Cell
phones have existed in some way, shape, or form since about the 1980’s, and
have experienced a massive increase in popularity within our lifetime (I would
assume that most, if not all, of us in this course own one). Something that has experienced a surge in
popularity in recent years is the “smart phone,” thanks to companies and brands
like Blackberry, Apple and Android. One
of the key parts of these phones, along with recent inventions like the iPad
and other tablets, is the “app,” leading to the relatively new saying “there’s
an app for that.” While there are many
apps that are nothing more than games or something mindless, there are many
that exist that are quite educational.
There is an app that exists for the Blackboard system that is integral
to our education here at Montclair State, and there are multiple apps that
exist that can provide information for a specific historical event or
individual. Some examples that I have
come across are “The British Monarchy,” which provides the user with detailed
information of each leader of England and Scotland since the 8th
century. There are also apps that range
from a history of the RMS Titanic, to virtual tours of the pyramids in Egypt,
to interactive timelines of wars, to one titled “This Day in History,” which,
as you can probably figure out, explains the important events that have
occurred on that date in History.
Apps
like these can be extremely beneficial to students, as they can be used to
either reinforce or add to what they have learned while in class. They are tools that are either free or
relatively cheap, and as more and more schools begin to use devices like iPad’s
in the classroom for work (my brother’s high school plans to have an iPad for every
student beginning next school year), these can be very helpful to the teacher
as well. As the outside world becomes
more and more advanced in technology, the classroom should as well. Apps can be a great benefit to the classroom,
if it is implemented properly.
I think your blog brings up a future that may be more near than we think. The students that I observed at my fieldwork experience, are writing argumentative essays on this exact topic, using cellphones in the classroom. Interestingly enough, you find more evidence now then ever about how cellphones are beneficial for students learning inside of the classroom. Many educators are looking at cellphones as an educational tool and no more as a distraction. Cellphones are an aid, as you mentioned, in a variety of ways and can help students become more engaged in their education. Also, most schools now are allowing students to carry around their cellphones and use them if necessary.
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