cellular learning

Well, next Tuesday marks the beginning of classes for me. My precalculus class has 18 students, at this time.  I believe this is an ideal size for a pilot of this nature.  I have been putting a lot of thought into what activities the class will perform the first day.  Of course I need to go over the typical administrivia, seating, books, contact info, etc.  However, I do believe that guidelines as to the use of the phones in class should be established that morning.  I do have a few guidelines that I will be insisting upon:

1. 1.  No cell phone use during written tests and quizzes unless I indicate other wise.
2. 2.  No personal use of cell phones in class.  The only time they should be in use is when assignments are given for their use.

These are the only two major guidelines that must be followed.  However, I do plan a five to ten minute activity where the students help develop the guidelines themselves.  I believe they can take better ownership of them.  This should allow for teachable moments in the future on appropriate cell phone use.

As I reflect on the past week, I do believe I am moving in a positive direction for learning.  This work is challenging my own teaching style by taking me out of my comfort zone and allowing students more control of the learning environment.  My students will be demonstrating many 21st century literacy skills in this class, from the use of cell phones to using blogs and wikis for learning.  Several of my colleagues believe I am a bit crazy for doing this kind of work in a math classroom, when my previous methods have always served me well.  But I find still waters stagnate.  If I am not teaching in a dynamic manner, always seeking and growing myself, how can I expect my students to do the same.