Dangerous Cell Phone Usage

Cell phones are handy little devices that people everywhere have come to rely on. They are easy to use, small, making it easy to stash them anywhere, as well as convenient. What most people don’t realize, though, is the potential danger associated with using a cell phone. This can happen in many ways.

The first way that a cell phone can be dangerous is at a gas station. Although most people have never paid much attention, most gas stations post warning signs near the pumps, warning customers of cell phone usage while pumping gas. The gas station owners are afraid of an electrical spark from the mobile phone somehow causing an explosion. Even though the ability of cell phones causing gas station fires is unsubstantiated, some areas are strict about enforcing the rule of not using a cell phone while pumping gas. Some states will even issue a fine to anyone caught using a wireless phone at a gas pump.

One very serious danger of using a cell phone is while driving. There are several ways that driving while having a cell phone conversation can be dangerous. First, a person may not properly pay attention to the road as they are dialing a phone number. This could result in a car accident. Also, a person could be so engrossed in a conversation that the same result could occur. It’s doesn’t matter if the conversation is negative or positive, it could still cause an accident. A person could be arguing with someone, causing them to be upset and suffer from impaired judgment. They may miscalculate the time that they have to make a certain turn, or make a similar mistake that they wouldn’t have made had they not been involved in a cell phone conversation. Even if the driver is having a pleasant conversation, it is still possible for them to become so engrossed in the good news or whatever it may be, that they may a serious mistake that causes a car accident. Car accidents are usually very serious, too. People can get seriously injured or even killed. And if the police find out that the person causing the accident was using a cell phone as they drove, that person could be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Who wants to risk going to jail, just to use a cell phone while they drive? No one does. This is why people need to practice more responsible habits while using mobile phones. Sure, wireless phones are convenient and important, but using them in the wrong situation can have some tragic consequences.

New Learning in India & Africa: Student Cell Phones

A recent report on ABC news highlighted how students in rural areas of India were using their cell phones to learn languages. One of the benefits of using student cell phones for learning in India is that they can learn away from school (since many are forced to skip school so they can work).

In Africa a project called MobilED has been working on different ways to integrate the students' cell phones into learning. Below is one example of how the students are using cell phones to voice record and create oral stories. Beyond this video, they are also using audio encyclopedias that couple with cell phones for student projects.

Cellphones Can Save Your Life

Originally designed for keeping in touch, today’s cellphones are nifty feature rich communication devices that not only come equipped with an incredible array of functions to increase your productivity and entertainment experiences but also with the ability to save your life. Hence, in this article we examine ways in which the modern cellphone can be used as a survival tool.

Bullet Protection
The metal casing found in today's cellphones is not only great for keeping away scratches, but can also be used to deflect bullets. Take the case of Darren Prior, a jewelry attendant who credited his cellphone for saving his life during a botched robbery.

Flash Light
The bright display screen found in today’s cellphones not only makes it easy to use the device in the dark but also allows the cellphone to be used as a portable torch, like in the case of the two stranded hikers who had used their cellphone display screens as glow sticks to direct rescue helicopters to their location.

Personal Surveillance System
Many cellphones now come equipped with a camera which are not only good for snapping personal pictures but can also be used as a personal surveillance device to help protect you from unforeseen incidents, such as a pervert on the subway, a robbery suspect and a would be kidnapper.

Silent Alarm
Apart from keeping in touch, the text messaging ability is a great feature that is not only simple to use but also discrete. This is especially useful if you need to send out a silent alarm, like in the case of a kidnapped boy who secretly text messaged his parents.

Location Finder
Many new cellphones come with a built in GPS. Not only does this technology allow parents to spy on their kids but can also be used a GPS system to find your exact location. Like in the case of the standard couple whose cellphone GPS capabilities enabled Emergency 911 operators to relay their location to on ground rescuers.

Cell Phones in Learning Radio Show: Wed June 17th: Conversation with Developer of Yodio.com

