It would not come as a shock today when we find teenagers carrying with them their very own personal mobile phones. Millions of teenagers worldwide have cellular phones with them either because they want to keep themselves abreast with the latest technology (that is how they really are) or because their parents themselves wanted them to have one because it allows them to monitor their whereabouts. You have to admit letting your children bring with them a cell phone offers a lot of advantages.
If it is the parent who wants their kids to have a cell phone, then it is only fitting that they shoulder the billing. Of course, you have to set some boundaries and inform your teen not to spend more than you what you have budgeted for it. If it is the teen who insists on having his or her own mobile phone, then it is just right that he or she shoulder part of the expense. The great thing about this is that your teen would learn how to budget and manage his or her funds. To avoid them going overboard when it comes to cellular phone expenses, you could start them off with prepaid phones. If there are no credits left on the phone then they cannot make calls or send messages. There is a strong tendency for teens to waste valuable talk time with just petty conversations over the mobile phone. Having a prepaid line, would teach them to limit their calls to important ones only.
I believe that the most popular models chosen by teens nowadays would definitely be the camera phones. They could basically fool around with it while taking pictures but warn them though that sending these images constantly to other cell phone users would be taking up much of the bill as well.
If your teen drives, spending a few more dollars on a hands free device or Bluetooth earpiece shouldn’t bother you. Teens need to be able to have both hands on the wheel while they may be taking an important call from you or from their friends. It is advisable though that you impose on your teens not to make or take calls while driving for safety reasons.
I would have to say that although some parents dislike the idea of letting their kids have their own cellular phones, I believe that any parent would agree that being able to know that they are safe and secure is totally priceless. Any parent would feel at ease knowing also that your children could call you anytime in case they will be in trouble.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Advantages Of Cellular Phones
There are several advantages of having a wireless phone. First of all, they’re very small and handy, making carrying them everywhere very easy. They can be very useful when doing business for a person who is constantly on-the-go. Instead of sitting at home or at an office, waiting for a phone call that may come when you least expect, a person can simply take the phone with them and complete whatever errands they have, and still not miss that important phone call.
Another advantage of having a mobile phone is in case of emergencies. A person may be on the road and may experience car trouble. Instead of walking in possible inclement weather, dangerous neighborhoods or long distances, the convenient cell phone can be used to call for roadside assistance, or either a friend to lend a hand. Cell phones can also be quite helpful in other emergencies as well, such as to call the police following a car accident, if a suspicious person appears to have criminal intentions, and especially if an actual crime had been committed.
Since the creation of cell phones, many households and businesses choose not to even have a landline telephone. The portability and convenience of mobile phones far exceeds the need for a landline phone. They may feel that it’s unnecessary to pay two separate telephone bills, when the cell phone meets all their needs, whether they’re at home, work or out having dinner at a restaurant.
Cell phones are also a lot more fun than traditional landline telephones. They have games, cameras, and recorders, which can be very handy. The games on these cell phones can prevent boredom. A person may be in an exceptionally long line someplace and the cell phone could make the time pass a lot more quickly.
Mobile phones are also better than landline phones because of the ability to send text and instant messages to friends, family members and business associates. This can be done almost silently, without disturbing others that may be nearby.
Some wireless phones also allow consumers to access the internet. They can check their email, view the weather, sports scores and other useful website from the palm of their hand, no matter where they are. They can also download cool new ring tones for their phone.
Many people wouldn’t dare leave home without their cell phone, even if it is only used to keep in contact with friends and family.
Another advantage of having a mobile phone is in case of emergencies. A person may be on the road and may experience car trouble. Instead of walking in possible inclement weather, dangerous neighborhoods or long distances, the convenient cell phone can be used to call for roadside assistance, or either a friend to lend a hand. Cell phones can also be quite helpful in other emergencies as well, such as to call the police following a car accident, if a suspicious person appears to have criminal intentions, and especially if an actual crime had been committed.
Since the creation of cell phones, many households and businesses choose not to even have a landline telephone. The portability and convenience of mobile phones far exceeds the need for a landline phone. They may feel that it’s unnecessary to pay two separate telephone bills, when the cell phone meets all their needs, whether they’re at home, work or out having dinner at a restaurant.
