Since I am currently taking a class focused on mobile learning and the educational possibilities of the cell phone, I have been introduced to so many cooI, new teaching tools. One of my more recent discoveries is the app Poll Everywhere. Poll Everywhere is an SMS/texting based service that allows educators, business leaders, speakers, etc. to gain feedback from a group of people, whether it be a live audience or a virtual one. The polling generally takes place by texting a key word to an assigned number, but it can also be done through Twitter or on Poll Everywhere’s website. One of the benefits of Poll Everywhere is the ability to see votes in real time. This would allow the person conducting the poll to know almost instantaneously the results of the poll. Poll Everywhere also has the capability of allowing audience members, or students, to text in comments and questions, which could be used for a question and answer forum or panel discussion.

What key demographics caught your attention in your case study?

I choose Case Study #9, based in Sydney, Australia. Unfortunately this study did not supply much data concerning the school demographics, such as socioeconomic data. The only demographical information that was included was the cell phone culture statistics. I was most surprised by the fact that all of the students in both classes had cell phones and the ability to text.

  What instructional experiences from your selected case study resonate with you?

I was initially drawn to this case study because of two aspects: the English language arts aspect and the Christian school aspect, since that was my own high school experience. The Wordsworth project seemed to be unique in its integration of technology and literature. I liked the audio element of the poetry assignment because I think it is a more authentic reaction to the poetry. Online posts tend to be more of an edited conversation, rather than an honest discussion. I also loved the way the teacher emphasized the setting of not only the poetry reading, but also the audio reaction. This example is one of my favorite uses of technology; it’s not at all centered on the technology itself. Rather, it is merely a tool to accomplish the experience of reading poetry in a natural setting while also being able to easily record their impressions of the poem on the spot.

  To what extent did your case study educator reconcile ISTE NETS-T in their practice? What was missing?

I think the educator accomplished most of the standards, such as facilitate/inspire student learning creativity, design/develop digital age learning experiences, and engage in professional growth and leadership. The use of the parent letter and communication and adherence to the administrative policies demonstrated the standard of promoting digital citizenship and responsibility.