Toys to Tools: Connecting Student Cell Phones to Education

Many, if not most, educators view cell phones as the enemy. Author Liz Kolb sees them as powerful technology in the hands of students. Acknowledging the current reality at many schools ban student cell phone use in the classroom Kolb discusses a host of innovative and highly interesting uses for the technology that do not require using the phones in the classroom. She also addresses the issues that have caused the bans and provides guidelines for overcoming the problems.

Ignoring, or worse, demonizing a technology that students willingly and actively use in every other aspect of their lives is not a winning educational strategy. Mini lessons and powerful resources throughout the book are easily adaptable and appropriate for almost any grade level and are designed to enhance learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

This book is a practical guide for educators who would like to turn what many consider an annoying digital toy into a powerful educational tool.

Topics include:

-cell/mobile phones
-mobile technology
-classroom technology
-web 2.0

Also available:

RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom - ISBN 1564842398
PowerPoint Magic - ISBN 1564842355

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy and leadership for innovation. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and ISTE's annual conference (formerly known as the National Educational Computing Conference, or NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.

Some of the areas in which we publish are:
-Web. 2.0 in the classroom-RSS, podcasts, and more
-National Educational Technology Standards (NETS)
-Professional development for educators and administrators
-Integrating technology into the classroom and curriculum
-Safe practices for the Internet and technology
-Educational technology for parents