Cell Phones in the Secondary History Classroom Submitted by Greg Kulowiec, Plymouth South High School
Access is wide spread, costs have decreased and they have become a staple of our student’s lives. Educators now have the opportunity to channel the power of cell phones and turn them into tools that facilitate learning. With a little imagination, educators can harness the varied features of cell phones to increase engagement, relevance of content, participation and excitement in the classroom. Application #1 - Connecting Content to the Real World The concept is straightforward; once a unit of study is complete and students have demonstrated their understanding of the content, allow them to authentically reflect on their learning by comparing their knowledge to the outside world. Place students into groups of four or five and give them a list of questions that need to be answered. The catch, the group uses one cell phone to call out to the world to find someone who can also answer the question. This application may seem simple, but when used it transforms learning into an authentic, active process. Watch as students energetically discuss the answers to questions, extend the scope of knowledge beyond the classroom and high five when
a family member or friend on the other end of the call knows the answer. This application reinforces learning because students are genuinely excited to find a match and remember their answers at a deeper level because the excitement they experienced during the activity. Application #2 – Cell Phones as Classroom Clickers Utilize text messaging to engage students in class discussion, check for understanding, or check the class pulse on an issue. First, create a free Poll Everywhere account (www.polleverywhere.com). Poll Everywhere turns student cell phones into classroom response systems where students can respond to multiple choice or open-ended questions by sending a text message. Once a question has been created, display the poll with an LCD projector and watch as the results appear in real time. By turning student cell phones into classroom clickers, educators can create a classroom environment where all students can anonymously participate in discussion. Once the results are recorded, students are willing to argue their vote because of the visual confirmation that other students share the same
perspective. Sample Video: http:// blip.tv/file/2088827 Application #3 – Animoto Nearly all cell phones on the market have built in cameras and this too can be harnessed for classroom use. First, create a freed Animoto account for educators (www.animoto.com). Then, create a free account on Evernote (www.evernote.com). The Evernote account will provide an email address that can be distributed to students while on a field trip. Direct students to take pictures with their cell phones of pertinent images and have them text message the pictures to your Evernote email address. The images will appear in the Evernote account and can then be saved and uploaded to Animoto. Once the pictures have been uploaded to Animoto, a movie quality slide show with professional image transitions, background music and text will turn the field trip into a presentation that can be published and shared with faculty and parents. Sample Animoto: http:// animoto.com/play/ wdJpGKCrhBZm2XQGgIhg8w# continued on page 11
what is innovative? what is innovative? what is innovative? what is innovative? Education (Frankfort) The Kentucky Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) has a state wide event called the State Championship. At this event students from across the state (3,500) come together to demonstrate what they know and can do in technology. An awards program follows. Google STLP Elaine may be contacted at elaine.harrisonlane@education.ky.gov.
LOUISIANA Virginia Lloyd from Natchitoches Magnet School (Natchitoches) is utilizing video conferencing equipment in many ways. One daily use is the Algebra I class that connects with another school in Natchitoches for their daily instruction. The librarian keeps teachers updated on possible video connections through CAPSpace such as pen pal programs, science experiments, and sharing books. Virginia may be contact at vlloyd@nat.k12.la.us
Paula Naugle from Bissonet Plaza (New Orleans) has her fourth grade students being quizzed on their multiplication facts by Crista Anderson's fifth graders in Montana via Skype calls each day. Mrs. Anderson's students have been encouraging and supportive. This online experience has been a positive way to encourage them to learn their facts. Paula may be contacted at plnaugle@gmail.com MARYLAND Laura Webber from Roland Park Country School (Baltimore) has been engaging in a real push this year to utilize all the tablet's
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