Cell phones are also a lot more fun than traditional landline telephones. They have games, cameras, and recorders, which can be very handy. The games on these cell phones can prevent boredom. A person may be in an exceptionally long line someplace and the cell phone could make the time pass a lot more quickly.
Mobile phones are also better than landline phones because of the ability to send text and instant messages to friends, family members and business associates. This can be done almost silently, without disturbing others that may be nearby.
Some wireless phones also allow consumers to access the internet. They can check their email, view the weather, sports scores and other useful website from the palm of their hand, no matter where they are. They can also download cool new ring tones for their phone.
Many people wouldn’t dare leave home without their cell phone, even if it is only used to keep in contact with friends and family.
Mymiamia The ChaCha for Many Countries!
I often gloat about how fantastic ChaCha is for gathering information. ChaCha allows you to dial a toll-free number or send a text message and receive information regarding just about anything! Sadly ChaCha can only be used in the United States. However, I often forget to mention that there is an alternative for countries outside of the U.S.. It is called Mymiamia. Mymiamia works in the same way as ChaCha. You can call or text in a question, then receive an answer within a few minutes. These countries include Austrialia, Norway, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, South Africa, and many more! I pasted in the chart of voice and SMS numbers below. Try it!
Classroom Connections:
1) Field Trips/Outside of Classroom Learning
While many teachers may have concerns with using cell phones inside of classroom to gather knowledge and data (although I think this speaks to the need to adjust assessment to more inquiry-based higher order thinking skills), teachers could encourage students to take advantage of Mymiamia on a field trip for gathering knowledge. For example, if students are at a historical village or science museum, and they learn about a famous person, they can gather more knowledge about that person via Mymiamia---in the moment. Thus they learn how to use their cell phones as an immediate knowledge gathering tool!
2) Beginning Inquiry Research
English, Science, and Social Studies courses often encourage inquiry-based learning. While Mymiamia is not going to write an inquiry paper or do inquiry research, it can help students get started on their knowledge gathering process. For example, students could ask, "What are some reasons why the stock market crashed in 1929?" Mymiamia will give a variety of reasons or just one reason. Then it is up to the students to find evidence to corraborate the findings from Mymiamia. They could continue to use Mymiamia IF they know which type of questions to ask. Such as "were there any regulations on the stock market trading in the 1920's?". Once again this is not a paper, rather a knowledge gathering process.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Cell Phones in Learning Radio Show Wed July 15th: Math Teacher Jimbo Lamb Talks Cell Phones & Learning
Chat Transcript:
Liz Kolb says (19:13:19):
We are talking today with Jimbo Lamb. A Math educator from Pennsylvania, who uses cell phones in his teaching and learning. http://misterlamb.blogspot.com/
Liz Kolb says (19:14:07):
About Chalkbot http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/livestrong/en_US/chalk_messages
Liz Kolb says (19:15:10):
We are talking today with Jimbo Lamb, a secondary Math educator from Pennsylvania who uses cell phones in his teaching. http://misterlamb.blogspot.com/
Liz Kolb says (19:20:11):
We will get started in about 10 minutes!
Liz Kolb says (19:29:46):
Hi Paul Thanks for joining us
Paul R Wood says to (19:30:15):
My pleasure. I am still trying to figure out how we missed each other at NECC. Too funny.
misterlamb says to (19:31:30):
Lance is racing this year
misterlamb says to (19:31:41):
Currently in 3rd place
Liz Kolb says (19:32:14):
Text 'LIVESTRONG' followed by your chalk message to 36453, and we'll let you know when it's written.
Paul R Wood says to (19:32:15):
8 seconds behind
Liz Kolb says (19:32:55):
http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/livestrong/en_US/chalk_messages
Liz Kolb says (19:33:50):
http://twitter.com/chalkbot
Liz Kolb says (19:34:59):
http://misterlamb.blogspot.com/
Paul R Wood says to (19:35:09):
From Chalkbot on Twitter: Hey Twitterverse, we are sending out some of our printed messages today via DM. If you are not already following us, please do! Please RT.
Paul R Wood says to (19:37:52):
Always fun to watch the students reaction when first used.
