Should Teachers Incorporate Texting and Twitter Into the Classroom?
It is not uncommon for me to turn on the news or read an article about texting in the classroom. Teachers are pulling their hair out trying to stop it…and the more they resist, the more the students persist. I even saw recently where a student was caught texting, the teacher called the police (after an argument) and the student hid her cell phone in her pants. Argh!
From where I sit, it makes perfect sense to start using texting in the classroom. Imagine this: Every child in the classroom has a cell phone, the teacher has Twitter open on a big screen television, a discussion happens, and the students all weigh in by posting to Twitter. The class can then choose a topic on the screen to explore in further detail.
I am sure this sounds ridiculous, and many critics will argue that not everyone has a cell phone nor can they afford it…true! BUT…I have been into several public schools, and it is hard for me to find a student who does not own a cell phone and who does not text as the main means of communication. So…that is a hiccup we would have to address (to make sure that everyone has a text plan that is free, etc.)
I suppose my main thought here is this…if students are texting, tweeting and on their laptops checking their friends’ Facebook comings and goings during class, then why not bring this into the classroom? I think the whole “broadcast/lecture” model is not working, and we have to find a way to get our students engaged and involved.
Would love to hear your comments on this post and the video below.
Bea Fields is the President of 
Hi Bea et all;
Your timing in re-posting this is perfect for me, Bea. I thaak you, heartily!
Yesterday was my first class with my first year, GenY students in “Intro. HR” at York U in Toronto.
I raised Twitter and how we could use it as part of the class with the group as part of my introduction of the course and my approaches.
I got the biggest shock of my life!
Of about 150 so-called Tech Gen, very bright, students, only 5 were on Twitter.
Of these 5, only one really Tweeted.
All but one of the 150, however, was on FaceBook …interestingly not MySpace.
I think Twitter has a use in my class. I sense I can use it to better engage and enhance my co-learners and my own learning.
But, I don’t know how, yet?
I’m going to try your idea, Bea, of having the Five Tweets SMS to my Titter Account next Monday. (My tentative plan is to ask them to send me their answers to my group work question. I’ll project my @reply page on the class screen to display their answers.
I’ll see if I hook some others and await class and other ideas from your readers here.
I’ve set up a FaceBook Page for my current and prior students. I’ll be thinking and praying about how I can use that at York too. Anyone’s thought beyond posting article URLs there, I’d appreciate. 9I have a class web site through which I can do the latter.)
I’ve also asked for ideas on Twitter today. We’ll see what I get. I’ll be monitoring this comment section, Bea.
Blessings!
@GaryFPatton
Bea,
At least one university I know (Case Western Reserve) has texting-like devices in some of its science lecture halls, permitting students to post their answers to equations on the white board at the front of the room.
However, I don’t think texting should be allowed in grade school or high school — at least, not as a general practice. My concern is that the never ending onslaught of media stimuli is making it harder and harder for people to concentrate and focus on one task. And sometimes that type of concentration is vital.
Even adults I know report problems in maintaining the concentration they used to have. Newspaper and magazine articles seem too long, and books go unfinished.
I would suggest that while kids are in their formative years, discovering what learning style fits them best, that we give them the chance and the environment to embrace and appreciate the value of concentrated intellectual effort.
Great ideas Gary…let me know how this works ouT
Good points Lynne…yes…it is certainly a distraction. And, the lack of ability to focus is becoming concerning.
Thanks for weighing in!
Bea
Hi Lynne;
Your points are excellent Lynne!
As a Grandparent, with four over-stimulated Grandkids and homework in Kindergarten and a teacher, I agree with you completely.
Qualcomm’s research and their Chairman’s ideas come with a might big dose of bias. I’d want to see more research.
Blessings!
@GaryFPatton
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