Cell+Phones

The opening Powerpoint w/youtube clips: [|Cell Phones.ppt] = Cell Phones as Instructional Tools??? =

//**If, like some teachers, you want to try to exploit the cell phone as a teaching tool, consider its ever evolving range of basic functions.**//

//**Calculators:**// Although most schools have them in math class, other classes that don't have them on hand for students can benefit from number crunching. For example, social studies students studying elections can quickly determine percentages of electoral votes or other scenarios. Science classrooms can use them to perform calculations related to experiments. Physical Education classes can use them to calculate lap times, pulse rates and more.

//**Digital cameras:**// Not all classrooms are outfitted with digital cameras, although many can benefit from them. For example, students can use them to document a variety of things for multimedia presentations or reports. Field trips, external materials, independent investgations can be recorded and quickly shared.

// **Internet access:** // Many phones have wireless Internet access, thus opening up a world of possibilities for class use. Science students might conduct fieldwork and submit their observations or data to either an internal or external data gathering site. Students can subscribe to podcasts that you produce or offered by a multitude of other sources.

// **Dictionaries:** // Students in literature and language arts classes can benefit from being able to quickly look up the definition of a word. Additionally, students who are English learners especially can benefit from translation dictionaries which are becoming available on cell phones.

//**Mobile Questions:**// Sites like [|Chacha.com]are great when students need to find an answer in a hurry. They can use this info finder site to get up to the minute information, sent right to their phone! **Text Your Question to 242-242***

=Taking the Use to the Next Level: = Polleverywhere.com http://www.polleverywhere.com/ Collect data while interacting with your audience!!
 * //Polling://** Who needs the CPS system when you want to quickly poll your audience? Use the free application, Poll Everywhere!


 * //Brainstorming://** Do you want to get students involved and engaged in posting a brainstorm? Sites like wiffiti are on the rise- making it easy (and engaging) to capture initial thoughts or reflections about a certain topic. Visit: http://wiffiti.com/ for your account.

Additional Information: From Toy to Tool: Cell Phones in Learning http://www.cellphonesinlearning.com/ is an excellent resource by the foremost authority on the subject, author, educator and blogger, Liz Kolb.