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The Rise (and Fall?) of Text Messaging in Schools

October 18, 2011 | 11:33 AM | By

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Over the last few months, there has been increased interest in using text-messaging at school. Although many schools do still have strict policies that forbid using cell phones in class, more are exploring ways to use text-messaging as a communication tool to bridge home and school.

There’s also been an explosion in new tech start-ups that offer services for just this purpose. They’re taking advantage of students’ and families’ access to cell phones, but more importantly perhaps, they’re tapping into the popularity of text-messaging among teens. They’re also working to make sure that the SMS communication is safe, that both student and teacher privacy is protected, and that records are kept so that any inappropriate behavior can be identified. Some of these startups include Remind 101, Cel.ly, and Snapp School. (You can read more about Cel.ly here.)

Just as text messaging may be on the cusp of widespread adoption in schools, there are rumblings in other sectors that it’s dead.

Interesting, at some of the most recent Startup Weekend EDUs — an event that brings together educators, engineers, and entrepreneurs to launch education startups over the course of a weekend — winning teams have built text-messaging apps: ClassParrot was the winner of the recent Mega Startup Weekend in Mountain View, and Text2Teach won first prize at Seattle’s Startup Weekend.

It’s an indication that text-messaging is becoming recognized as a powerful tool that schools should find a way to use. It’s one that can keep students engaged in class (though that idea Continue reading →

FILED UNDER: Culture, Digital Tools, celly, Startup Weekend, texting in class

Class, Turn On Your Cell Phones: It’s Time to Text

August 25, 2011 | 10:09 AM | By

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As we noted earlier this week, cell phones are in the hands of the vast majority of adults and whether schools like it or not, they’re in the hands of most students. While many schools still see cellphones as a distraction rather than as an educational tool, it’s hard to deny that these devices are quickly becoming the primary means by which we communicate, in or out of schools.

For most teens, it’s not the “phone” part of a cellphone that they use most. Rather it’s text-messaging. A Pew survey from last summer found that one in three teens sends more than 100 text messages a day — more than 3,000 messages per month. Statistics like this point to all sorts of possibilities for educational opportunities around texting, particularly if you want to tap into the tools that they’re already using.

Classrooms can use the service to take quick polls and quizzes, filter messages, get news updates, take notes, and organize group study — all in real time.

But text-messaging has other benefits as well. Unlike apps that are only available on certain smartphones or mobile websites that are only accessible on Internet-enabled devices, text-messaging is widely available. This makes it an important and accessible communication tool, one that can meet the needs of schools and communities.

Meeting that need is the goal of Celly, a startup out of Portland, Oregon. A simple description of the new company: Celly offers SMS-based group messaging. Anyone can create or join a group by visiting the website or by sending a text to C-E-L-L-Y (2-3-5-5-9). And it’s free to use (not counting what phone companies charge for messaging).

Classrooms can use the service to take quick polls and quizzes, filter messages, get news updates, take notes, and organize group study — all in real time. Continue reading →

FILED UNDER: Digital Tools, cell phone policy, celly, Mobile Learning