The possibilities with cell phones are nearly limitless. I can remember when it was a big deal to have a bag phone in my mom’s Pathfinder, and an even bigger deal when we got a phone that had a hands-free receiver and speaker in the car. Being able to text wasn’t even a thought at that point. The prevalence of mobile devices today is amazing.
If you are blessed and have an iPhone or a BlackBerry, the applications of what you can do with your mobile device increase exponentially. You can play games, check the news (even from your favorite social media sites), and do the more mundane tasks that your device can do (like call and text people).
An interesting application for mobile devices that I learned about in my educational technology class came from the Special Education teachers. If you have an iPhone or an iPod touch, you can purchase educational apps. Specifically, you can purchase apps that can replicate many of the benefits from higher-priced equipment for special needs students. Not only are these MUCH cheaper options for schools, but they are much easier for students to take back and forth between their home and school, which can enhance their learning.
Personally, I really like what is possible with mobile devices, and how quickly they have changed. As an example, I typed this entire post from my BlackBerry.
Look at What I Can Do!
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Hey Ben! Before reading your post, I hadn’t heard of the educational apps that can be used for special needs students, but those could be so useful! And like you said, a lot cheaper than buying expensive equipment. Since cell phones have invaded our lives, and our student’s lives, it makes sense to me to put them to good use. Thanks for the informative post!
Kate
Ben,
I think this is the first time I’ve visited your blog… I hope in the future you education folk are using smart phones in the classroom like a homework app or maybe like a sign up for the SAT’s app??
Hi Ben,
Yall had the bag phone too? I remember thinking that was the most amazing thing to have a “car phone.” I agree with you on the evolution of cell phones. I feel as though our generation has seen the cell phone grow from birth (in the womb of the car phone jacket) throughout its teen (funky colors & games) and adult years (extensive apps/professional uses). The evolution of the cell phone continues to amaze me.
Sherrie