Obion Co. Schools Begin Technology Experiment
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Some teachers in West Tennessee encouraged their students to bring their cell phones, iPads, Kindles, and other technology devices to class. Best of all, they will not get in trouble for it. It is all part of a trial period in Obion County High Schools, that kicked off this semester. Teachers at Obion Central High School said when they told their students to get out their cell phones, they were not sure what to do, because cell phone use in school, normally got them in trouble. Superintendent David Huss said this semester they gave their teachers and students the opportunity to use technology to enhance student learning in the classroom. “These students today seem to be learning in a different way, and we want to try and capitalize on the technology that they already have.” Such as smart phones, iPods, iPads, Kindles, and laptops. Teachers used programs like “Remind 101” and “Poll Everywhere” to interact with students. Sending text messages back and forth for classroom discussions, or just daily reminders. Huss said they did not force any teacher to use this method and some already chose not to. As far as easy access to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, teachers said they planned on monitoring the websites students were on. Huss said when they did a study in his high schools, only one or two students did not have a cell phone, and for the ones who did not, he said they were working with a local cell phone provider to see what they could do. Huss said this is just something they wanted to try out. If it does not work they will return to the old cell phone policy for next year.
