Yes, banning electronic devices when they are woven into the lives of our students doesn’t seem like the best solution. Our school has a “faculty council” which is basically a group elected by the staff to review and research concerns, it is not a group with authority but at times provides recommendations. Faculty writes down a concern and places it in a locked box similar to a suggestion box. Each month the council meets and reviews staff concerns with the biggest issue of late being cell phones. When our group began to sort out the cell phone concerns there was a common theme, inappropriate use. Our group felt that banning cell phones was equivalent to trying to hold back tidal waters, basically a battle that could not be won. I thought education could be the key and began to look for guidelines to cell phone etiquette for teens without success last spring. What I did find was a book by Liz Kolb called Toys to Tools Connecting Student Cell Phones to Education.
Take a look at this PBS video addressing cell phone or smart phone etiquette.
Liz Kolb's recent interview confirms a very similar mind set with Mike Wesch when it comes to student use and access to technology. Both Liz and Mike beliefs focus on connecting to the student's world if you want to engage them. I don’t think anyone has all the answers but we need to be open to trying new approaches for connecting education and student interests. Mike Wesch added a facebook connection to the class wiki as a means to attract students but admits his uncertainty with the decision. I think the point is to ease into the possibilities looking for the opportunities. Mike is creative in his efforts to engage students and we need to be creative in our efforts, so that I students can see and experience the benefits of taking risks. Students need us to model what thinking outside the box is all about.
Consider viewing Kenneth Robinson’s Ted video on creativity.
Take a look at this PBS video addressing cell phone or smart phone etiquette.
Liz Kolb's recent interview confirms a very similar mind set with Mike Wesch when it comes to student use and access to technology. Both Liz and Mike beliefs focus on connecting to the student's world if you want to engage them. I don’t think anyone has all the answers but we need to be open to trying new approaches for connecting education and student interests. Mike Wesch added a facebook connection to the class wiki as a means to attract students but admits his uncertainty with the decision. I think the point is to ease into the possibilities looking for the opportunities. Mike is creative in his efforts to engage students and we need to be creative in our efforts, so that I students can see and experience the benefits of taking risks. Students need us to model what thinking outside the box is all about.
Consider viewing Kenneth Robinson’s Ted video on creativity.
