You.com

This project was actually very fun to do! I first tried Vizualize.me   I filled out my profile but when I went to my 'portfolio' and it said that this feature was it its beta and couldn't be used. I decided to try another site so I deleted my vizualize me account.  Next on my list was about.me.  I liked this one much better.  It was easy to connect my linkedin and my Instructional Media Blog. I added a link to my blog and an RSS feed to my individual posts. I added my bio, education and tags that illustrated things about me.  I also added links to my edmodo and ustream profile.  I chose not to add my facebook account, just because I fear my students finding my personal page. I added a picture of my dog and I on the beach which is my favorite place in the world. I really like how this profile looks and it is really easy to use.   One thing I did like about vizualize.me is that it looked more like a resume. I wish I could take both sites and squish them together.  The last bit that I added was an education quote :)

My About Me :)

Digital Dossier. Are you aware?

This really did scare me a bit.  That every google search, every facebook post is storing information in my digital dossier.  Its hard to fathom all the digital footprints I have left.  From credit card information to facebook pictures.  One can know almost everything about me just by canvasing my digital footprints. I post to facebook, buy things online, heck, I even take classes online.  All my banking is done online.  It is scary to know that my life, potentially, has been stored online.  

My adult life has been stored online. My student's digital life has started much earlier.  The internet was growing when I was a teenager. It wasn't readily and constantly available till I was in college. In high school, I had to dial up.  My students have constantly been around digital technology.  It has been a part of their lives since birth. Their digital footprint has begun much earlier than mine.  

I think this has a HUGE impact on children.  It has been ingrained in their lives since birth. I think its been to the point that it would be hard to remove technology from their lives.  I remember my childhood, I didn't have a cell phone till I went to college.  I could live without it.  These kids today have a hard time separating their digital selves from their physical selves.  Both of those are fully entwined. The scary part, is they don't realize what is going on.  They don't know what effect those posts on facebook will have on getting a job or getting into college.  They don't realize that when they post to facebook, they relinquish ownership of their photos. THey don't know that even if they delete a photo, it is still stored somewhere in internet land.  I think we will see the effects in the future. Imagine this generation running for president? Campaigns are going to be even dirtier now that we leave a digital trail.  

Broadcast Yourself... UStream

Honestly, this project scared me to death. Scared me so much I immediately contacted the instructor!  My fears were eased and I looked into USTREAM. Honestly, attending the webinar also helped me overcome my fears.

I signed up for UStream and downloaded the Ustream Producer and the desktop streamer.  When I downloaded the producers, I then had to figure out how to get my desktop able to broadcast.  I had to watch youtube videos on how to broadcast my desktop. It took me a few minuts to figure it out.  I did a few tests and I finally was able to get it up and running. It was a little complicated but I thought I had it.

After I got that figured out, I had to decide what to broadcast.  I did a PowerPoint presentation earlier this week to my school board on the Ignite Torch. (I had to present to get the grant) I thought it would be a great idea to use that information. I decided to try to use Prezi.  I transfered the PowerPoint presentation to Prezi and it looked great. This project also allowed me to learn to use Prezi.

My original date and time came.  I was well on my way  with the presentation when the bandwidth was too much and it kept on kicking me offline.  I tried lowering the bandwidth but it still wouldn't work.  I got frustrated and decided to try again the next day.  It was much easier to do the next day, but I still ran into problems.  I finished the broadcast, but it didn't save to USTREAM, so again, I had to do it again.  It went fine and this time I finally got it done AND saved to Ustream. I had three viewers to my first attempt. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it through my 10 minute presentation. I had two on my second. I couldn't figure out how to get a chat feature working.

It was a frustrating process and it definitely needs a learning curve.  I am sure one can invest in a broadcasting program that is much easier and more reliable.  USTREAM was great for a free service.

Looking back, I should have tried a few more test runs, but I thought when the first ones worked, I'd be good to go.. boy was I wrong.

I did postings announcing my broadcast on my blog and UStream  makes it easy to share on facebook and twitter. I did leading up to my first scheduled broadcasting.  I also made posts after the fact when I couldn't get through my presentation to reschedule.

