I Write on My iPhone

Screenshot of my iPhone screen.

That's right. You read the title of this blog post correctly. I write on my iPhone and proud of it! I purchased my iPhone almost a year ago and it has changed my professional life for the better. In September my book titled All Hands on Deck: Tools for Connecting Educators, Parents, and Communities will be released by Corwin Press. I would say that about 75% of the book was composed on my iPhone. How you might ask? I utilized the Google Drive app, in particular Google Docs. Anytime that an idea came to mind I would simple tap on the on app, open up the chapter I was working on at the time and type out my thoughts. For me it was such a low stress process and a much better alternative than having to set aside time to sit down at my computer and really work at writing my book. I take on the same approach when composing my blog posts. I wish had a mobile device when I was in school. There is no doubt that I would of done much better as a student if were able to write and read when I wanted and how I wanted. 

So what does this say about the current state of education and how students develop their literacy skills? Is it appropriate to not allow students access to their own mobile devices if that's what they are most comfortable with? Why can't students collaborate on Google Drive, write blogs, read content, and complete assignments on their SmartPhones? I know, it's all about real world application right? Well, as a school administrator I am responsible for responding to emails, reading documents, creating resources, and staying top of my professional growth. And how do I accomplish this? Mostly with my iPhone. Do I not work in the real world? So why are we preventing students from utilizing these devices to show what they know? Beats me. 

The bottom line is this: Educators, including myself, need to remember that it's not about us. It's about the kids. If they are more comfortable writing and reading on a mobile device, then let them. Forcing students to learn they way we did is just completely wrong. Looking for ideas and best practice iPhone resources for the school setting? Check Jerry Blumengarten's (aka Cybraryman's) iPhone webpage. 

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