History and Education

Since the introduction of cellular telephones, there has been controversy on the use of them. Even to this day, there are still signs in public areas which advise patrons to silence phones and in some cases, even digital photography is prohibited. There are in fact particular places where the disuse of phones is understood or even expected. Yet in schools the controversy continues, across the country a school’s rules vary on their use of phones, with some approving them, others banning them, and some finding a balance.

   In reference to global education, The use of technology is extremely important and educators are finding more and more ways to include technology in the classroom. This Is because technology is the single most efficient way of connecting others and making global impacts. This brings me back to the use of cellular devices. Cellphones, modernly referred to as smartphones, have evolved in momentous ways. They are no longer simple “lift and speak” devices. They are in themselves computers with the capability of easily reaching out to other parts of the world in seconds. Their interface has increased dramatically and their ease of use attracts all types of people. That being said, it is fair to argue that we have reached a time in society where technology is literally at the touch of a finger. With more and more innovative devices coming to existence, there is no point in fighting them or disregarding their ability.

   Students of all ages have access to mobile technology, let it be smartphones or tablets. And the new generations of students will be born into this age where these innovations are almost natural to them. This poses the question to, Why ban them in School? There can be many arguments that these devices also pose dangers, but banning them or limiting their use will halt any chance of teaching productivity in these devices.

   It is possible for educators of all subjects to put use to these devices in countless ways, through various applications and online resources. Including applications such as:

 

ED Puzzle

Flip Grid

Google Classroom

Remind

Homework Apps

Skype, and so much more.

 

All these applications and more, allow students to utilize their devices in the most efficient ways; proving that smartphones are much more than just Snapchat and Instagram. Teachers are able to accomplish multiple things by promoting the use of smartphones and tablets in the classroom, Including saving money on school-owned devices (requiring less), teaching new software, and spreading knowledge through new modalities, among other things.

 

This is why I recommend the use of smartphones in the classroom, as educators we need to adapt to our surroundings, there is no point in fighting something that is is not going anywhere anytime soon. Smartphones and technology are going to keep advancing and the only way to get ahead of it is to utilize it to educate our students. Moreover, students are going to be on their devices anyway so why not have them be on it to complete their homework and learn new information.

 

Take a look at this video from a school in Switzerland and their use of smartphones and technology in the classroom.  

Also, check out this article shared by an educator on Twitter, and give them a follow.

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@mrjoshtorres