Journal #4

From Toy To Tool
By Liz Kolb

This article talks about the idea of audio blogging. It began by discussing the downfalls and perks to having cell phone use allowable in the classrooms and then it went in depth to discuss how cell phones could play a huge role in class. Many teachers do not want to give up control by letting students use their phones, but they have come up with a new way to use phones in an educational way. It never seems to baffle me to read about all the new technology that students are learning about at such a young age. This particular idea, audio blogging, is so interesting to me and I think that it will be a fun way to get students engaged and wanting to use their cell phones for other purposes besides personal chat.

1. Will educational cell phone use really interest students in wanting to audio blog?
I personally think that it definitely will interest students in audio blogging. Kids today are enthralled with the idea of blogging, (writing blogs) and sharing what’s on their minds-- I think it gives them a sense of importance. So, I do believe that audio blogging will encourage students to use their phones for not only personal uses, but also educational purposes.

2. How can teachers teach netiquette before using audio blogging in the classroom?
There are few different ways to prep their students for audio blogging. I think it’s very important for students to understand the safe and practical use of the internet and technology. It would be imperative for students to understand the rules of copyrighting, and safe use before using this tactic of teaching. I appreciate that the article specified how important it is for students to understand the protected use of technology.