Implications and Teaching Opportunities for Camera Use in Teaching and Learning

Part A

      Technology plays a larger role in education today than people tend to realize. In the study by Zogby Analytics, statistics show just how reliable people are on technology, specifically smartphones. With 87% of them saying that their phone never leaves their sides it's a wonder that work ever gets done in the world today. This is especially true for the education world.
      Having students that constantly have cell phones has so far caused disruption universally in the classroom setting. For teachers, this means constantly reminding students that phones are prohibited and to pay attention during class. This implies that learners will be at a disadvantage due to these distractions and disruptions. Having phones at all times and wanting these phones to have cameras as well can ultimately be an advantage for academics. But like all technology, it must be applied properly.

Part B

      As a high school English teacher, at first glance it is rather difficult to insert the use of smartphones and cameras into my classroom. But with some creative ideas and a little innovation, any form of technology can enhance any classroom. Constantly having a phone by your side calls for easy access to communication, internet, and other tools. This can be applied to more than one aspect of the classroom.
       The first and most important tool this would be in my own classroom is a way for me to contact my students and vice versa. Emails would be on hand instantly and if a student had any questions or concerns I am just a phone call or an email away. This is also a good reason to keep a class blog so students can collaborate together and keep up with what is going on in the classroom.
       Having cameras constantly on hand in the classroom makes for documenting important information and practice simple and easy. Students will easily be able to take pictures of important notes and possibly sections of books we're studying during class that they need to remember.
       Paper and pens will no longer be a necessity in the classroom. Instead of wasting time writing and organizing papers, students will just be able to take pictures of assignments and things they need to keep up and will instead be able to pay attention in class and use technology to create something. Projects and presentations will be in the palm of their hands where they can easily look, share, and edit on demand.