Using Cell Phones in the Classroom

Website Example: http://www.otan.us/members/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_ft&catid=32288&recno=4678

More Ways

SmartPhone, document camera to demonstrate activities on the SmartPhone

Activity Description

This article posted on OTAN suggests 14 different ways to use cell phones as a part of instruction. Choose the activity that fits your curriculum, or create your own.

Preparation

1. Poll your students to see how many have cell/smartphones to determine what kind of activity you can create. Bear in mind that some students may have phone plans that will charge them extra for activities such as this.
2. Choose an activity that supports your curriculum and where the greatest number of students have the technology to participate.

How-To

1. Read the article carefully with your students in mind.
2. Choose an activity and plan how your lesson will work.
3. Once you have chosen your activity, teach the lesson.
4. Evaluate the lesson to see if you reached your goal(s).
5. If needed, modify the lesson for future use.

Teacher Tips

If your activity will involve students sending or receiving texts, make sure they have a plan that allows this without additional expense. If not, provide an alternate activity for those students.

Levels

• Beginning Literacy
• Beginning Low
• Beginning High
• Intermediate Low
• Intermediate High
• Advanced
• All Levels

Standards

Basic Communication

• (2.1) Use the telephone and similar communication systems

Basic Communication

• (7.2) Demonstrate ability to use critical thinking skills
• (7.3) Demonstrate ability to use problem-solving skills
• (7.4) Demonstrate study skills
• (7.7) Demonstrate the ability to use information and communication technology