The presentation went fine, and I found that I actually enjoyed it.  After doing this and attending the webinar, I can see how live broadcasting can benefit education. It makes distance learning possible.  When I was in high school, I was in a Russian class and we had 4 students from another district that participated via distance learning.  At that time, the equipment was big and bulky.  It is much easier now with just software and a webcam.  It could also allow those on home study to still attend classes.

I would use this technology in the future if all of my students had access to the internet and computers.  Hopefully in the future, it will happen.  I could also have students create broadcasts on their end.  It woud make a great project.

UStream Channel:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/travla01

My broadcast is the most recent one on my Ustream channel.

Discovery Education Webinar: Middle School Social Studies Techbook: What are the 5E's and How Do They Fit My Classroom?

Date and time:	Thursday, April 18, 2013 10:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00) Change time zone
Program:	Techbook Webinars
Duration:	1 hour
Description:	ENGAGE students as they EXPLORE social studies through digital media We'll EXPLAIN how digital media can change the way students experience social studies, ELABORATE on how digital media can be utilized to meet the needs of every student, and EVALUATE student progress through US History, World History and World Geography concepts. The Webinar I chose to take part in was a discovery education webinar dealing with a new product called a Techbook. It is an electronic textbook.  I chose this webinar for several reasons. First, it fit my schedule. It was one of the only webinars I could find that did.  It is also coordinated with my subject area!  My school is beginning to explore the idea of digital textbooks. I was interested in seeing how they could be integrated into the classroom. I am actually interested in trying to get it for my school.   What were the strengths and weaknesses of the show format? I was unsure as to what to expect in a webinar.  I have never been to one before.  The one weakness that it did have was the time.  It was very late webinar.  It started at 10 and was an hour long. This was a weakness for me because it was a school night and I have to be up at 5:20 in the morning.  Another weakness is that it didn't allow me to really explore the techbook.  She did offer us a trial after, but I would have liked to maybe explore the techbook, with her.  I also would have like a little more interactive features. We had a chat, but it was only used to answer some questions. Although it had those weaknesses, it also did have its strengths.  It opened me up to a new piece of technology that I didn't know existed. The format was easy to follow.  The technology was not confusing or hard to use on my end. The chat feature was easy to find, even when she shared her screen and we had to go open the chat again. The show was easy to register for, and it was easy to enter the webinar. I had no challenges attending the webinar.  It peaked my interest in the subject and the product.  The format allowed for people to ask questions, it also allowed powerpoint slides and voice lecture.  The webinar also allowed for the techbook to be fully explained.  I believe the webinar served its purpose.  I am now interested in the product!! Would you participate in future shows of this nature? Of Course! I was able to gain a lot of valuable information through this webinar.  I would love to learn more information about teaching and new teaching tools for Social Studies and History.  How could this type of webcast be incorporated into the classroom? I think this could be used to have guest speakers that are too far away or unable to come into the classroom. This will allow the students to interact with them via chat and allow the students to see the person and learn from them.  This could also be used for distance learning/homebound students.  It will allow the teacher to teach the child without being in the same room.  I believe this technology can definitely help education!!  The students could also create their own as a project. I think this could also be used for professional development hours/credits and during in service days.   How might you use it with students?  As attendees or broadcasters? This question relates to the question above. I think it could be used both ways.  As attendees, students on home bound or unable to come to school because of a medical reason could use this technology to learn and keep up with the curriculum when they are out.  It could be used for summer school as well.  For my current class, I don't know if I would use it. I work at a very rural district. Many of my students don't have internet access so it would be difficult.  As Broadcasters, I could have students create a broadcast for a project.  Instead of an oral presentation, they could do this. I still run into the lack of technology problem here too. I learned a lot from this webinar.  I actually felt more comfortable doing my broadcast project after watching this.  I can't wait to sign up for my trial of this techbook! I'll have to keep an eye out for these webinars. I also attached my certificate! I think it was neat that they included it.

