sonal gupta 
Students live and learn in a digital world, so it’s important for schools to make the most of their use of smartphones. Cell phones can provide students with tools for learning outside of the classroom that they can access at any time.
In a recent study, participants reported that they felt that using mobile phone technology was beneficial for their education. They responded with positive ratings to all questions asked, including:
1. Reminding Students
In a classroom setting, students often use their phones as tools to help with research and access information from reputable sources. Rather than trying to fight this and lecturing students about their phones (which rarely has any impact) it is far more effective to teach them how to utilize their mobile devices in learning.
For example, students can use their mobile phones to take pictures and videos that they can later add into PowerPoint presentations. They can also record classroom lectures and listen to them again for future reference. This teaches students to be digital citizens and gives them the skills they need to succeed in this modern world.
When students do need to use their phones, teachers can create a hand signal that allows them to ask for permission without disrupting instruction or distracting other students that may be working. This is an excellent way to avoid power struggles and instead encourage positive behavior that will benefit everyone in the long run. Students will continue to have their phones with them in their everyday lives, whether they are at school or not, so it is important for them to learn how to utilize these tools responsibly.
2. Helping Students to Stay Focused
Most students have heard (from their parents, teachers or the media) that mobile phones are a major distraction. Yet, for most it’s a struggle to not have a phone by their side, even when they are revising or doing homework.
To overcome this, it’s important to help students to stay focused. Rather than simply reprimanding students for having their phones out, it can be more effective to set clear rules around phone use in class with a contract or agreement. This will help students understand that they are responsible for their actions and if they do not follow the rules, they will have consequences.
Another strategy is for teachers to actively walk around the classroom, which will make it harder for students to pull out their phones. This is especially effective when a teacher has their own mobile phone and can’t be distracted by it. Teachers can also use apps like Mentimeter that enable students to access presentations or ask questions, which helps to engage and interact. Using these tools will also help to show students that their smartphones can be used in a productive and educational way.
3. Communicating with Students
While many teachers have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to students’ phones being out during class, some use the technology to help them communicate with their students. Teachers can broadcast messages to the whole class (and those in remote locations) to caution students not to distract others or to stay on task. They can also remind students about upcoming assignments and reminders, such as an important before-school club meeting or a scholarship application deadline.
Some educators even utilize apps to get immediate feedback from their students. They can create polls through services such as Poll Everywhere, which allows students to click or tap the answer they believe is correct. The results are immediately displayed on the screen for the whole classroom to see, which can encourage student engagement.
Rather than fighting the good fight of trying to ban phones from their classrooms (which has proven to have little impact), teachers should show students how these devices can be used for learning purposes. As most students will continue to use their phones throughout their lives, both at school and in their professional workplaces, it makes sense that they learn how to integrate these devices into their learning experiences, not just in their classrooms.
4. Providing Resources
Despite their initial reputation as social-media distractions, smartphones offer a wide range of teaching and learning tools that can be useful in the classroom. When paired with guidelines for acceptable use, students can find the right balance to make their phones positive learning tools.
For example, the calendar apps on their phone can help them stay organized and keep track of assignments and deadlines. They can also use the phone’s clock to set reminders and ensure that they are not late for class. Moreover, they can use their mobile phones to look up information quickly without having to carry heavy and expensive textbooks or encyclopedias around with them.
Some research has found that mobile phones can add value from a pedagogical perspective by supporting new forms of learning styles and methods such as collaborative, contextual and constructionist learning (Rajasingham, 2015). In addition, the use of mobile devices in the classroom can also promote student engagement and participation. In a study conducted by Halla, 84% of students responded favorably when asked if they would be willing to use their mobile phones as a tool for seeking teacher assistance and providing feedback to their peers.
5. Encouraging Participation
Cell phones provide students with the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with others. Students can use their smartphones as class planners to keep track of assignments and deadlines, or as tools to gather media for research. Many teachers also encourage student participation by using social media to keep students engaged and involved in discussions. For example, some educators create twitter hashtags or message boards for their classes to share ideas during a discussion.
While students may sometimes misuse their mobile phones in the classroom, teachers should take steps to ensure that their students are making good use of this tool. For example, educators should encourage their students to use their phones for collaborative activities, and they should make sure that they are aware of the school’s cellphone policy.
Some researchers suggest that, instead of lecturing students about the negative aspects of mobile phones and their potential distractions in the classroom, educators should focus on showing them how to use these tools for learning purposes. This will help them develop an appropriate and beneficial approach to new pedagogies that embrace mobile technology.
