The questions my action plan addresses are: can cell phones be used to motivate and engage learners resulting in higher rates of homework completion and higher achievement? Does the use of cell phones in class increase the incidence of off task behavior, cyber-bullying, and or cheating?
Other than the obvious issue of time, I can foresee several issues with my action research plan. I believe both of them may be overcome fairly easily. The first concern is alienating my coworkers. My plan requires student use of cell phones, and most of my coworkers are against allowing the students to have cell phones in school. I'm afraid that, since they so obviously disapprove, they are going to think I am working against them. They may think that what I am doing in my classroom will encourage students to break the rules in their classrooms. I think I can overcome this problem by having a dialog with the faculty. I will share with them that only one of my classes will be using cell phones, and that they have signed agreements that they will not have their celll phones on and/or visible in the hallways, other teachers classrooms, or anywhere other than in my classroom. Additionally, they are not even allowed to use cell phones in my classroom without my permission, and only for educational purposes. I dont think the faculty will have a problem with me personally as long as they know that I am not giving students permission to have "free reign" and that I will fully support them in enforcing the rules of their own classrooms and in the hallways. I have already, of course, secured my principals permission and support of my action plan and use of cell phones for learning.
The other problem I foresee is parent perception of what is happening in my classroom. Again, I believe this possible problem can also be overcome with communication and dialog. Additionally, some parents may worry about the safety issues involved with students having the ability to text and take pictures with smart phones. I'm not exactly sure how to overcome this fear, if it does arise. The first step is to ensure all the students are taught about their digital footprints and ethics and safety when using technology. The only difference between using a cell phone and a computer with Internet is the concern of students uploading pictures without my knowledge. If anyone has any suggestions about this issue, I'd be glad to hear them. I feel like I have a good handle on my students and I don't think they would do anything like this, but .... I am not sure that is a good plan.
Thoughts anyone?
Other than the obvious issue of time, I can foresee several issues with my action research plan. I believe both of them may be overcome fairly easily. The first concern is alienating my coworkers. My plan requires student use of cell phones, and most of my coworkers are against allowing the students to have cell phones in school. I'm afraid that, since they so obviously disapprove, they are going to think I am working against them. They may think that what I am doing in my classroom will encourage students to break the rules in their classrooms. I think I can overcome this problem by having a dialog with the faculty. I will share with them that only one of my classes will be using cell phones, and that they have signed agreements that they will not have their celll phones on and/or visible in the hallways, other teachers classrooms, or anywhere other than in my classroom. Additionally, they are not even allowed to use cell phones in my classroom without my permission, and only for educational purposes. I dont think the faculty will have a problem with me personally as long as they know that I am not giving students permission to have "free reign" and that I will fully support them in enforcing the rules of their own classrooms and in the hallways. I have already, of course, secured my principals permission and support of my action plan and use of cell phones for learning.
The other problem I foresee is parent perception of what is happening in my classroom. Again, I believe this possible problem can also be overcome with communication and dialog. Additionally, some parents may worry about the safety issues involved with students having the ability to text and take pictures with smart phones. I'm not exactly sure how to overcome this fear, if it does arise. The first step is to ensure all the students are taught about their digital footprints and ethics and safety when using technology. The only difference between using a cell phone and a computer with Internet is the concern of students uploading pictures without my knowledge. If anyone has any suggestions about this issue, I'd be glad to hear them. I feel like I have a good handle on my students and I don't think they would do anything like this, but .... I am not sure that is a good plan.
Thoughts anyone?
I am with you on the whole "time" issue! Are you going to be conducting this with an entire grade level or will you just be selecting a certain number/group of students to help you with this? Sounds like an interesting plan! I look forward to hearing the results!
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