Try again tomorrow

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/travla01

Tomorrow at 11am I will be broadcasting again. I ran into some problems. My video got cut off twice while broadcasting.  I picked up where I left off and the first part didn't record to my computer or online.  I will be attempting it again tomorrow.  I lowered the bandwidth and hopefully it will cooperate tomorrow!

Sorry!

Live Broadcast Tomorrow!

It will begin at about 4:30 tomorrow and last about 10 minutes.  I will confirm the time tomorrow!

Ignite Torch Broadcast

I will be broadcasting a presention on Ignite! Torch and its benefits.

Date: Friday April 19th
Time: approx 4-5 PM

Exact time will be posted tomorrow! Tune in!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/travla01

Horizon Report: 3D Printing

A few weeks ago, while watching Channel One with my students, they did a segment on a 3D pen.  This pen can 'draw' 3D images.  It looks almost like a hot glue gun that an instantly build objects. I thought that was really neat. 

So when I pulled up the Horizon report, I was pleasantly surprised to see the '3D Printing' as an emerging technology. It think this technology is REALLY neat. It actually kind of makes me a little excited to see this in practice.  The idea that this printer could build 3D models of objects is astonishing.  

I can already see how I can use this technology in the classroom. It is impossible for me to go to historical places and different countries. I could print historical buildings or the faces of historical figures. I could print out historical objects like the spinning jenny, steamboats or muskets. I could print 3D maps! I could print models of battles. The possibilities are really endless. This technology would allow students to examine objects, people, and places that they might not be available normally. 

I really can't wait to see what the future holds for these emerging technologies!

Check it out!

Photo Challenge Reflection

I thought the 365 Photo Challenge was a really neat experience. I first searched online for a challenge.  I found a challenge and I posted the challenge on the blog.  I picked up on the current day in April.  It was challenging to find pictures.  Throughout the week, I would think ahead to what I could do for the next day.  The most challenging pictures were the 100 and the feature pictures.  I had to think a bit more than the others for those.  I posted them online through my mobile phone. I took the picture using instagram.  I edited the photo and then also posted it to my blog through the blogger mobile app.

I have seen some of my friends do this challenge on instagram.  I think it was really neat and I might try to keep going the rest of the month on instagram.

Link for ALL Photo Challenge posts

Day #7 Photo Challenge: Stairs

Social Media Lesson Plan: BackChannel and aMap

Title: Whiskey Rebellion Rebels or Tax Resisters?: Where the men involved in the Whiskey Rebellion justified in rebelling against the American Government?

Objectives:
SWBAT

• Summarize the events of the Whiskey Rebellion
• identify the key people involved in the Whiskey Rebellion
• Debate the justification of the actions of the rebels
• Defend their decisions with supporting details.

Unit Lesson Outcome:

• The learner will explain the problems facing the nation during Washington's Administration and how his policies help shape the nation.

Standards:
     Pennsylvania:

Civics & Government
5.1 X 5.2 X 5.3 5.4 X

Communications

1.1 X 1.2 X 1.3 X 1.4 X 1.5 1.6 X 1.7 1.8 X

Mathematics

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 X 2.7 2.8 X 2.9 2.10 2.11

Common Core:

CC.8.5.6-8.B.

Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

CC.8.5.6-8.A.

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

CC.8.5.6-8.J.

By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 6–8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

CC.8.6.6-8.A.
Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

• Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

• Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
• Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

• Establish and maintain a formal style.
• Provide a concluding statement or section
  

CC.8.6.6-8.E.
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

Materials:
20 computers
internet
Play
Readings
Projector and Screen

Students:
20 8th grade students

Procedure:

The class will be divided into 5 groups of 4.

As a class we will be reading a play based on the Whiskey Rebellion. It is a play that follows the trial fo those involved in the Whiskey Rebellion. It asks the students to be the judge and jury.


After the play is read the students will log into a backchannel chat room for their assigned groups.  Each group will have their own backchannel chat.  I will have an initial question pinned to the top of the page:

They are going to post and respond to each other's posts for 5 minutes.  They are going to be discussing whether or not, based on the reading of the play, the rebels were justified in their actions.  I am going to give them an additional reading to help and guide them in their discussion. After the 5 minutes are up, I am going to be asking more specific questions to each group and allow them to discuss and debate their answers to the questions.

