Cell Phones as Effective Learning Resource

Abstract

This study sets out to discuss the harnessing of cell phones as effective learning resources. Teaching and learning today has gone beyond the traditional method of the teacher talking to the learners with chalk and a chalkboard and the learners passively listening. This has been facilitated by the information and communication technology, the cell phone being an integral aspect. Most phones do what a computer does and they are affordable, portable and convenient which make them common gadget owned by almost every adult and some children. Most students own cell phones and love to interact with them; it will therefore be thoughtful to harness this technology to enhance teaching and learning. It was discussed in the study that the challenges of using cell phones in the classroom are majorly distraction caused by ringing tones or student overindulgence ranging from examination malpractice, classroom texting to accessing social network sites during lessons. To handle these challenges, the teacher has to ensure that lessons are well prepared with clearly stated behavioural objectives, maintain good classroom management, decide when the cell phones will be required in the lesson, state in his notes the search engines that will be used to browse the internet and ensure that there are no idle moments for any one in his class among other things. Based on the discussion in the study, it was recommended that since most students own or have access to cell phones and tirelessly operate them, the teacher should properly harness this untiring skill to achieve educational objectives. Parents, teachers and other relevant authorities should educate the youths and students in particular on the dangers of abusing the use of the cell phone. The world is going on-line with the use of mobile devices we will be doing our students much harm if we make it alien to them, rather every student should be encouraged to have one and Teachers should have good knowledge of new instructional technologies so that they will be relevant to the students of this age and time.