Cell Phones in Schools

            Matt Cook's classroom at Trinity Meadows Intermediate School in Keller, Texas is incorporating cell phones into the everyday use of the classroom. This teacher feels that these are a great tool for teaching. Cook believes in the long run will become the cheapest way to do one-to-one computing. The portability and mobility of cell phones make them an ideal teaching tool, toting the classroom anywhere, anytime. Students used the phone to email, record data, send pictures, etc. However, Cook didn't consider texting and bluetooth when he incorporated this technology. Realizing this was a problem but still wanting to incoporate them he set out on a mission to make it happen.  Cook proposed a plan where he would form a partnership with a company that would fund a pilot program in his classroom. Every student would receive a cell phone for educational use; Cook would find new and innovative ways to use the new classroom tools with his students; and the company would have a proven and viable new market for its products. Cook contacted Verizon and made this program happen. The community has even jumped on board with this and been very supportive.
            WOW! What an idea. Cell phones have become a major part of society and I have never understood why they were not allowed with the students. Even in Universities cell phones are against the rules. I love how Mr. Cook incorporated modern technology and also overcame the concerns of students participating in non-educational activities on the devices. I believe that Verizon and Misrosoft have a great product in the works that will be very benefical in our nation.Most all children, own a personal cell phone so why not allow them to use it for educational purposes. Of course, technology can nt overtake the classroom. I still believe that some tradintional ways are benefical to students but technology should be present as well.
      

Resource:
Bafile, Cara. Mobile Technology Goes to School. Education World, c2010.
       http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech248.shtml