Journal #4

From Toy to Tool: Audioblogging with Cell Phones
By Liz Kolb

In this article Kolb, discusses the many practical and engaging ways in which cell phones can be used as an educational tool. As many students are already carrying cell phones, using cell phones to add a new dynamic to learning while building a connection to the students lives outside of school is innovative and definitely thinking outside of the box. Audioblogging with cell phones provides a convenient way for students to interview, journal, and record people, things and experiences in the world around them.

1. How do you include those students who may not have the resources ( cell phone, money, etc.) to participate in audioblogging assignments?
There are sites that allow for free audioblogging, for example Gabcast, and charge no more than a phone call. Teachers can offer the use of their own personal cell phones to students who may not have one. Another option is write mini technology grants to purchase classroom cell phones. There are also free online phone services, such as Skype, that allow for free phone calls if the student does not have a cell phone or long distance calling.
2. What are some of the major concerns with audioblogging and how could they be dealt with?
Major concerns that go with audioblogging in the classroom are privacy, copyright, cost and control issues. Privacy issues can be dealt with by upgrading to include password protection or using a service, such as blogzy.com, that includes it. Also ensuring that students identities are not given in the audioblogging. It is also important to make sure students understand the importance of copyright laws and that they cannot use copyrighted materials in their audioblogs without permission. Cost issues can be dealt with by using the many free resources such as Blogger.com, Skype, Blogzy.com, etc… To deal with possible control issues it is important to have a contract with the students that set out guidelines and rules for use in school and the classroom.