Research Introduction and Background

Should schools allow mobile devices to be used as educational tools?  If school districts use cell phones in instruction, what age groups would be the best to utilize cell phones in the classroom?   These questions that I am going to pose for my research project incorporate 21st century learning (Framework for 21st Century Learning).  Within this framework, learning and innovation skills are key to success in education.  I believe using technology is pertinent in this specific element to enhance student learning.  Are cell phones an inexpensive way to help build instruction and innovation skills in an engaging fashion?   

This issue is very important to me in many ways.  First, the district I work for is slowly incorporating technology into classrooms.  However, technology is extremely costly to buy, maintain, and to teach others how to use it effectively.  Using cell phones in the classroom could be one solution to this problem as a large number of students have their own.  After polling my fifth graders, I was shocked at the amount of students who had their own personal cell phones. After learning about websites such as Poll Everywhere, this free tool could be easily used in the classroom and could make learning more engaging.  Immediately I thought what if students do not have a cell phone?  After inquiring more about Poll Everywhere, students can also use a computer to submit their answers so this would allow all students equal opportunities for learning.    

Another reason I want to pose these questions is because of Michigan State’s MAET program.  Before starting this program, I knew little about how to incorporate technology into the classroom.  After completing five graduate classes, I have become intrigued by all the free or inexpensive ways to create meaningful learning experiences through the use of endless tools provided on the internet.  A cell phone would be that “free” (no cost to schools) technological tool to make learning more fun.  Although mp3 players, iPods, iPads, and a SMART board are useful technological tools, they are a costly solution to effective learning.  Not always is that feasible in school districts.     

The issue I raise relates to all educators.  Although I would not think cell phone usage for learning would be practical in lower elementary, upper elementary school through college and beyond could examine this issue.  In the article, “Student Use of Cell Phones in the Classroom” written by Randi Turner, he discussed why students are using their cell phones in the classroom.  He concluded that social reasons (staying in touch with friends through text messaging) was one of the main reasons students used cell phones within a classroom.  He stated as new technologies and features become the norm for student use, new possibilities and challenges will present themselves. (Turner, 2011).  As educators are aware, there are many challenges associated with cell phone use in the classroom.  As Turner mentioned, students can be distracted by their cell phones for social reasons or because they are simply bored.  Therefore, are there more benefits and possibilities to using a mobile device in the classroom or is it a learning distraction?  

In the article, “Using Classroom Response Technology To Create An Active Learning Environment In Marketing Classes”  clickers can create an active learning environment; however, it is the instructor’s responsibility to make sure students are knowledgeable with the use of a mobile device as a clicker system, as well as have a backup plan in case technology fails (Muncy and Eastman 2012).  The issues discussed are a few of the many reasons using mobile devices in an educational setting is debated and my research will weigh the positive and negative effects of cell phone use in the classroom.

References

Muncy, J., Eastman, J. (March-April 2012). American Journal Of Business Education-Using Classroom Response Technology To Create An Active Learning Environment In Marketing Classes. Retrieved from http://journals.cluteonline.com/index.php/AJBE/article/view/6824/6899

Turner, R. (2011).Student Use of Cell Phones in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://journal.viuonline.ca/index.php/eddev/article/view/23/21