I have been given an opportunity by my principal to explore the use of personal electronic technology and social media in an instructional context in my classroom. Currently students are not allowed to have their personal electronics - phones and mp3 players - on during the school day. Of course that is unrealistic on several levels.
First, we are trying to instruct students while attempting to disconnect them from how they interact with the world.
Second, it doesn't work. On Friday, in my three AP classes and my one American Scholars class, I asked students to be honest - no punishment would be applied - and tell me how many had their phones or mp3 players on right then. It was almost every student in each of the four classes.
As an additional note, we have an unsecured wireless connection in my classroom, for use with a mobile computer lab. And in each of the four classes, I have more than half the students who either have a data plan on their phone or wireless connection on the MP3 player - especially Ipod Touches, which are fairly widespread.
The students are brainstorming over the weekend of what we can do, how we can use the equipment, and possibly social networking sites as well.
Perhaps you might want to offer some suggestions here as well.
I will be looking for your responses.
Peace.