Journal # 4

"From Toy to Tool" by Liz Kolb

This article is about cell phone use in the classroom. Liz Kolb makes an excellent point when addressing cell phone use and schools. Most see these two as conflicting, even Kolb did at first, but within this article she urges teachers to embrace this new technology and use it instead of fear it. It is true that cell phones are part of our students life today and to use something that the students feel comfortable using would help in getting the students attention about such a project. Kolb mentions that by using a cell phone students could set up blogs add audio and create very interesting and in depth interviews. By adding audio to a blog gives in a greater since of authenticity and would boost a students confidence. I also like the idea of capturing Zoo animal sounds to coincide with the picture or description of that animal.
Kolb seems to have all the bases covered. She addresses how to ensure that all students in the classroom benefit equally with such a project. By lending out her personal phone or purchasing a phone plan for around sixty dollars phones could be made available to all the students. She also talks of security and responsibility issues. I too feel that this would be a good opportunity to address these issues under the supervision of a teacher and in a classroom setting. I found Kolb's article both interesting and informative.

Question 1: Other then interviews or reports what else could a cell phone be used for?
As technology advances cell phones will either become obsolete (like the pager) or they will advance alongside. With text messaging and the additions of cameras into phones i feel that cell phones are advancing alongside technology. Because of this coexisting advancement there are many things that cell phones can be used for today and even more things they may be used for tomorrow.

Question 2: How much responsibility should the teacher bear when presenting a project like Kolb described in the classroom?
I feel that the teacher would have to bear 100% of the responsibility and think that it would be a difficult task, since it is difficult that does mean it is possible. Ensuring the students all have access, making sure that students are working on the project and not goofing off and making sure they only use phones for the project are three issues Kolb mentioned and three issues that a teacher would have to be very diligent to monitor.