Liz Kolb says (19:38:03):
@Paul---YES!
Paul R Wood says to (19:38:22):
Student smore than willing to work within the framework when shown ways to use it and why
Paul R Wood says to (19:40:01):
So many different ways that we need to bring others to the water and show them the reasons to drink
Liz Kolb says (19:40:35):
Hi Kim!
Paul R Wood says to (19:41:19):
@kimcaise how are you?
kcaise says to (19:41:23):
hi all!
kcaise says to (19:41:32):
how was the damage at home paul
Paul R Wood says to (19:41:46):
It is ugly to saythe least.
kcaise says to (19:41:51):
oh no, ss to hear that
Paul R Wood says to (19:42:36):
Yep all for the protection of the power lines. Trees were no where near them
Liz Kolb says (19:43:03):
Link to Jimbo's Yodio project http://mrlambmath.wikispaces.com/quadratics
Paul R Wood says to (19:44:49):
Ah the power of twitter keeps on shining
Paul R Wood says to (19:45:28):
Great that yodio was so very willing to work with you.
Paul R Wood says to (19:47:28):
When I went thru school we were using slide rules. We have come so wonderfully far.
Liz Kolb says (19:47:49):
Hi Rich, thanks for joining us
Paul R Wood says to (19:49:00):
Good point on the ettiquette
Rich Mackrell says to (19:49:00):
How much time have you taken to teach the students how to use their cell phones for your classroom needs?
Paul R Wood says to (19:49:25):
I see that as empowering the students and they are all for that
Rich Mackrell says to (19:50:49):
Did you need permission forms since texting has a cost?
Liz Kolb says (19:51:15):
@Rich --- good question I will ask
Liz Kolb says (19:52:31):
I like the responsibility...students should know their plans
Paul R Wood says to (19:52:47):
Agreed @Liz
Rich Mackrell says to (19:53:14):
Awesome ideas.
Paul R Wood says to (19:53:41):
Like the idea about bringing in a bill to look at with the students
Liz Kolb says (19:54:07):
@Paul me too!!!! I'm going to do that
Paul R Wood says to (19:54:37):
If you explain it to the parents they ARE very appreciative.
Paul R Wood says to (19:55:15):
Me niether
Paul R Wood says to (19:55:48):
Most parents want their children to use things properly
Liz Kolb says (19:56:16):
http://textmarks.com
Paul R Wood says to (19:57:31):
Someone disgruntled about video on youtube is what it sounds like
Liz Kolb says (19:59:20):
Start Small!!
Paul R Wood says to (19:59:48):
Great job LIZ and thank you @misterlamb.
kcaise says to (19:59:52):
good suggestion
Rich Mackrell says to (19:59:58):
Awesome job Jimbo, you've definitely givem some ideas to walk away with...
Paul R Wood says to (20:00:17):
Also let an administrator use your polleverywhere account and let them play and the understand better
misterlamb says to (20:00:39):
Use it in a faculty meeting to show the power of the tool
kcaise says to (20:01:05):
thanks liz and jimbo
kcaise says to (20:01:08):
nite all
Liz Kolb says (20:01:12):
Thanks for joining us tonight everyone! You really need to check out Jimbo's wiki and blog
Liz Kolb says (20:01:49):
I know a superintendent (62 years) who used Polleverywhere at the 1st day of school meeting! Loved that
misterlamb says to (20:02:09):
I am getting excited about this coming school year, as I will be working with integrating cell phones with lower-level students
Liz Kolb says (20:03:00):
Cannot wait to hear about it!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Text Message To Tour De France To Fight Cancer!
Wow! This is really cool! Too bad most students are not in class right now, but it could still be a great activity for summer break!
Chalkbot, is a robot project from the Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation for cancer awareness. Anyone can send the robot a text message which will be printed out in chalk on the road during the Tour de France!
Text 'LIVESTRONG' followed by your chalk message to 36453, and they will let you know when it's written! Cool!
Chalkbot, is a robot project from the Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation for cancer awareness. Anyone can send the robot a text message which will be printed out in chalk on the road during the Tour de France!
