Comments on: Networked Schools 2: Mobile phones before laptops

By: Recanting…& Remodelling My Ideal Classroom | A Stick in the Sand

Recanting…& Remodelling My Ideal Classroom | A Stick in the Sand — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:09:17 +0000

[...] while ago I said that if I had my druthers, I’d prefer 1 smart phone-per-child over 1 laptop-per-child. I’m recanting. Sort [...]

By: Brad Ovenell-Carter

Brad Ovenell-Carter — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:05:51 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Rob. I think this will have to be the compromise–as a matter of hard, practical fact. I like the idea of students having access to the web when they’re away on a field trip. It would be nice to look up data right when we needed it; and I like the idea of anything that breaks down classroom walls. But, students are not out that often. Even here at IPS where they’re out at least once a month, it’s be hard to justify $70/month/kid.

By: Rob De Lorenzo

Rob De Lorenzo — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:51:12 +0000

The critical component to the success of mobile technology in teaching and learning is the ability to both consume and create digital content. However, the cost of data services provided by telcos are too expensive to be practical in a K-12 environment. As it is possible to create content without being constantly connected to the wireless network (i.e. camera and mics for recording of data, keyboard for data input, etc.), using an iPod Touch is practical in a K-12 setting as students can create the content in the field and then use Wi-Fi in the school to post their finding to the world in a blog, wiki etc.

The major restriction when not constantly connected to a wireless network is the research/consumption of content but that can be done prior or after the out-of-school activity, depending on how the lesson is structured.

By: tyfn

tyfn — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:23:25 +0000

As a student that has had my blackberry since last Spring, I have found it to be indispensable for everyday life. I am able to respond to emails via gmail, I can plan meetings with the calendar which can be synced with google calendar, I use it as an alarm clock to wake up in the morning and to time food I put in the oven.

I don’t buy newspapers as I like to read google news when I’m on the bus or working out on a bike at the gym. I also like being able to have a true keypad to send text messages to friends as I hate to talk on the phone as I have very limited minutes each month.

It is also cool that I can use google maps to point out my location and find an address when I’m on the way there on the bus. I have also used google maps to help a tourist on campus find a location.

It is easy to put in a URL to find a website or to click on a link in twitter to read someone’s blog. I like to keep the images off though to save on the amount of data I’m receiving.

I also like how I can take pictures and send them to friends. I haven’t used this feature too much though. Although, I was in Safeway once and took a picture of the bulk bin number for some peanuts I bought, so that I would remember it when I went to checkout.

I also use the notes feature to keep track of the location where I meet people and their names (I have a bad memory). Also, sometimes I will be sitting down trying to organise my thoughts and I find that jotting notes in my BB, really helps organise my information.

Basically, the value of a Blackberry won’t be understood until someone has it. I was given mine by a friend and it just sat on my shelf for a couple of months because I didn’t think I would have a use for it. I really like my Blackberry and don’t regret not having an iPhone. I don’t have wifi at home, so having an iPhone wouldn’t be of much use here.

Phillip

By: Brad Ovenell-Carter

Brad Ovenell-Carter — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:25:28 +0000

I realize data plans are expensive–just don’t know how to get around that. And wireless in a school is easy, as you say. But what happens when you don’t want to be in the school building? In principle, at least, you can use a phone anywhere. And why should we carry two devices–namely a mobile phone and an iTouch? Maybe the iTouch is a good interim step?

Some intersting ideas here at MobileEd: http://mobiled.uiah.fi/

In the end, data plans are going to have to come down in price or this sort of connected school thing is moot.

By: Bob Cotter

Bob Cotter — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:17:30 +0000

Mobile phones? I’m thinking more along the line of the iTouch. I know that one would need to have ready wireless access, but in a school environment that is easy.

With a phone, there MAY be service charges depending on how well they can use an existing wireless network, but I’m also wondering what ‘phone’ type applications might be used… ‘phone a friend”?

By: Chris Corrigan

Chris Corrigan — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:01 +0000

iPhones for all. I agree…what is need is basically the Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy, with tools attached so that students can add content as they go. So iPhones, not Macs.