Can you give us a brief overview of mobile devices within your district?
Let’s put it this way, the rules are changing! 5 years ago, cell phones, at least at the high school level, were outlawed. If a student was caught using his/her cell phone within the building, teachers were instructed to confiscate the device, bring it to the central office, and parents would be called in to pick it up. Needless to say, many times more conflicts were created than actually settled.
Fast forward a year or two with the advent of the “smartphone”. These powerful digital devices allow users to surf the web, listen to music, make phone calls, take pictures and video, etc. Rather than being seen as a distraction, educators slowly began to realize potential these devices had within the context of a classroom.
What is the current school policy with respect to mobile devices?
Now designated by Westfield as ERCDs (Electronic Communication and/or Recording Devices), cell phones and/or smartphones are allowed within the building, but must be kept on the user’s person at all times and on silent or vibrate. Devices may be taken out and used for educational purposes only at the direction of a WHS staff member. All CIPA policies in effect for the Internet and email, apply to the mobile devices as well.
How are you approaching the training for teachers in using mobile devices in the classroom?
I always start, first and foremost, with pedagogy. If using the device boils down to a "neat" tech trick or just another way to do the same thing that could have been done on paper, I avoid it. If we are going to use mobile devices with our lessons, it must increase student engagement and enhance learning. That said, I also start the teachers off some of the more simple options: polling, posting discussion points (i.e. padlet), and online debates. After that, teachers are being trained to use classroom smartphones for digital storytelling, curation, editing, phonecasting, etc.
Are the parents involved and aware of the latest policy?
Parents, through the appropriate communication channels (i.e. website postings, school board meetings, PTA meetings, school newspaper, and announcements) are increasingly becoming aware of the district’s mobile device policy. Further, as mobile devices become less of a novelty and more of a permanent fixture in our society and in our classrooms, less formal correspondence and communication will be needed. That said, for now, teachers should be keep the channels of communication open and clear about the use of mobile devices in their classrooms.
Are there any challenges (technical and policy) in implementing cell phones in the classroom?
First challenge that comes to mind is equity. Even in a fairy affluent district, a teacher cannot assume that all students have the financial resources to afford a mobile device. Thus, teachers must have a back-up plan in place for when situations present themselves where not all students have access to the resource that is being requested.
The next big issue is connectivity. Although we have come a long way with respect to a wireless infrastructure, it’s still not perfect. Due to heavy traffic and other issues (i.e. access points, 4G access), students and teachers sometimes have trouble connecting to the internet. Once again, teachers are continually having to rely on “plan Bs” when these situations arise.
Lastly, classroom management comes into play. For example, let’s say a teacher wants to start the class with a quick digital survey on Poll Everywhere. Students are prompted to take out their mobile devices to complete the survey. With the results in, the teacher is now ready to discuss them. If the students still have access to their mobile units at this point, this may create a problem. Some of the students may still be looking to text their friends or tweet out their latest post. Whatever the case, when using mobile devices in the learning process, teachers must master the art of transitions and command respect within the classroom.
Closing:
Who knows what’s coming down the road with respect to technology and education. One can only imagine that it is only going to get easier, faster, and better. That said, teachers, administrators, parents, and board members should all begin to embrace these changes and learn to maximize them in a smart, responsible, and educationally sound manner. Bans and overly strict policies are only hampering and stifling the learning process.