De Bono's hats

This was my first time to use 'Debono's hats' which I found to be an excellent tool in gaining perspective. Using the different coloured hats to express different points of view, you could then step away from the problem and look at it objectively through the positive and negative comments that were presented.

The issue we were faced with was on the use of mobile phones in the classroom. Should they be allowed and accepted, or banned completely?

Surely the mobile phone would have to be at the top of my personal list of distractions for students. From texting to facebook, apps and games, not to mention the constant beeping, I for one was convinced that I was firmly in the 'banning' section of this argument.

Imagine my surprise then, when upon completion and reflection of the 'DeBono's hats' session I found myself thinking there were positives into the use of mobile phones in the classroom! Say it isn't so!

Even though the very idea of a mobile phone in the classroom is something I instantly bawk at and abhore (as do many others), 'Debono's hats' made me realise it is just that: the very idea. Its the first thing that I think of. My Gut reaction. And that I should look at other perspectives before making judgements.

Here are some of the 'positives' I realised;

Firstly, almost every student has a mobile phone device.

Secondly, almost every student knows how to use one. (I realise not all students do have a mobile phone which could raise many different issues from discrimination to exclusivity, but lets stick to one theme at a time!)

Thirdly, the mobile phone is ingrained in society. We use it in so many facets of life, we don't know how we ever got along without it! From mail to maps to banking to games and instant information through the internet, it has become indispensable in every day life to us all, not just adolescents.

So, should we not then as teachers accept this exciting technology and embrace it as our students have and invite it into the classroom? How can we use this technology to our advantage instead of pulling our hair out by trying to ban it instead? By inventing in-school apps? By using apps already here such as facetime so students can interact with other students who are elsewhere? Would it not help the students to become more engaged as we are using a medium they know and obviously adore?