Don't Take the "Air" Away

Most educators are starting to realize the potential that personal communication devices such as cell phones can offer to our 21st Century classroom. The use of resources such as PollEveryWhere and Google SMS Services truly are changing teaching and learning paradigms; however, as we all know we must implement these, and similar tools effectively and in a sound educational manner.
     I thoroughly enjoyed reading Liz Kolb's article, Adventures with Cell Phones, in the February edition of ASCD's Educational Leadership. If you are a teacher or technology leader looking for suggestions and strategies to implement these tools, I would urge you to start there. You will find excellent advice and sound pedagogical support for mobile communication devices in the classroom.
     These tools will receive scrutiny due to the perceived "Pandora's Box" that will be opened up. Those who argue against cell phones point out that cheating may run rampant and access to inappropriate sites will increase. I talked to an administrator who takes a very practical approach to this situation. This administrator, when asked about the school's cell phone policy, has always been open to utilizing the devices as long as it makes educational sense. He states that we tell students not to smoke, but we don't take air away from them to ensure they comply. Mobile communication devices can be viewed in the same manner. If we tell students to use them responsibly, and address the inappropriate actions- rather than the tool itself, we are teaching valuable lessons about appropriate behavior that students will need to learn to participate in the current and ever changing global economy.
   That being said we do have a responsiblity to follow our local directives and educate students about ethical and proper use. One place to start is to show students the YouTube video Digital Dossier, examining their digital footprint and the consequences (good and bad) of their decisions.