- Think about 2 or 3 ways in which you can get your learners to use smartphones in one of your lessons
- What are some of the pros and cons for using smartphones?
- What are some of the challenges you anticipate with using this device in your classroom?
- How would you suggest overcoming these challenges?
- Now that you have given some thought to the questions share your answers to these questions with your colleagues in this forum.
Forum Discussion- Using Smartphones in the classroom
In reply to First post
Re: Forum Discussion- Using Smartphones in the classroom
by Modibedi Motlhaodi -
Smartphones can be used in the classroom for searching for current news(Pro) but can be distracting when learners use the phones to do other non-related things(CON). We can use the phone calculator, use browser to search for information and also take pictures of real life application of subject lessons.
Pros and cons: For a subject like languages, smartphones could be used to enhance vocabulary, looking for new words or searching for words with similar meanings. In addition, they can research various topics to gain new insight into the subject matter or for their prepared speeches. AI could enhance their writing abilities and point out certain areas for improvement - this is a PRO. The CON, however, the more students use their phones, the more fatigue they become and once they reach this level, their concentration lapse. It can also result in addiction as it is proven that screen time has a similar effect as using cocaine.
Challenges: Distraction, but one could have a time limit for searching something to reset.
Challenges: Distraction, but one could have a time limit for searching something to reset.
In reply to First post
Re: Forum Discussion- Using Smartphones in the classroom
by Thinakwethu Ratshili -
- You can send learners notes and post Google forms for them to complete and see if they understand the topic. You can also send assessments to save on paper and the learners answer on lined paper. You may also use clickers and have live questions being answered. You may also post videos and ask questions based on the video. You may also use edpuzzle to check whether the learners watched the video by adding or using existing questions.
- Pros is that learners access information instantly and know how to navigate the device. its also portable and can be used when instructed and guided by the school policy. Cons is that the phone's storage can be too little to store other documents or apps. The battery life of it dies out too quickly and learners constantly want to charge phones at school.
- When using a laptop if there is no electricity and then you cannot project your lesson preparation. When learners are on their cellphones they wander to another app than school work.
- Ask the school if they can install an alternative energy source to keep you powered up. When giving learners to work on their cellphones constantly walk around the classroom to see if they are working with the work given.
Smartphones have various applications that prove helpful in the educational or learning process. Such applications include typical software like MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint), web-based apps for learning language, vocabulary, solving mathematical problems, general knowledge, and other resources. Email and messaging. Email and messaging applications can be loaded on a smartphone, letting users receive and send messages from their phone.
Mobile learning allows for greater flexibility by removing the requirement for learning to take place at a specific time and location. By making study materials easily accessible on mobile devices via video, podcast, and other multimedia formats, mobile learning raises the bar for learning flexibility.
Ways of Using Smartphones in the Classroom
- To access educational content and e-books;
- To access the school's Learning Management System;
- To use AR/VR tools to aid learning;
- As a collaboration tool;
- As tools for adaptive assessment;
- For test preparation support;
- Distance tutoring and homework support
In summary, while mobile phones offer entertainment and quick access to information, they can also be distracting for students and pose security risks. It's important to use mobile phones responsibly and balance their advantages with their drawbacks.