Using Mobile Devices

Mobile phones in the class: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

Many instructors complain about students bringing their cell phones to class, but here are two ways to put those cell phones to work.

Poll Anywhere with Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere is a web-based alternative to clickers, which allows you to gather live responses in any venue. You can take anonymous polls, check for comprehension, have your students text questions to a presenter, and more. While there is a modest fee for large audiences, it is completely free for up to 40 participants.

For more information, click here: http://www.polleverywhere.com/#how_it_works

Using mobile devices for ice breakers

According to Jackie Gerstein, the first day of class is often focussed on familiarizing students with the content in the course whereas what most students, regardless of student age or demographic, want to know about is the people they will be working with. As mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets have become extensions of the self, they provide a convenient and innovative way for your class to share information on a personal level.

For some ways that Jackie has used mobile devices in her classes, see her blog: User Generated Education