Source: http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/04/10/texting-and-cell-phones-keeps-students-in-class.aspx

This is a short article highlighting the popularity of a recent initative to supply students and teachers with cell phones at a school called "Nutana Collegiate." According to the article, this is a school that is a last resort from some students or a place to retake a course. Many students do not have land lines or cell phones because they cannot afford it. The cell phones are used to keep the student and teacher in constant contact. It has proven effective. One professor stated that within his first quarter, he received thousands of text messages. Having cell phones available for student teacher use helps both sides. Students feel much less stressed if they are running late or can't make it to class, they can simply text their teacher and give them a heads up while still staying in the loop with course material. The teachers also benefit because they are able to send students material so they do not fall behind. It also works to build relationships between student and teacher.

This idea related to me personally by thinking about online courses or even emailing a teacher. In my undergrad, I frequently would email teachers and I can access email on my phone so a professor and I could easily be in contact. It also reminds me of online courses, the resources and materials are made available to me but I still have to communicate with my classmates and professors to understand eveyrthing I need to. As a teacher, I think it would be reasonable to make my email available. According to this article, the school provides the phones because some students cannot afford phones. If I were to work in a low-income area I think it would be important for a large or small cell phone company to get involved. If providing a few cell phones can promote education in poor areas, then I would definitely employ this method. Many students nowadays feel much more comfortable texting than anything else. This also coninicides with the NETS-S. Its a techonology that I am fluent in, and that students should learn because the world runs on cell phones now. Many people have done away with land lines and texting is the norm. Students of all backgrounds should be able to work with them.

Using cell phones as a mode of communication and education can relate to constructivism and the NET-S. The fact that teachers and students are just starting to use texting seems almost shocking. We text our friends, familiy, bosses, coworkers, and doctors, why are we not texting our teachers? It would make for a more techonlogy savy classroom. Futhermore, with cell phones students would be able to more adequately build their understanding. This leads directly into constructivism. The students will be abe to better use cell phones and work on written communication. All in all this is a great idea that should be considered at other institutions.

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/102112/chapters/What_Is_Project-Based_Multimedia_Learning%C2%A2.aspx

Here is a great article that highlights all the things we are discussing in class. It talks about making group projects, multimedia, and how to apply everything. There is even an "example" section.