and when the lecturer is not BORING, right? If they are engaged, they will not find the time to SMS their friends. Who's at fault here?

In most classrooms, students do not have access to computers, and yet most of them have a cellphone, or even two. Today's cellphones are gateways to the internet. For P5/15 minutes, you can connect to the internet and use it for your classes. This is the most accessible computing device to students, and yet, it is the most underutilized by the teachers.

Admittedly, majority of the resources available on the internet are not designed to be consumed on those tiny mobile phone screens. However, making these resources mobile-friendly is taking a rapid pace, thanks to the uptake and usage of the smartphones.

So, if you are teacher - learn how to integrate that tool in your curriculum. Remember, that's even more powerful than your pocket calculator. As a learner, educate your teacher on the benefits of using the mobile phones for YOUR own learning.

Source: MB