Mobiles in the Classroom--Interview

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I had the pleasure of attending a professional development workshop with a Google Trainer.  During this time I had an opportunity to talk to several colleagues in the high school regarding use of technology, specifically cell phones in the classroom. 

A Video Intro from Mr. Lapi

Click here for Rick Lapi's Website 

School Policy:  Our High School has an open cell phone policy, however at the Middle Schools cell phones are not to be used, unless granted permission from the building Principals.  I was surprised to hear the majority of high school teachers say they like the “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) concept.  I also learned that my counterpart at our other Middle School, Rick Lapi, was granted permission to allow his 8th Grade Multimedia students to use their devices for a variety of other tasks.  Rick and I teach the same curriculum.  I decided to interview Rick, as I was curious how our middle school age group was able to handle the responsibility of this privilege. 

Uses of Phones/Devices:  Rick said his students use a variety of devices, such as the Kindle, Galaxy, iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.  His main purpose for using them is to gather images and videos for a summative assessment project regarding the application of different camera shots.  He said the kids do not typically use the phones for research, as many high school teachers do, simply because his room is a computer lab, and the kids use the PCs for the research component.    He has also used the devices for a text survey and classroom response system, group poling with the Cel.ly app, and surveys.  Rick also has cameras in his room for the student who do not have devices. 

Parental Involvement & Feedback:  As far as the parents are concerned, Rick has never had an issue with the kids who use their own devices.  He tells the kids to inform their parents they are allowed to use devices in his class, but does not require them, so there have been no problems.  I asked if the kids abuse the privilege, and just as the high school teachers shared, kids know when to put them away. I feel this comes down to enforcing rules right away at the start of the year and following through with consequences, just as any other classroom management issue.

Technical Challenges:  There were some technical challenges that Rick encountered.  The main issue in capturing images and video was how to get the files from the phone to computers.  If kids are logged into the phone settings under Wi-Fi as a “Guest”, they are unable to email themselves the pictures, as our firewall won’t allow this action.  Rick has cords to import the files to the computers, but only one cord for each different type of device, so the kids have to be patient and take turns—a challenging skill for our age group. 

What Rick Learned:  Rick learned that phones can be a valuable too.  The kids enjoy using them so increases engagement and interest.  He also feels if kids are allowed to use their own devices, it can help with budget constraints, eliminating the need for cameras and school resources for internet and research.  Like all technology little issues will pop up, and you have to be prepared for an alternative plan.  Being a computer teacher for almost two decades, Rick is used to technical issues and problems, so this is not something that is intimidating!  

What I Learned:  I learned, like most things, the success of mobile devices in the classroom depends on preparation, setting rules and guidelines, enforcing rules and guidelines, and having a Plan B.  I liked Rick's point about how students bringing in their own devices will directly assist in budgetary constraints.  I learned my school's mindset on the BYOD concept is a positive one where students can be productive and efficient. I am now better prepared to incorporate this in my own classroom, and have some positive benefits for learning to justify it.