Children using iphones
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Use of smartphones in classrooms in Barbados
The majority of students in our country are currently using smartphones as the preferred method of communication. Although the rules at our schools specifically state that cell phones should not be in schools, it is quite obvious that this would require constant monitoring, therefore, it would be more advantageous to utilise these smartphones in teaching. Initially when Edutech was conceptualized it was thought that each child would be given a laptop, currently the majority of children in especially secondary schools have access to smartphones which have very similar capabilities or even more than the laptop. If these were utilized in the teaching of the curriculum, it would allow teachers to explore a wider variety of teaching methodologies and give the students access to current information, as there would be easier access to video on various topics, and teachers could more readily utilise the concept of posting a quiz or other form of assessment on the internet. Students will continue to access all the current technology and as such teachers must use their interest in technology to encourage and augment their academic success.
Using Smartphones in the classroom
A few years ago, as Blackberries, iPhones, and Androids began to flood the smartphone market, middle and high school teachers tended to discourage their students from using them in class. And for good reason: aside from the annoyance of random ring tones going off during school, a bored teenager could easily tune out a lecture and text a friend; or worse, kids could dial up the internet during exams and, well, cheat.
But today, due in large part to the incredible versatility and internet capabilities of smartphones, educators are beginning to praise their upsides and take steps to minimize their downsides.
Reasons to use Smartphones in the Classroom.
- Students learn in a way they are comfortable. There is a widespread use of smartphones by younger children. More and more students know how to use them and they are becoming the most used ‘tool’ by children.
- Students are able to get answers quickly. Smartphones provide the ability to get answers quickly. A student may not ask for clarification to a question he or she has in an open classroom hence the use of a smartphone in a classroom setting can provide those answers.
- Audio and video can bring learning to life within the classroom. The audio and video capabilities of smartphones can bring learning to life within the classroom. This can be done through video images, music and voice. In addition, students can even be allowed to connect with other students from around the world, hence expanding their learning world.
- The use of the smartphones allows for social learning. Smartphones can allow students to work in groups on projects, sharing information and discoveries. Therefore, the students can move toward a common goal, in a format they are comfortable using.
- Their schoolwork becomes more portable when they have a laptop, tablet or even a simple flash drive to which to transfer their work.
- The children feel safer carrying their mobile phones with them in case of an emergency on their way to and from school.
- When popular gadgets are used as learning tools, kids may show more interest in learning.
- With the many different apps available, students can use their portable devices to help them stay organised or as study tools.
The disadvantages to kids bringing their smart phones to school
- Their smart phones could get:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Broken
- Smart phones can disrupt their schoolwork and studying efforts.
- These electronics can create classroom distractions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of using Smartphones
The invention of smart phone is astonishing. It has all the features that you have dreamed about. You can call, play games, compute your personal data, and do your office works with this handed device. People are now very fond of this device. Everybody wants to be a proud owner of smart phone. It has so many advantages that people cannot think modern life without it. It has some disadvantages too. It is a duel combination of cell phones and computing device.
Advantages of smart phones
- Smart phones have the ability to browse full websites with large amount of data and it will appear the same way as it is in the desktop browser.
- Also has QWERTY keyboard which is similar to the computer keyboard. The key board can be hardware (physical keys that you type) or it can be software (on a touch screen like you will find on an iPhones).
- Smart phones have applications that can help you create and edit Microsoft office documents.
- Smart phone also has a GPS which can be used to locate places that are new to you. When traveling to unknown places it is a good idea to have a GPS to help you find the place you’re looking for. Smart phones will help makes your tour navigable.
- When it comes to messaging, a smart phone will send messages and also emails. A smart phone can synchronize your personal and most likely your professional email account. Some smart phone can support multiple accounts depending on the make and model.
Disadvantages of smart phones
- Smart phones are not durable especially when not taken good care of. For example it can malfunction easily when they come into contact with water.
- It is very expensive to buy compared to other phones.
- Many of the applications which need to be on the smartphone, need to be mastered to avoid confusion when operating it.
- It can only work efficiently where there is accessible internet connection when it comes to browsing . Smart phones cannot be used to store large amount of data due to their storage memory.
Types of Smartphones
Blackberry
HTC
Samsung
iPhone
What are Smartphones?
What are Smartphones?
Smart phones are high end mobile phones which combine the features of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones creating a powerful, portable communication tool. They carry a variety of features within a small, often light weight frame. They however vary in size, colour, style and features as many manufacturers seek to remain on par with and even surpass the technology of their competitors.
Apple iPhone 3GS, Motorola Milestone and LG GW60 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Teaching With a Difference 