These questions will include the following:

They are to continue to answer these questions in their individual groups.  As a group, they are going to  create an aMap that explains and maps out their decision.





Each group is going to present their decisions and aMaps to the class. They should be prepared to be able to summarize the Whiskey Rebellion and be able to state whether or not their actions were justifiable. They should be prepared to defend their decision with at least 4 supporting facts.

They will be graded based on a rubric

BackChannel Chat Participation (each participant will have a different score) ___/10
aMap completion (group) States opinion and provides supporting details        ___/20
Presentation of aMap to class                                                                           ___/10

Day 6 Photo Challenge: A feature

Lia Sophia feature in the catalog

Day 5 photo challenge: A touch of yellow

Day 4 photo challenge: Overgrown

My overgrown grass :)

Day 3 Photo Challenge 100

100 cents :)

Teachers, Students and Social Media

I strongly believe that students and teachers should NOT be friends on social media sites like facebook.  Like many have said, there is a boundary between the school and personal life.  I do not want my students to know my personal life.  I don't tell them much for good reason. I am not their friend, I am their teacher.  There have been cases in PA where teachers have lost their certificate because of college pictures that have emerged later on in their teaching career.  Teachers have to be very careful about the things they post in facebook, and having student friends would just make yourself open to all sorts of trouble.  I went so far to change my name on facebook so that my last name isn't published. I do not want students OR parents to find me, and I do not want even a friend request. I think accepting students as friends opens up a door that might never be able to close. I also don't want to know the ins and outs of my student's 8th grade personal lives.  I get enough of the drama in class, I can't imagine what goes on there. 

Twitter could be adapted for education.  You have a choice on whether or not to follow back. I think it could be adapted in a much better fashion then facebook.  I probably still wouldn't risk it.  

Instagram could be used also in the classroom with some adjustments.  I would probably have the students create history accounts to seperate from their personal accounts. I would do the same.

I find edmodo to be a good (and secure) blend of education and social media. My students love using edmodo. One of my students told me "its facebook... FOR SCHOOL!!" It is secure. The teacher has complete control of the site as a moderator. I love using it! 

Day 2 Photo Challenge: Ear

Its Bullseye from Toy Story!!!

Day 1 Photo Challenge- Pastel

April 365 Photo Challenge

For my project this week, I am going to be taking on the 365 Photo Challenge.

http://captureyour365.com/category/blog/

I knew I was going to be a teacher when... An iPhone Video Story...

When I first read about this assignment, I was quite scared and didn't know where to start.  I picked up my iPhone and did a google search for video story apps on iOS.  I came across a few freebies, I tried them out and didn't like them. If I couldn't figure out the program easily, I decided  I finally found a program called Storyrobe.  It was very easy to use. I can upload pictures and videos easily. After I upload the pictures, I can create recordings to go along with each of the pictures. I decided to use this program to create my video story.  I used safari to find pictures and I was fortunate enough to have many pictures already on my phone.  Anytime a student does something that is funny, inspires me, or wows me, I take a picture. I am glad I did these things now! I also used Keynote on my phone.  It is a mac based program that is similar to PowerPoint.  I used these to introduce the different parts of my story.  After I created the video with the pictures, I added the audio captions after. I first had to create a script.

I can see this used in the classroom. I could have students create a video story as a timeline. I can have them create a video story about the life of a famous person or an important historical event.

This video illustrates that I found the career for me when I was coaching swimming and it was confirmed on the first day of my student teaching assignment. I am reminded every day that this is the only career for me.  :)  I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

I have to apologize in advance, some of the audio ended up not being aligned with the photos.  I couldn't figure out how make sure it was aligned. I tried doing the audio over again. In the program, the audio is aligned, when I export it, something happens. It is still in order, just might fall behind.

