Summary: The below video illustrates a teacher welcoming texting into her classroom. As the
news reporter states in the video, “most teachers forbid the use of cell phones
and texting in the classroom, however in this instance this is just not the
case, it is the opposite.” The teacher shown requires her students to take out
their cell phones and text in responses to class discussion questions. The
teacher comments that this is a more effective method than simply probing and waiting
on students to volunteer and openly share thoughts regarding class questions.
She believes students are more prone to answer questions through texting in
responses anonymously; and students seem to love the idea. One student states
how he loves that everyone is able to contribute and add ideas to class topics
versus the usual one or two people who are always raising their hands to reply
to questions in class.
WATCH ABOVE VIDEO
Reaction: I think this is an absolute amazing idea. I
would have never thought of this on my own, which is why I love getting ideas
from other educators. In my experience in teaching, integrating technology into
a lesson proves to be an effective method to engaging students, making concepts
not only more interesting, but also memorable. Students often become curious
about the content, and become intrinsically motivated to explore and learn
material further, and ask questions on their own. As the above video discloses,
43% of students admit to texting in class. So why not welcome what appeals to
the students? I would definitely use this method with my students. I often use
“bellringers” with my students, where I pose relevant questions to that day’s
lesson at the very beginning of class. Students spend the first ten to fifteen
minutes answering the “bellringer questions” in their notebooks. I would love
to allow students to text in responses to the “bellringers”. I know for a fact
my students would appreciate that they are permitted to use their cell phone
openly during class. However, as an older teacher who is not so “tech savvy” I
would have to learn how to set up the live streaming so the students are able
to see the entire class responses. Once I figure out the live streaming
portion, this would be a wonderful way to incorporate technology into the
classroom on a daily basis. Again I love, love, loved the above video!
Additional GoogleReader resources:
Cell Phones in the Classroom
40 Quick Ways to Use Mobile Phones in Classrooms
Wow, what a great way to get students involved! I commend this teacher for finding an educational use for these often problematic devices. It's nearly impossible to get students to follow all of the rules that our district has enacted to control cell phone usage in school. Students are bold enough to text in the hallways during class changes and this is a time when all teachers are in the hallways observing them. The rules just don't seem to put fear in them at all. It has gotten completely out of hand. Te video really made this appear to be something that I would love to try in my classroom. After all, it is all about learning isn't it. Great job JoAnn!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a great tool! I worked with some teachers in Florida that used texting in the classroom in the same manner. More students were responding and the student test scores and grades increased big time! It is a great, creative way to engage students in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteDo you think it should only be used at the high school level or middle school too? I know I have middle school students that are constantly texting on their phones during the day.
Although cell phone use is "prohibited" in most schools, students still use their cell phone for various purposes (texting, social media, etc.), this is a great way to integrate texting within the class. Not only is this a way to increase student participation, but paper can be conserved as well. I would love to try this with my bell ringers and exit tickets!!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your comments. I know the video shows high schools students but Jordan I work with middle school students as well, and I believe this method would work for their age group too.
ReplyDelete