Mobile Devices in the Classroom

The issue of mobile devices in the classroom has been viewed by many in education as a policy nightmare. Do personal mobile devices have a place in our schools besides a locker?  This is an issue that schools continue to grapple with.  The majority of schools around the country answer that question with a resounding no or at least a not yet.  What is keeping us from incorporating this amazing little piece of technology into our schools?  I will explain my 4 concerns, all of which have counter arguments that may eventually change my mind as we answer those questions in the future.

Access for all students –Do all students have access to these devices?  At this point we make sure all of our students have a school issued laptop to use for their educational benefit.  E-Rate requirements limit, to some extent, what the school can purchase and how the students will be allowed to use the devices.  With smart phones, it would only be allowable for them to be used in the school building.   The Bring Your Own Device movement going on in some schools has gained some national attention.  However, not every students phone is going to have the same capabilities.  Then we start getting into the equity game.  Will schools start suggesting which mobile devices students should buy?  Are students without phones, or without the right type of phone going to be left out?

Safety – School technology directors dedicate a lot of time to making sure they operating in a technologically secure environment.  Virus protection software and content filtering software are some of our current methods of controlling and securing our network.  To my knowledge, mobile devices do not have that option. This can be both good and bad.  It may allow schools to have a chance to teach students how to properly use these devices but it may also allow for potentially dangerous and inappropriate use.

Quality of educational software – The educational software available on mobile devices has been increasing dramatically.  We need to ask ourselves the question, “What is it that we really want our students to be doing with these devices?  Are we intending them to be used in addition to or instead of tablets or laptops? How you answer that question is critical.  If your intent is to use it as additional piece, provided by the school, your cost can add up to about $400 per year, per device before purchasing any apps that may be needed.

Teacher expertise – Do your teachers want to use these devices in their classes?  Do they know how to incorporate them into the classroom?  Will the school provide training to teachers for their use?  

At present, I see mobile devices continuing to have isolated or heavily restricted use in our schools.  With funding where it is currently, I don’t see how schools can continue to afford to keep up with the changing technology.   Mobile devices (phones, iPods) are, for most, entertainment and communication devices, not educational devices, at least not yet.