Another problem I just experienced was getting the video from my phone to my computer to post.  The video was to big to send via iMessage, email or PhotoStream.  I decided to try dropbox.  I am glad I did. It worked!!

Enjoy!

Great Cellphone in the Classroom Video

Cell Phone in the Classroom Interview. YAY cellphones!

Finding a teacher to interview for this assignment was quiet difficult.  My district has a strict out of sight/off policy.  I reached out to my fellow facebook friends and didn't find anyone. I was at a loss at what to do! Then I thought to myself.... EDMODO! I found the Technology in the Classroom group there and posted for any interested teachers. Luckily, I found two teachers to interview.  I will post a summary of both interviews.

I interviewed Vanita Vance from College Station Independent School District. She works at College Station High School. Email  Blog

1.     What is your school district’s policy regarding cell phones?

At the beginning of the year, her district institutined a bring your own device policy.  This policy includes the use of cell phones.  She stated that " The acceptance of and use of cell phones and other digital technology in their classroom is up to the individual teacher." 

This is a copy her school's policy.


COLLEGE STATION ISD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK – 2012
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
The use of electronic devices such as Kindles, Nooks, iPads, laptops/notebooks, cell phones, cameras, and similar items may be allowed by an individual teacher for student use during instruction; however, that use will only be for an approved educational purpose and only with the permission of a teacher at appropriate times in the lesson. However, electronic devices shall not be visible or activated on campus by students except by permission from the school administrator or classroom teacher. Electronic devices visible or activated at school without permission may be kept in the school office and may be picked up by a parent. The school is not responsible for the replacement of any confiscated, lost or stolen items.
Policies Related to Electronic Devices and Cell Phones:
·      The teacher in the classroom has the final say on procedures in the classroom. If he or she asks the student not to use the device, then the student must follow those directions. Access is available but not guaranteed for each classroom situation.
·      If a student violates a teachers’ classroom policy a referral will be submitted to the Assistant Principal.
·      If a student chooses to not bring their device, he/she will still be able participate in the classroom activities.
·      Users of the CSISD wireless network have filtered internet access just as they would on a district-owned device.
·      By connecting to the CSISD wireless network, users accept the terms of the CSISD Responsible Use Guidelines, located in the Student Handbook.  (If you need these, let me know)
·      Electronic devices will be allowed in the hallways during passing periods and at lunch. Audio from electronic devices should only be heard by the user through headphones. Students should abide by the one ear bud in, one ear bud out rule so that they can follow any directions and respond to staff members.
Student Responsibilities Related to Electronic Devices and Cell Phones:
·      The technology devices students bring to school are their sole responsibility.
·      The campus or district assumes no responsibility for personal devices if they are lost, loaned, damaged or stolen.
·      Each student is responsible for his/her own device: set-up, maintenance, charging, and security. Staff members will not store student devices at any time, nor will any District staff diagnose, repair, or work on a student’s personal telecommunication device.
·      Each student is responsible for bringing devices to school fully charged and in good working order.
·      Students must keep devices in silent mode or vibrate mode while riding school buses and on school campuses, unless otherwise allowed by a teacher/staff member.


I wish my school district had this policy.  I think this policy covers all the bases for the school and the teacher. It leaves the decision with the individual teacher.  I think cell phones and other devices add so much too the educational experience of the student.  These students have grown up around cell phones.  It is time to embrace this technology.

2.     How long has your district had this policy?

This is the first full year of the policy’s implementation; prior policies were relaxed toward the end of last school year.  

What was the policy before?
Students (high school) were allowed to have their devices on and activated but silent in the classroom and were not allowed to use them during the school day except at lunch.  She began implementing the new policy earlier than last year to allow my own students to use them as needed as a calculator or timer or to look up information on the internet – but ONLY with permission.

3.     What has been the parental feedback regarding this policy? Have they been supportive of the use of cell phones in the classroom?
Parents have been supportive of the policy –She has heard nothing negative about it from that sector.

4.     Do you have your own rules regarding cell phone use in your classroom? What are they?
She is pretty liberal about letting them use phones as research & note-taking tools – a number of her students use Evernote to take their notes.  They may listen to their music when doing seatwork but I do not allow this during direct instruction.  They are not allowed to make phone calls & text during class, although she aware that texting occasionally occurs.

