Cell Phones in the Classroom

I think cell phones should be allowed in schools and should be used in productive ways in the classroom. It seems silly to me that cell phones aren't integrated into schools already, especially Smart Phones.

Here's an article I found that supports my view:

The Value of Using Cell Phones to Enhance Education and Some Concrete Ways to Do So

And, here is a sample from that article:

10 Ideas for Using Cell Phones in Education

1. Student response polling or pop quizzes (no need to invest in additional devices)
2. Use sms to find definitions, currency conversion, math equations, translation and more
3. Use as an internet browser to access endless information
4. Research
5. Read news articles and current events
6. Read books
7. Download and use education programs such as Google Maps and use as GPS
8. Use as a digital or video camera to accompany school projects, publishing, etc.
9. Educate students on appropriate and acceptable social use
10. Use the voice technology to share engaging lectures or lessons

What do you think? What other technological advances would you like to see in schools?

Back to School Night

By now almost all east bay schools are back in session and I'm guessing most have had their Back to School nights. I went last night.

In my sons' school, the teachers have 10 minutes to present something to the parents. Most give a short bio about themselves and then talk about the classroom policies. I find this pretty standard and boring. I prefer the teachers who give a little demonstration of what the students are learning. In the six classes I visited last night, two teachers gave short demonstrations of what the students were learning this week. I appreciated that.

I like this because it gives the parents a taste of how the teacher teaches, and tells me he/she feels the content is just as important (or more important) than their credentials and the classroom rules.

I also noticed that not one teacher mentioned the district's homework policy. Hmmm...

Did you go to your child's Back to School night? If so, what did you think? What was your experience?