Akpan Vera Idaresit
This study sets out to discuss the harnessing of the cell phones as an effective learning resource, the challenges that ensue, how to handle such challenges and the benefits of using the cell phone as a learning resource. Teaching and learning today has gone beyond the traditional method of the teacher talking to the learners with a chalk and a chalkboard and the learners passively listening. This has been facilitated by the information and communication technology, the cell phone being an integral aspect. Most phones do what a computer does and its affordability, portability and convenience make it a common gadget owned by almost every adult and some children. Most students own cell phones and love to interact with it. It will therefore be thoughtful to harness this technology to enhance teaching and learning. The study considered the meanings of cell phones, learning resources and mobile learning. It also had the challenges of using the cell phone as a teaching/learning resource, handling the challenges of using the cell phone as a learning resource and the benefits of using the cell phone as a learning resource as sub headings under this title. The challenges of using cell phones in the classroom are majorly distractions caused by ringing tones or students overindulgence ranging from academic dishonesty, texting to accessing social networking sites during lessons. To handle these challenges, the teacher has to ensure that lessons are well prepared with clearly stated behavioural objectives, maintain good classroom management, decide when the cell phones will be required in the lesson, state in his notes the search engines that will be used to browse the internet and ensure that there are no idle moments for any one in his class among other things. The cell phone is a rich learning resource that aids discovery learning, social learning interactions, reflective learning, gives instant and concise information, adds variety, it is flexible and convenient, unlike the computer it is affordable and easily available. Based on the discussion in this work, it was recommended that since most students own or have access to cell phones and tirelessly operate them, the teacher should properly harness this untiring skill to achieve educational objectives. Parents, teachers and other relevant authorities should educate the youths and students in particular on the dangers of abusing the use of the cell phone. The world is going on-line with the use of mobile devices we will be doing our students much harm if we make it alien to them, rather every student should be encouraged to have one and teachers should have a good knowledge of new instructional technologies so that they will be relevant to the students of this age and time.
Learning Resources