Smart phones permitted: How teachers use text messaging to collaborate

Abstract

The use of smart phones by teachers in K-12 education has been contentious. Although teachers are often instructed to put their phones away during instruction, teachers and students can benefit in many ways from using smart phones in the classroom. The use of information systems such as a smart phone can support knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities not otherwise available. For example, teachers may use smart phones to collaborate with other teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and parents when face-to-face time is not available. This exploratory pilot study included semi-structured interviews of five teachers at an inclusive school to investigate how smart phones were used to collaborate. Results suggest that teachers used text messaging on a regular basis to work together to make modifications, communicate about student behavior, share student work, and to review student progress regarding goals.