This document discusses using text messaging for online teaching. It provides statistics on student cell phone and smartphone usage, and outlines the presenter's experience using Google Voice to send text messages to students who opted into the service. Based on surveys, the majority of students found the text message reminders and updates helpful. While most students could receive texts, few responded directly to the instructor. Automated services like Remind101 were found to be easier for the instructor than manual texting via email.

1. Text Messaging in Online Teaching An Online Educator’s Journey :: @jrhode

2. Facts Sources October, 2011 ECAR National Study of Undergraduate Students and IT http://educause.edu/ecar September 19, 2011 report by Pew Internet and American Life Project http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Cell-Phone-Texting-2011.aspx April 20, 2010 report by Pew Internet and American Life Project http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Teens-and-Mobile-Phones.aspx June 17, 2010 Wired Campus Report http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/student-smartphone-use-doubles-instant-messaging-loses-favor/24876

3. 75% of 12-17 year-olds own cell phones Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/librarianguish/4594070690

8. 31% of U.S. adults prefer to be reached by text message Photo credit: http://mashable.com/2011/09/19/31-of-u-s-adults-prefer-to-be-reached-by-text-message-study/?t=1320241180

9. Image credit: educause.edu/studentsAndTechnologyInfographic

10. Google Voice voice.google.com

11. google.com/googlevoice/about.html

12. Google Voice App google.com/mobile/voice

15. List of SMS Gateways en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_SMS_gateways

16. Student Option to Opt-in

22. Twitter twitter.com/ionsn1111

23. Remind101.com

26. My Experience jasonrhode.com/howtosms

45. Presenter Contact Info Jason Rhode jrhode@niu.edu (email) twitter.com/jrhode (twitter) jasonrhode.com (blog) niu.edu/jrhode (web) 815.209.9783 (phone) j.mp/aln2011sms