managing e-learning reflections: Wk 2 Reflections on Mobile Phones Wiki

I found the design and presentation of the mobile phones wiki activity user friendly and easy to understand. This was my first experience with a "wiki" (I even had to Google the meaning). I used a 'connectivism' approach here to equip myself with a basic understanding of the intent of the task before I began. After viewing fellow classmates' blogs and other entries on the wiki itself, I was able to easily participate in the activity. The learning theory behind the task design is 'constructivist'. Participants learn from experience and social interaction. The use of "de Bono's Thinking Hats" provided valuable scaffolding to learning outcomes by encouraging thorough consideration of the topic (mobile phones in the classroom) and allowing multiple entries (further participation) in the wiki. As such I enjoyed the activity as an introduction to this learning tool, its purpose and scope. I added my comments to page 17 and have pasted them below.

Mobile Phones - should they be used in the classroom?

Add your thoughts to this wiki, reflecting on mobile phones in education.You are welcome to put on and take off a new colour hat as your reflect on different issues and perspectives!

De Bono's Hats

If you are unfamiliar with de Bono's six thinking hats, visit Kurwongbah State School's diverse resources on the topic (http://www.kurwongbss.eq.edu.au/thinking/Hats/hats.htm). Then edit the table provided as scaffolding, add your ideas, opinions, and where possible your research. How will a collation of diverse perspectives from 19 different people inform your thinking? How could you use this in your classroom?

Colour Hat	Names of students adding ideas	The colour perspective	Your ideas, research, perspectives and arguments
	Allison W	Judgement: What is wrong with this? Why will this not work? Is this safe? Can this be done?	Potential for damaging/dropping phones, particularly if they are students' own phones. Haves and have-nots distinction among students (discrimination). How to police correct/appropriate usage.
	Allison W	The Process: Where are we now? What is the next step? Where have we been? What sort of thinking is needed?	Right now students are not all resourced with smart phones. Mobile phones haven't been used as a learning strategy. Can we resource the schools with ipods as a cheaper means to access the learning potential of these devices?
	Allison W	Creativity: What new ideas are possible with this? What is my suggestion for success? Can I create something new?	. Mobile phones have enormous potential in the classroom. They can incorporate many different learning styles and enable students to resource their own learning. Mobile devices should be a standard classroom tool for our digital age. Lesson plans could suggest how they would be better delivered with mobile devices to encourage school purchases or parental support for use of children's' own devices.
	Allison W	Feelings: How do I feel about this? What do I like about the idea? What don't I like about the idea?	I love the idea of mobile devices in the classroom. They must be accessible to everyone though. They are much easier to negotiate than computer screens that you can't see over and that constantly freeze etc. The educational app world is endless and incorporates all learning styles. I don't like the idea of using children's own devices. They could be broken or stolen meaning angry parents. Also this practice would not be inclusive for children who don't have access to their own mobile device.
	Allison W	Benefits: What are the good points? Why can this be successful? Why is this a good thing?	Access to educational apps, ability to resource own learning, adaptability to different learning styles. Mobile phones have the potential to be a positive tool in the classroom.
	Allison W	Information: What information do I have? What are the facts? What information do I need? What do I want to KNOW?	Mobile phones are traditionally not allowed in the classroom. At present children are not trusted to use them appropriately independently. We need to look at rules and guidelines and how to ensure their success. What options are available for internet/usage filters? Cost feasibility of school supplying devices?