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Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a third grade classroom during their project presentations. The students in the class had a month to research and prepare a presentation on the topic of their choice. It was fun to see the level of excitement in many of the presenters, who were teaching their peers about something they found truly interesting. Their excitement was contagious, and the peer-to-peer questions were flying. The teacher was sitting back, enjoying the learning that was taking place in her classroom.

Modern cell phones are more than just devices for making and receiving phone calls. New smartphones are tiny computers designed for communication, organization, and entertainment. These newer phones include tools for taking and editing pictures and videos, sending texts and emails, streaming video, connecting to others through social networks, and so much more. With the release of new education apps every day, cell phones are beginning to edge their way in among high tech learning tools. The fact that so many students have access to cell phones (or other mobile devices like the iPod Touch or a tablet) leads many teachers to consider their use in the classroom.