Journal #4

“From Toy to Tool”
By Liz Kolb

This article discussed ways to use a cell phone as a learning tool instead of a “toy”. Teachers all across the country feel like cell phones are a distraction when it comes to learning, but when used in the right way, they can enhance students’ learning capabilities. An audioblog is “similar to a podcast; it is a voice message from a phone that immediately posts to a blog site. Gabcast.com is a site that allows students to produce audioblogs such as interviews, at no cost, and have it immediately posted to their blog site.

What are some advantages of using audioblogging?
Audioblogging can have great potential in the classroom. Students can actively engage in certain activities and participate in group blogging activities as well. Many students already own cell phones so it is an easy to use resource. Students will learn to use cell phones as a resourceful tool instead of a “toy”.

What are some risks involved in audioblogging?
Privacy issues, cost issues, and copyright issues are all involved with the use of audioblogging. On blogger.com, every blog is open to the public which means that there is no privacy to what is posted. Cost is an issue in only some situations. Gabcast is free and only uses cell phone minutes but if you want to block your posts from outsiders it will cost you to upgrade. Teachers also may chose to pay for a cell phone plan in order to ensure that students can use extra minutes and have a way to audioblog. The last issue is copyrighting. Students need to be aware of the copyright issues on certain types of music, interviews, etc. This knowledge will be used throughout their lives, so it isn’t a bad lesson to combine with the audioblogging. Remember, for years now, students have been bringing cell phones to class whether they are allowed or not. This could be a great way to give your students the opportunity to use their cell phones in a positive way, and give them the responsibility to bring their phones into the classroom.