Cell phones are often  viewed as an annoying, distracting object that must be banned from the classroom. However, there is no denying the educational potential of smartphones. That’s why we loved this list in cellphones.org by Liz Kolb, a former social studies teacher and school technology coordinator. She argues that basic cell phones are vital in education because:1)    Most secondary students have them (about 76% - according to Speak uP Report 2007).2)    Students love them, and won’t leave home without them.3)    Mobile skills will be important in the future workforce.4)    Students want to learn anytime, anywhere, anyplace, at any pace.5)    They are no or very low costs to schools.6)    They bridge the digital divide (using the same tool inside of the classroom as they do outside of the classroom).7)    It is turning a social toy into a learning tool.8)    It’s an opportunity to teach students cell phone etiquette and appropriate use.9)    Many other nations are already using cell phones in learning (especially in Asia and Africa).         Students need to be competitive in the 21st Century digital world. “I think one of the first things that needs to be done for change is changing educators and society’s views on cell phones. To redefine the definition of cell phones—from a social toy to a learning tool. Once educators define cell phones as potential learning tools, it is easier for them to start thinking about learning activities in or outside of schools with cell phones.” Kolb feels that the main goal should be to allow cell phones to become an option in teaching and learning environments. Teachers should be modelling cell phones to redefine it for professional uses so students can become more competitive, especially toward students from other countries who are already using them as professional tools. Read the rest of the interview with Liz Kolb.

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