Questioning Use of SMS email

----- Original Message ----From: [Name removed] To: Nielsen Lisa Sent: Fri Oct 05 12:21:32 2007 Subject: Google Search... Hi Lisa, That is a very thorough and complete unit… My only thought is whether enough participants (teachers, librarians) would have a practical use for Google SMS. If you don't have a text plan you are paying per text message. In addition, students are not supposed to have cell phones in school, and whatever can be SMS'd for work can also be Googled from work. It is a very impressive unit. -----Original Message----From: Nielsen Lisa Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 12:42 PM To: [Name removed] Subject: Re: Google Search... Thank you for the feedback. I have thought DEEPLY about teaching sms with the likes of Will Richardson and Alan November. The philosophy has a few "prongs" if you will. -While it is true teachers and students may not have a text plan, they also do not necessarily have a viable internet plan or access to an online environment or a laptop...we know how shaky wireless is in schools. I'd place money on the fact that more students and teachers have access to reliable texting then reliable school-based internet. -Phones are the least expensive and most plentiful technology tool among students and teachers. -Phones are an extremely powerful tool whose use many teachers and leaders do not yet grasp. -Phones can be used to extend learning beyond the classroom. -Teachers (who can use phones) can model for students educationally valuable ways to use these devices. -OIT should be pushing the educational community to understand and embrace the power of technology and model its safe, acceptable and appropriate use. -Banning cell phones does not allow us to show students how to use these powerful tools to help them become independent thinkers and learners, however this session shows teachers ways they can model it. Anyhow, these are some of the reasons this is being introduced and I am always excited about the idea of pushing the envelope to expand the thinking and learning of people across NYC and beyond... I know teaching sms is scary stuff (sad) but, I consciously am jumping into the waters and letting teachers know how to use their phones as educational tools. :) ----- Original Message ----From: [Name removed] To: Nielsen Lisa Sent: Fri Oct 05 12:57:29 2007 Subject: RE: Google Search... I'm really impressed by your foresight and wish I'd thought of all of that before sending my response. Truly.