Toys to tools

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. Also available: RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom - ISBN 1564842398 PowerPoint Magic - ISBN 1564842355 About the Author Liz Kolb is currently an adjunct assistant professor at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. She is also completing her PhD in Learning Technologies at the University of Michigan. She taught high school and middle social studies in Cincinnati, Ohio and she also spent four years as a high school technology coordinator and teacher in Columbus, Ohio.