This mirrors my thoughts that the classroom teacher needs to set his/her own boundaries for cell phones.  Texting is happening now in my school, even with the zero tolerance policy.  We might as well use them for educational purposes as well. 

5.     What problems or challenges have you faced using cell phones in the classroom? (with the students use, policy, technical, etc)
Just this past Thursday, one student reported to me that another was looking up test answers on her phone while taking a test.  This hasn’t been a real problem so far, but must be addressed with the individual student and the class as a whole upon our return to class next week.

6.     How often do you use cell phones in your classroom?

She uses them pretty much daily.

7.     How do you use cell phones in your classroom?

Many students use them to take notes, take pictures of diagrams and information on the SmartBoard, to research answers, to view content posted on Edmodo, and similar tasks.

8.     What programs do you use? How do you integrate them?
She  also has a class set of iPads that she uses from time to time. (I am super jealous of this. I wish I had daily access to technology like this!)  There are several apps her students can use as needed.  she is  a science teacher – She had her students make “safety movies” on the iPads at the beginning of school & upload them to Edmodo as a method of reviewing laboratory safety.  She has also used Remind 101 as a tool to remind students of assignments, projects, etc.  There are a number of apps which allow the use of cell phones and other devices as digital response tools (i.e., clickers).

There is just so much out there to use! I found iPad history programs, maps, videos, webquests. I really would like to take advantage of this more!

9.     I come from a district that has a strict, off and out of site policy.  How would you convince a school district to allow them in the classroom? What benefits do the cell phones bring to education?

"In my opinion, we’re ignoring the trend of society by not taking advantage of the tools at the students’ disposal.  These students are digital natives – they have never known a time without the internet.  We need to be teaching the responsible use of these technologies rather than ignoring their potential.  Yes, there may occasionally be problems, but there has never been a time when there hasn’t been some sort of challenge in the classroom.  We need to embrace and utilize technology rather than outlaw it.  Good luck! "

I couldn't agree with her more! I hope one day my district adapts to this way of thinking about technology and cell phones. Its a positive thing!


The next interview from a teacher in Kentucky.  She did not wish to have her name or information published. 

1. What is your school district’s policy regarding cell phones?

The policies are left to be determined at the building level.  They has a  district wide acceptable use policy that students are expected to adhere to regardless of their building

2.     How long has your district had this policy? What was the policy before?


"The acceptable use policy dates back to 2001 (last revision).  I know there was a previous version of the AUP in place prior to the last date of revision, however, the most recent version is dated 2001."

3.     What has been the parental feedback regarding this policy? Have they been supportive of the use of cell phones in the classroom?

"Parents have been very supportive and cooperative in signing their students’ copy of the policy and based on the feedback we’ve received in various communications.  Parents are encouraging the use of 21st century technology and mobile learning."

4.     Do you have your own rules regarding cell phone use in your classroom?


 What are they?

"Almost all of my “classroom” rules are outlined in our building policy.  The only difference would be in terms of classroom management.  I require students to put the devices on desks where I can see them during direct instruction, sometimes they are asked to “check them in” upon entering the classroom, and of course my main message to students is “don’t give me a reason to restrict your use.”  I’ve had instances where I’ve confiscated devices for the hour due to a student’s inability to remain on task and/or adhere to the policy.  I’ve also reported students for inappropriate usage to the SRO in the past (in accordance with the policy).  I always inform parents when/if there is a concern, and my students know that if they do have devices than I shouldn’t hear them at any time for any reason."

 She has a great policy for monitoring the usage of cell phones during her direct instruction.  I probably would have them put them away during direct instruction. It is up to the classroom teacher to set the rules and boundaries regarding to cell phone usage

5.     What problems or challenges have you faced using cell phones in the classroom? (with the students use, policy, technical, etc)


"I’ve experienced wireless connectivity issues in the past, however, this has mostly been resolved due to requests/work-orders for expanding hot-spots.  I’ve had students become frustrated because they weren’t following the necessary connectivity steps but that has subsided.  My main challenge is bringing the rest of the staff on-board and helping them find ways to integrate the use of cell-phones into their lessons.  We are making progress on this front, however, it is a major change for many teachers."

