MOBILE PHONES FOR LEARNING

Our children now live in a very technologically aware society.  They have access to information in many forms and manage the different media and input and retrieval methods better than many adults.  They have more avenues to develop, and more reasons to use, their communication skills.

A teacher set an assignment for students to do research in real time.  Their task was to send a message from their mobile phones and get a response to specific questions regarding the location and immediate environment of the recipient. 

This is a very simple example of how modern communication devices can be used for learning. Apart from the value of immediate communication, technology can open the doors to information from previously untapped sources.  While there needs to be safeguards and guidelines for appropriate use, and advice on how to identify useful information, the possibility of using the device in the palm-of-your-hand for learning should not be dismissed.

Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association
http://www.amta.org.au/default.asp?id=367 - Mobile phone tips including etiquette
http://www.str8tlk.amta.org.au/ - Great information for young people
http://www.str8tlk.amta.org.au/amta/site/str8tlk/downloads/2007/Manners%20Tips.pdf - Mobile Phone Manners - guidelines for everyone.

A news article in The Age regarding use of mobile phones and literacy.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/study-shows-im-is-ok/2006/08/01/1154198131278.html

ACT Department of Education policy on mobile phones
http://www.decs.act.gov.au/policies/pdf/2005_07_MobilePhonePolicy.pdf