The activity implemented in this blog looked at using smartphones as a resource. Firstly, he looked at how cell phones can be used to aid in organization. From notes, to planners, from voice recordings to calculators, cell phones can be a beneficial tool in the classroom. Finally, he looked at using phones for a "cell phone scavenger hunt" in which students use PollEverywhere to answer a series of questions and navigate through a list of tasks.
In relation to the SAMR model, cell phone usage could fall into multiple categories, depending upon how you use the cellphone. In some cases, like using notes or the planner section it would fall into the augmentation category in which cell phones are a more effective tool to complete the task. Other activities, however, like listening or viewing a clip from youtube or accessing the voice to text features would fall into the modification category in which the traditional "going on" in the classroom is being significantly enhanced. Cell phones are such as asset in the classroom. Don't fight the fight; encourage positive usage and see the results!
After looking at the five emerging technology tools I am having difficulties applying theses technologies to my own classroom. There are all fascinating tools, however, they all seem quite specialized and predominately related to STEM classes. I think that the Raspberry Pi tool would be be the most accessible to students, especially with the low price of only $35 per unit. The Oculus looks very interesting for the entertainment industry. I believe that 3D printers are the way of the future and will continue to create major breakthroughs in many industries from health to science to engineering. I guess I am not tech savvy, three of the five devices I've never heard of before. I also am not sure of any other new emerging technologies we may see in the next five years.
BYOD. Firstly, I found the video on the 21things4teachers.net amusing. It was definitively a more engaging video. I found this pro/con list that I believe hits many aspects spot on. Though this list has more cons than pros, it is easy to see that the pros outweigh the cons. Students need to be comfortable using devices from the future. We are doing our students a disservice if we are not really preparing them for college and their future careers. I know that cost and equitability can be an issue, however, in my district, I imagine that most students have some sort of device, whether it be a phone, tablet, or laptop. For those that don't (maybe a plan could be implemented based on free and reduced lunch students) they could borrow a device on a yearly basis. There are kinks and flaws to any new system, but I believe that BYOD and the related technology is the future of education