The Ever Growing Power of Mobile Technology

My students don't wear wrist watches. Neither do I. Do you? Chances are if you are, you are not living the the mobile digital technology world that our teens and twenty-something users are. Before you cry, "Foul," realize this isn't a condemnation or a judgement. It's just a different style of living. I cannot listen to Ke$sha or Wiz Kahlifa without experiencing real pain, so I don't buy all of their lifestyle as well. We're different. That, however, does not excuse us from an awareness of that lifestyle and how we must harness it to stay current in the classroom and in life. Mobile technology is the future. The major computer companies know this and are planning accordingly. While we celebrate this move, I would like to know where your school's technology plan falls in this reality. If you are still existing in the world of a few scattered computer labs that teachers jockey to use, you can count your school clearly in the dark ages of the technology curve. Before you cry, "Foul," again, please note that I am fully aware of the financial challenges that face this country and my state when it comes to educational finance. The key word is awareness. We might not be able to change our direction immediately, but as educators, we have to remain current with trends and directions. We have to utilize what we know, use what we have, and access what we can. Many are now using polling through text to gather answers and responses from students. Sites such as Poll Everywhere and SMS Poll can be used. Problems also arise. First, there is the issue of fair and equal use. How do we make sure all students have access to mobile technology? Second, how do we govern the use of mobile technology and maintain safe standards within our school environment? Third, how do we train our staff to use and maintain mobile technology in our classrooms? All of these issues aside, it is our awareness and preparation for this technology that must happen. Now, as for that watch you are wearing, that's a different issue entirely.

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