EdWeek Article, "Iowa High School Uses Cell Phones In Classroom"

by The Associated Press
posted September 20, 2010
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/09/19/376626iexchangetextingfortests_ap.html

Now here's a school that is really trying to take the negatives of today's technology and turn it into a positive! And, it's right in line with our Ed Tech class (can we say bonus?). This is a great real-world example of how a high school is working with students to enhance their learning.

This high school in Iowa is allowing students to use their cell phones in class and participate in multiple choice quizzes using the online tool, PollEverywhere.com. This online tool allows teachers to get real-time answers to the questions they ask. The teachers in this high school have found it gives them a better sense of what material needs to be covered in more detail as they are teaching, and the students are more engaged in the learning process because it's fun. The school district has considered what issues the leniency could potentially cause, so they have strict consequences for misusing a cell phone in the classroom. To date, they report they have had little problem with students following the rules.

But what about the students without cell phones or plans that allow for texting? The school provides them with laptops to participate. The school district superintendent reports they are committed to incorporating technology into the classroom, as many colleges and universities are using similar technologies for emergency notifications (including Willamette University).

Wow. Wouldn't it be nice if all school districts were so excited about the benefits that technology can bring to the learning experience?