Tales of a Technology Omnivore

The City Council affirmed students’ right to carry cell phones to and from school.  So now the Department of Education’s policy is “don’t ask, don’t tell”.  Students can bring their phone, but they can’t BRRRRING them (lol — not original that’s how the Post put it).  So while students are allowed to have the phone, teachers still cannot be innovative and use them for the information powerhouses they are…  BUT as I predict, students will find innovative uses to record school antics and post them online.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01022008/news/regionalnews/students_hung_up_on_cellphone_rules_196398.htm  

This is the biggest case of institutional bipolar disorder I’ve ever seen. Much to the dismay and anger of NYC parents, the school system banned cell phones in schools several years ago. Now in a pilot program, they’re issuing free cell phones to every student in 12 schools across the city and they’re going to text the students to promote achievement. What an amazing turn around. We’ve been salivating over the educational potential of these little portable devices kids carry around with them — many of which can be called mini-computers. Looks like an opportunity to develop cell phone technology integration strategies if you ask me!

Read: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/13/education/13schools.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin

Photo: From the collection of L-ines at Flick.com

Many of you know that I went swimming with my cell phones this summer. I took my Blackjack swimming at the beach in July and then in August, I took my 3125 for a swim in the pool. I ruined 2 good phones and I really wasn’t planning on getting a new phone right now! But anyway — I’m looking and that’s a good thing because cell phones are my passion. I read cell phone blogs every day religiously.

These are the phones I’m checking out… (more…)