I agree with her statement that cell phones are hard to implement when the teacher's themselves are willing to change their instructional methods.  We, as teachers, have to adapt to the ever constant changing student.


6.     How often do you use cell phones in your classroom?
"I use them daily with my 7th and 8th graders.  6th graders usually have the opportunity for BYOD activities 2-3 times per class rotation (every 4-5 weeks)."

7.     How do you use cell phones in your classroom?


"I use them in conjunction with our LMS (Edmodo), I use them for note-taking, calendar applications, tweeting, researching, QR codes, movie creation, photography, presentation design, etc."

I believe the students will benefit from this type of learning. This is how they interact with friends, the news, and the world. Time to bring it into education.

8.     What programs do you use? How do you integrate them?

"The main programs I’ve encouraged use with in the classroom this year are Edmodo, Evernote, Prezi, photography apps (not Instagram), free QR code scanners, dictionary apps, thesaurus apps, Synergy app, email, text-books, etc. "

9.     I come from a district that has a strict, off and out of site policy.  How would you convince a school district to allow them in the classroom? What benefits do the cell phones bring to education?


"If you are adopting the Common Core State Standards in your district then cell phones and mobile learning are a key component of 21st Century learning and technology integration.  Does your district purchase programs that are compatible with mobile technology?  This will help save $.  Another great argument is differentiation for students of various learning styles and motivation for students who struggle with old-fashioned pencil/paper."

I completely agree with her idea to promote the Common Core Standards.  The Social Studies CC Standards require the introduction and use of technology in the classroom. My school is under a tight budget and we only have one computer lab and one laptop cart available for all class periods.  a BYOD policy would allow us to implement these standards and not have to buy a tremendous amount of technology. 

Cell Phones in the Classroom?

I used to be strongly against the use of cell phones in the classroom, but like some others in this class, I have changed my mind.  The educational benefits that could come from the devices outweigh the challenges.  It is very hard to explore this issue in my district because we have a strict out of sight/turned of f policy.  The interview I did for this class also greatly opened my eyes to the educational opportunity my district is missing out on. The teacher I interviewed also gave me a PowerPoint presentation and her own school policy that outlines the benefits of cell phones in the classroom. I will post both when I finish the interview summary on my blog. The one feature I would love to take advantage of using cell phones as a student responder. It would be so much easier to have the students use text messages to have an instant gage on student understanding. Students also can use the cell phones to take notes, and to use educational applications. The students could also use the cell phones for research.  Right now I have to try to get the one laptop cart for my entire school to do research in my classroom. It is hard and has to be scheduled weeks in advance. The use of cell phones would allow me to do more interactive and research based activities. 

While I see the benefits of cell phones, there are some challenges that teachers have to overcome.  I believe that the classroom teacher has to outline specific rules regarding the use of cell phones in the class.  If my school district's policy allowed the use of cell phones, I would have to outline my expectations clearly to my students.  They would only be allowed to take out their phones when we were doing specific activities. They shouldn't have the cell phone out anytime they wanted to.  The phone would have to be out of sight and silent if they are not needed for academic purposes. I would not allow the use of them during tests. I believe it is up to the teacher to set the expectations and boundaries with cell phones in their specific classes. If the students take advantage of the classroom policy, they should lose the privilege of using the cell phones for a period of time.  

Students today are very technologically savvy. I believe they would LOVE to use their cell phones as an educational tool.  When I introduced edmodo to my classroom, my students came in the next day and were so happy to tell me that there was 'an app for that' on their phones.  It is a shame that some school districts try to ignore this potential educational tool instead of embracing it.  It will have its challenges and problems, but what school doesn't? We constantly have to adapt to the changing needs of our students. Its a fact of life being a school teacher, so why not embrace this challenge and turn it into a valuable teaching tool?