CHAT TRANSCRIPT
Liz Kolb says (00:32:22):
Welcome everyone!
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:35:12):
Elizabeth Hartnell_Young's work at University of Mottingham in England:
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:35:17):
Links:
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:35:20):
http://www.lsri.nottingham.ac.uk/ehy/index.htmhttp://www.lsri.nottingham.ac.uk/ehy/learning_with_mobile_technologie.htm
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:35:38):
Sorry...
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:35:40):
http://www.lsri.nottingham.ac.uk/ehy/learning_with_mobile_technologie.htm
Liz Kolb says (00:37:11):
https://www.obopay.com/consumer/GetHelp.do?target=HelpHowWorks
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:37:40):
Other Hattnell-Young link: http://www.lsri.nottingham.ac.uk/ehy/index.htm
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:42:29):
YES!
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:42:43):
Can you turn it up a bit, Liz?
Liz Kolb says (00:43:07):
That is all I can do
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:43:10):
Better.
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:43:50):
Yodio: http://www.yodio.com/
Liz Kolb says (00:46:51):
Hi Cheri - Can You Hear?
CheriToledo says to (00:46:55):
Yes
CheriToledo says to (00:47:06):
I was in before but wanted to be able to comment, so i logged in
Liz Kolb says (00:47:16):
Great!
CheriToledo says to (00:47:19):
thanks to you, i'm using yodio
Liz Kolb says (00:47:38):
Whohoo..thank Jimbo Lamb! He showed me
CheriToledo says to (00:48:19):
It's working great and several of my grad students will use it with their K-12 students
CheriToledo says to (00:48:38):
this is a recording, right?
Liz Kolb says (00:48:40):
Clay is going to talk about future of Yodio ap..great things are coming our way
Liz Kolb says (00:48:49):
@cheri YES!
CheriToledo says to (00:49:21):
Do you post the archive of the show?
Liz Kolb says (00:49:51):
Yes, on my blog (within 24 hrs)
CheriToledo says to (00:50:09):
great, thanks! I'll direct my students there
CheriToledo says to (00:54:01):
What did you use to create the recording? Yodio?
Liz Kolb says (00:54:20):
http://FreeConferencePro.com
Liz Kolb says (00:54:56):
It's Free and can record up to 200 people on one conf call at a time
Liz Kolb says (01:00:28):
Thank You for joining Us!
Jeff Stanzler says to (01:00:36):
Thanks!!
CheriToledo says to (01:00:42):
thanks!!
Liz Kolb says (01:00:49):
Thank you Cheri!
CheriToledo says to (01:01:15):
wow - it cut you off at the end didn't it

3 Cool Cell Phone Tricks For You

Cell phones have become ubiquitous. It is now unusual to find anyone who does not have one of the little beasties. The obvious next step was to seek a means to ensure your cell phone is unique and different from all of the others out there. A variety of features exist in varying combinations and there are the usual tricks like customizing the picture on the screen or the ringtone. These are almost all more style than substance.

We’ve all experienced the ringtone that outstays its welcome and then just won’t go away or a ringtone that is just particularly inopportune for some reason. There are also stories of just the wrong cell phone wallpaper showing the bosses relative or some other potentially embarrassing sight. Some people actually use those phones for something other than status symbols. Here are a couple of tricks for those.

One potentially useful trick is the doggie whistle. For cell phones that allow multiple ring tones, using the inaudible dog whistle for one provides a handy method to discourage annoying dogs that might chase you as you jog, harass you as you walk or some other hassle.

Another useful trick is that of habitually locking the phone’s keys when you replace it into a pocket, purse or other container. The random presses of buttons that otherwise occur are a drain on battery power unless the phone has been told to ignore them with the lock command, and can potentially save money if the phone might accidentally hit the correct combination to make a call. Another useful feature to save battery power is airplane mode, for those times when you do not desire to answer the phone but do expect to need the phone's other features, such as a planner function or even clock.

Finally, cell phones are terribly convenient. Carrying around a phone book isn’t. Yet conventional directory assistance costs can add up. The alternative is 800-FREE411, or 800-373-3411. This is an ad supported directory assistance that can be used to find numbers you haven’t stored on your phone without running up those directory assistance charges.

Time to Teach Students How to Bank via Cell Phone

R U Ready???
Well, ready or not mobile banking is here! It is available for anyone willing to give a try! Sites such as Obopay allow anyone to sign up and create a mobile banking account. The mobile banking allows anyone to send or accept money by sending a text message on a cell phone. No need for wallet, credit cards, change...etc. You send a text message to Obopay and the phone number of the recipient of the funds (the recipient does not need to be registered at Obopay!). Obopay does charge .25 cents to send funds (although it does not matter how much you send) and it does not cost the recipient any money. You can add money to your obopay account online with a credit card, bank account transfer, or even PayPal. People can also send you money via cell phone without an Obopay account!

Now that mobile banking is no longer a "futuristic" idea, shouldn't businesses and economic classes be teaching students how to deal with their finances in the mobile world? This is not the only mobile banking option, and it just touches the surface of the mobile banking possibilities!

Classroom Integration
Business/Economics Course
Teachers could set up a mobile account and students could responsibly spend and collect money from the account for a business related project. Obopay pay tracks who is sending money and where it is going.

Fund Raising
It might be an easy way to raise funds (since people do not have to have an Obopay account to send money). Since Obopay keeps track of all funds, senders, and recipents, it might be an easy way to keep track of finances.

A few other sites for mobile banking
Paymo
BilltoMobile


Thoughts????