Text 'LIVESTRONG' followed by your chalk message to 36453, and they will let you know when it's written! Cool!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
It's Good Business! Mobile Web2.0 Tools Should be Free For Educators
Over the last five years of researching web2.0 tools that couple with cell phones, I have found many tools that I LOVE, but they cost money to use. As an educator and former technology coordinator, I know that for many schools it is unrealistic to expect them to be able to pay (consistently--year after year) for access to the web2.0 tool. At the same time I understand that most of these companies that create the tools are in business to make money. Especially sites that do not advertise (which schools like), need some way to stay afloat. Therefore, here is my proposal to these companies.
1) Allow educators K-16 to use these resources for free. Allow them to use the FULL version for free if there is an upgrade option (there are many resources that are starting to go in this direction)
2) In return when these students enter the "real world" there is a good chance they will be hooked on these resources. Thus, they will be willing to pay to use them in the business world.
In my opinion, this is a win-win. The schools get access to the latest and best resources for mobile phones, and the companies get lots of marketing and future business.
I thought of this idea when I was talking with a friend in Canada who said that in his province all students under the age of 18 get free unlimited texting by a few of the cell phone companies. I realized that this is an excellent marketing scheme by the cell phone companies. Here is why---the companies get the students hooked on all the bells and whistles of text messaging (not hard to do!) so that the companies have guaranteed business when the students reach the age of 18! Smart marketing in my opinion. Why can't some of my favorite mobile web2.0 companies do the same??? The resources below were often-used by educators BEFORE the sites started charging.
http://Gabcast.com
http://www.voiceonthego.com
http://jott.com
http://gcast.com
http://drop.io
http://evoca.com
I have been contacting many of these sites with my proposal.
What do you think? Do you have any sites to add to the list?
1) Allow educators K-16 to use these resources for free. Allow them to use the FULL version for free if there is an upgrade option (there are many resources that are starting to go in this direction)
2) In return when these students enter the "real world" there is a good chance they will be hooked on these resources. Thus, they will be willing to pay to use them in the business world.
In my opinion, this is a win-win. The schools get access to the latest and best resources for mobile phones, and the companies get lots of marketing and future business.
I thought of this idea when I was talking with a friend in Canada who said that in his province all students under the age of 18 get free unlimited texting by a few of the cell phone companies. I realized that this is an excellent marketing scheme by the cell phone companies. Here is why---the companies get the students hooked on all the bells and whistles of text messaging (not hard to do!) so that the companies have guaranteed business when the students reach the age of 18! Smart marketing in my opinion. Why can't some of my favorite mobile web2.0 companies do the same??? The resources below were often-used by educators BEFORE the sites started charging.
http://Gabcast.com
http://www.voiceonthego.com
http://jott.com
http://gcast.com
http://drop.io
http://evoca.com
I have been contacting many of these sites with my proposal.
What do you think? Do you have any sites to add to the list?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Cell Phones in Learning Radio Show Wed July 1st: Preservice Teachers Talk about Cell Phone Use in Student Teaching
Chat Transcript
Hi Everyone! Tonight we are talking with 2 new teachers who both used cell phones during their student teaching for project-based learning activities.
afeikema says to (00:28:37):
Hi LIz--saw this on your twitter and thought it was worth a listen
Liz Kolb says (00:29:04):
Hi Allison! Good to see you!
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:29:21):
Liz, I'm having trouble getting through on the phone
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:29:35):
Hi, Allison!
Liz Kolb says (00:29:38):
Oh No!!!
afeikema says to (00:29:47):
hello :)!
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:29:54):
Have Sean and Allison gotten through?
Liz Kolb says (00:30:04):
This number right (347) 324-3938
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:33:32):
Langwitches:
Jeff Stanzler says to (00:33:35):
http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/04/14/what-is-in-a-fieldtrip/
Liz Kolb says (00:34:09):
http://www.everythingformymobile.com/
Liz Kolb says (00:41:08):
http://wiffiti.com
Liz Kolb says (00:54:28):
http://drop.io (Sean & Allison both used this for audio recording from cell)
Liz Kolb says (00:55:06):
I love that!!! You can "text it to me" Great idea!
Liz Kolb says (01:00:17):
Thank you All for joining us!
Jeff Stanzler says to (01:00:30):
Thanks, everyone!!
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