Week 2 Activity - Mobile Phones in the Classroom

This week we all participated in a wiki activity about the use of mobile phones in the classroom. We discussed the topic using De bono's six Thinking Hats. 

De bono's six Thinking Hats was created by Dr. Edward De bono and is a systematic method of thinking in a new and creative way.

The Six Thinking Hats (or modes)

The White Hat

The White Hat calls for information known or needed.

The Red Hat

The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition.

The Black Hat

The Black Hat is judgment -- the devil's advocate or why something may not work.

The Yellow Hat

The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism.

The Green Hat

The Green Hat focuses on creativity: the possibilities, alternatives and new ideas.

The Blue Hat

The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. 















I really enjoyed this activity. The six areas made me think critically and creatively in ways that I don't think I would have if I was just asked the question "Do you think mobile phones have a place in the classroom?. Separating my thoughts into six areas made me separate my feelings and emotions on the subject area so I could think clearly about other areas such as what possibilities mobile phones could bring to the classroom, legal and ethical problems, what information we already know about the subject and the list goes on.

After participating in this activity my thoughts are still the same as before in that mobile phones don't have a place in the classroom but not fully for the same reasons as before. 

I have done a PMI on mobile phones in the classroom

P-Plus

• Students are familiar with mobile phones
• Relatable to the real world

M-Minus

• The potential of mobile phones being misused - Facebook and texting each other
• Parents opinions on the use of mobile phones in the classroom
• Health reasons -  sore fingers from typing, radiation

I-Interesting

• Almost every student owns and knows how to use a mobile phone
• There are alot of educational Applications available

Ideas for use in the classroom

• Using the internet to research a topic
• Educational Apps - most have catchy tunes that will help students to remember
• Readings

References:
http://www.debonothinkingsystems.com/tools/6hats.htm