Using Cell Phones in Education

Using cell phones in education has its pros and cons.  I feel that it is good to meet students where they are and what they are familiar with.  Why not incorporate one of their main types of communication into their education.  It would be great to have all students able to communicate and share information and resources as well as use various educational apps and programs to enhance their learning.

I love the idea of using QR codes and linking books to activities and extensions on the Internet.  I recently read this blog post by Steven Anderson and realized the extreme potential for using them in the classroom or library setting.  If students were able to use their own mobile devices it would eliminate some of the struggle over a single QR station in the library.

On the other hand, security risks could become a problem with using cell phones in the library.  Without being able to monitor all students, some could abuse their privileges.  Another issue is having equal access for all students.  While most people do have cell phones, not all do, or they may not have access to features that would makes its use educational.

Until schools are able to provide safeguards for using cell phones in the school setting, I don't feel that it will become as widespread as it should be.  We would also have to establish a way for all students to have access to the necessary equipment, which I don't feel is a realistic option today.  I would love to find a way to incorporate use into the educational setting, but there are some major hurdles to jump if we want widespread use.