H: Mobile Lab

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY: 

Not currently teaching in a classroom limits my access to try some of these mobile technologies in the classroom, but I have recommended and helped fellow educators with some of these technologies.  I have encouraged staff to use digital flashcards, shared documents, polls, surveys, tests, podcasts, iPods, iPads, tablets, flashdrives and general research on mobile devices.  I have seen most of these being utilized around our buildings from 5^th grade on up.  Of course there are the social media which is constantly being used by students and staff alike.  Our district has wireless in all of our buildings; however, they are used so much that the district cannot keep up and is continually adding bandwidth.  Being a richer district than most, most students have smart phones and mobile devices and the district has started to restrict bandwidth so everyone can utilize it.

Our school board encourages mobile learning, but I think many of the teachers are still a little hesitant to use it in the classroom setting.  I believe that if rules are put in place, to have the mobile device on the desk, turned off, and flipped upside down during tests, the devices can be utilized in the regular classroom setting.  During instruction, teachers can also indicate it is a no-device time and have the students put their devices where they can be seen by the teacher to help eliminate distraction.

I would LOVE to utilize mobile devices in my own classroom – if I ever get the chance again to teach!  Being a business and technology teacher, it would be expected to utilize these technologies in my classes.  Until then, I would like to help my wife video some of her lessons and make her classroom more mobile and automated by utilizing Web2.0 technologies.

POLLING:

I created a poll on PollEveryWhere.  Here is a link to my poll if you would like to participate:  http://www.polleverywhere.com/multiple_choice_polls/LTM1NDY4OTk3MQ  Here are my results so far:

CELL PHONES:

I have also joined the Classroom 2.0 group “Cell Phones in Education” and selected Elise Jury’s “Appropriate Grade Levels for Cell Phone Integration” posting.  I am still waiting approval of my membership – as can be seen here:

 I plan on posting this response when my membership has been approved:  

“I am not currently in a classroom setting, but I have worked as a Technology Teacher, Technology Assistant, and Technology Integration Assistant.  The district I am currently in is considered a rich district, where most students (middle school on up) have smart phones.  Our district is designed and encourages technology in the classroom.  However, there may be a few students who do not have this technology, so we have to be careful that these technologies do not become a requirement.  I have also worked in a poor district where many of the kids do not have smart phones, or even a cell phone.  If there is technology available for the classroom, such as a tablet for those students who do not own this technology, then I feel it is totally OK and appropriate to use this technology in any classroom – regardless of the age.  I have a three and six year old who regularly use their own tablets at home and are quite efficient with them!”