Cell Phones in Learning Radio Show Wed June 3rd: Preservice Teachers Talk about Cell Phone Use in Student Teaching

Chat Transcript:
Liz Kolb says (00:24:59):
Welcome to the show! Tonight we are talking with four student teachers (recently graduated) who used cell phones in learning during their student teaching.@anlingua @galvinse @kglupker @refranco
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:32:07):
ok
Liz Kolb says (00:33:22):
Rena Franco World History teacher used cell phones during Imperialism unit
Liz Kolb says (00:33:28):
Hi Peggy
Peggy_G says to (00:34:00):
Hi Liz and Jeff
troutner says to (00:34:39):
Joanne Troutner from Indiana here thanks to tweet from Liz
Liz Kolb says (00:34:54):
Hi Joanne Thanks for joining
Peggy_G says to (00:35:37):
sorry I missed the beginning--curious if the student teachers had any issues getting permission to use cell phones in their classrooms?
Liz Kolb says (00:35:44):
Katie---9th grade English--Romeo and Juliet
Liz Kolb says (00:35:53):
Used http://drop.io
Liz Kolb says (00:36:07):
@Peggy good question will ask...
Peggy_G says to (00:36:10):
excellent idea!!
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:36:19):
Hi, Joanne
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:36:26):
Hi, Peggy!
Peggy_G says to (00:36:41):
what percent of the students chose to call in their assignment?
Peggy_G says to (00:38:19):
that makes sense--homework so no issues with permission :-)
Peggy_G says to (00:39:18):
what a high compliment from your mentor teacher!! :-)
Peggy_G says to (00:40:04):
that is so exciting that you had that kind of impact on the other teachers in the school!
Liz Kolb says (00:40:26):
@Peggy I agree...a great way for student teachers to teach the vets!
Peggy_G says to (00:40:45):
absolutely!! definitely helps when applying for a job!
Liz Kolb says (00:42:28):
Example of a blog post from a student teacher about their wiffiti cell phone project http://anlingua.blogspot.com/2009/03/wiffiti-bringing-cell-phones-in.html
Peggy_G says to (00:45:32):
did you grade those assignments differently whether they used cell phones or not?
Peggy_G says to (00:46:18):
I think 50% was a great response for something so new and different for them!
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:46:25):
I agree, peggy.
Peggy_G says to (00:47:34):
a long distance charge would definitely be a problem
Peggy_G says to (00:48:10):
I had a lot of university students who tried to use that same excuse--blame it on the technology if the assignment was missing :-)
Paul R Wood says to (00:49:23):
Just got home from work.
Liz Kolb says (00:49:23):
Time to teach how to make sure the technology saved...make students responsible for their own back-up!
Liz Kolb says (00:49:26):
Hi Paul
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:49:33):
Welcome, Paul!
Paul R Wood says to (00:49:42):
Hi Liz Hi Jeff
Peggy_G says to (00:49:47):
interesting thought about the retention of information--seems to me the cell phone experience would definitely help with the retention--just like we remember the field trips from our school days!
Paul R Wood says to (00:50:26):
I always think when you are working in the student's world the memory will be better.
Peggy_G says to (00:51:09):
it seems like the more you use the tool the more comfortable the students become and the focus can be more on the content than the tool
Liz Kolb says (00:51:19):
@peggy good point about comfort
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:51:23):
@peggy...YES!
Peggy_G says to (00:52:49):
lots of times (for teachers and kids alike) you need a chance to "Play" with the tool before you do something for "real"--maybe they could have tried that??
Paul R Wood says to (00:53:22):
The play part could come from trying different ways to use the tool.
Peggy_G says to (00:53:36):
that is fantastic analysis of the learning experience! you already sound like an awesome teacher!!
Paul R Wood says to (00:53:43):
We always have to model appropriate uses.
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:53:57):
Katie IS a special one...you're so right, Peggy.
Liz Kolb says (00:54:01):
Interesting how we as teachers also present and think of cell phones as toys even when we are using them as tools. Good lesson on how to model the way we want students to use the devices.
Paul R Wood says to (00:55:19):
@Liz I don't know I see a netbook as a toy but my real tool for so many things is my phone.
troutner says to (00:56:02):
Any teaching about how to make quick notes to help with the oral piece?
Liz Kolb says (00:56:55):
@Paul good point!! I need an iPhone!
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:57:01):
Joanne, I'm not sure that I grasp your question...could you reframe it for me?
Peggy_G says to (00:57:27):
many people don't like to hear their own voices on microphones/recordings regardless of whether it's a cell phone or not
Peggy_G says to (00:58:24):
voicethread might provide a good beginning experiece for recording their voices as responses to something
Peggy_G says to (00:58:58):
those are great ideas!!
Paul R Wood says to (00:59:09):
Most phones have mp3 capability now so should work well
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:59:10):
That's a good suggestion (VT), Peggy
Peggy_G says to (00:59:19):
so wise!! start small!!
Paul R Wood says to (00:59:35):
Good points
Peggy_G says to (00:59:59):
what excellent information!! As a former principal I would love to hire both of you!!!!
troutner says to (01:00:11):
I'm thinking having students jot some quick note before doing the cell phone call would be good.
Liz Kolb says (01:00:12):
Thank you all for joining us!
Paul R Wood says to (01:00:26):
Good luck and thanks all
Peggy_G says to (01:00:26):
blogtalkradio is definitely not tolerant of any spare minutes!!
Liz Kolb says (01:00:38):
Katie and Rena are on twitter at @refranco and @kglupker
Peggy_G says to (01:01:16):
Good luck to Katie and Rena!! Thanks for their twitter names! I'll follow them :-)
Liz Kolb says (01:01:24):
@Peggy Thank you! They will love that!
Peggy_G says to (01:02:18):
Thanks for another great conversation Liz and Jeff!