Week 2: Mobile Phones Wiki designed using De Bono's Six Thinking Hats Strategy

This week's activity was to consider the idea of using mobile phones as a learning tool within the classroom. In analysing this concept we were to adopt the thinking strategy of Edward De Bono's Six Thinking Hats.
This method of creative thinking encourages the learner to investigate various perspectives (the six different coloured hats identify the specific perspective) to create a more complete comprehension of the topic.
The following site shows what each coloured hat relates to; www.kurwongbss.eq.edu.au/thinkinghats

Within our class group, we were each allocated a different coloured hat and asked to explore the idea of using mobile phones in the classroom, specifically from the perspective of the coloured hat you received. This would ensure our class looked at all points of view, and discussed the positive and negative views that may vary from our own. I really enjoyed this activity, and by the end of the activity realised my view had in fact changed because of class activity.

We were able to work collaboratively within our group to comprehend, apply, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate all the information. These steps are all defined and discussed within another learning strategy called, Bloom's Taxonomy which relates to a learner moving through six processes when learning new information. More information on this strategy can be found on the following site; http://www.infosemantics.com.au/

We then added our thoughts to the mobile phones Wiki to form a very comprehensive group of ideas supporting each of the six thinking hat colours. My personal view centres mainly around the black hat (examining the problems associated with a topic). I have a strong feeling that this type of technology could be very distracting for younger children within the classroom. A phone can be used incorrectly to expose sensitive and private information about a student or teacher and the ramifications for this can be extensive. Another thought to consider is the cost associated with using the phones within the classroom. Who foots the bill for this exercise? As a parent myself, I certainly wouldn't be happy with the extra cost incurred by using this devise as a learning tool within an education environment, however a school surely couldn't justify the expense either.

I have also embedded a great YouTube video for you to examine on this topic. It was very cleverly created and right on point for this very debate, have a look and see what you think. Thank you to OnOttButton for allowing the contribution.