This document outlines 20 ideas for using mobile phones in the language classroom, as well as some potential problems. Some of the ideas include using the phone's notes, camera, and voice memo features to collect language samples from everyday conversations and media. Other ideas involve using text messaging for vocabulary reinforcement, circular writing, and tandem learning. Additional ideas are using the phone for blogging, microblogging on Twitter, social networking, language exchanges, and distributing listening and reading materials. The document also lists some potential problems like lack of access to phones, cost, noise disruption, privacy issues, and increased teacher workload. It concludes by arguing that since most students have phones, teachers should take advantage of the technology in their classrooms.
20 Ideas for using Mobile Phones in the Language Class
1. 20 Ideas to Use Mobile Phones20 Ideas to Use Mobile Phones
in the Language Classroomin the Language Classroom
MEd. Andrea Rodríguez VegaMEd. Andrea Rodríguez Vega
www.andrearodriguezvega.blogspot.comwww.andrearodriguezvega.blogspot.com
2. Nowadays more students haveNowadays more students have
access to cell phones; they checkaccess to cell phones; they check
text messages, email and playtext messages, email and play
games on the small screen. Wegames on the small screen. We
should be harnessing this power toshould be harnessing this power to
enrich the educational experienceenrich the educational experience
and bring memorable experiences toand bring memorable experiences to
the language classroom.the language classroom.
3. Idea #1: Use “notes” feature toIdea #1: Use “notes” feature to
collect everyday language.collect everyday language.
Idea #2: Use the “camera” featureIdea #2: Use the “camera” feature
to take pictures of text.to take pictures of text.
Idea #3: Use free programs toIdea #3: Use free programs to
organize language samples.organize language samples.
4. Idea #4: Use the Voice MemoIdea #4: Use the Voice Memo
Recorder feature to record languageRecorder feature to record language
from media outlet.from media outlet.
Idea #5: Use the Voice MemoIdea #5: Use the Voice Memo
Recorder feature to recordRecorder feature to record
conversations outside the classroom.conversations outside the classroom.
Idea #6: Use the Text MessagingIdea #6: Use the Text Messaging
feature to reinforce vocabulary.feature to reinforce vocabulary.
5. Idea #7: Use free programs to makeIdea #7: Use free programs to make
flashcards for mobile phones.flashcards for mobile phones.
Idea #8: Use the Text MessagingIdea #8: Use the Text Messaging
feature for circular writing.feature for circular writing.
Idea #9: Use the Text MessagingIdea #9: Use the Text Messaging
feature for tandem learning.feature for tandem learning.
6. Idea #10: Use the mobile phone to
keep a blog.
Idea #11: Use the mobile phone for
microblogging on Twitter.
Idea #12: Use the mobile phone for
social networking..
7. Idea #13: Use the mobile phone for
a language exchange.
Idea #14: Use the mobile phone for
“phlogging”.
Idea #15: Use the mobile phone
memory to distribute listening
material.
8. Idea #16: Use the mobile phone
memory to distribute reading
material.
Idea #17: Use the mobile phone to
play games.
Idea #18: Use the Voice Memo
Recorder, Notes, and Calender
features to keep a portafolio.
9. Idea #19: Use the mobile phone to
check student comprehension and
get feedback.
Idea #20: Use the mobile phone
memory for research and data
collection.
10. Potential Problems when using MobilePotential Problems when using Mobile
Phones in the ClassroomPhones in the Classroom
Lack of access to mobile phones.Lack of access to mobile phones.
Cost of mobile phones and wireless services.Cost of mobile phones and wireless services.
Noise and disruption in class.Noise and disruption in class.
Privacy considerationsPrivacy considerations
Increased teacher workloadIncreased teacher workload
11. Cell phones offer an accountability tool forCell phones offer an accountability tool for
teachers inside the classroom. Mostteachers inside the classroom. Most
students already have cell phones, so whystudents already have cell phones, so why
not exploit the technology that they knownot exploit the technology that they know
best.best.