Sticking with the Theme of Texting in the Classroom

"Free Speech in China? Text Me." This NPR story talks about how Chinese citizens are getting around government bans on communication by texting one another. A quote in the story from a Chinese CEO reads "texting allows traditionally reserved Chinese to say more than they would in person." Could texting in the classroom give more of a voice to that reserved student?

Jott is your personal transcription service. Call Jott's number, talk into your cell and the audio will be transcribed and sent to a document, calendar, text message, or e mail. Students can use it to transcribe notes, group work, or a teacher's lecture. Jott could fulfill a scribe resource from an IEP or just help that student with illegible handwriting.

Earfl lets users dial their number and tell 3 minute or less stories. Photos can be added to accompany the story.

For my music teachers out there, Ring Blender helps you create your own ringtones.

Want to challenge student motivation and increase note taking and summarizing skills? Have students summarize a play by Shakespeare or the Declaration of Independence using text language. If they can do it in 140 characters or less they might not forget the content.

Qik lets a cellphone user stream video live to the web. Representative Culberson of Texas streamed video from his cellphone to the web when Pelosi adjourned the House and would not let a vote for off shore drilling. The videos were shown on different news channels.