Teachers Say Yes to Cell Phones in Classrooms

Teachers embrace cell phones in the classroom as a new way to teach and motivate students who are growing up with technology all around them, according to a pilot study in which students received questions about math, science and nutrition via text messages.

Nearly 97 percent of the students who participated in the My Sports Pulse trial said they felt comfortable using a cell phone for learning. Teachers reported that “student excitement and focus level was high” and that the teachers themselves felt energized by the new, tech-savvy approach to teaching basic concepts.

Researchers at the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training designed the My Sports Pulse program and oversaw the pilot study at five schools in Orlando and Kansas City, Mo., in late 2007. Other pilot studies are being conducted in Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda and Singapore, and the researchers eventually want to involve 10,000 students around the world.

In the pilot studies, students receive and respond to some of the problems during their math classes and others at home. The questions connect sports-themed scenarios, such as scoring a soccer goal or throwing a curveball, to principles of math, science, fitness and nutrition.

Seventy-six students participated in the initial studies in Orlando and Kansas City. Nearly 92 percent of them reported that that My Sports Pulse was fun, and 74 percent said they would urge their friends to participate. Also, 16 percent of participants expressed an increased interest in math and science and 30 percent reported that they started playing sports more often.

My Sports Pulse aims to encourage K-12 students to take an interest in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM subjects), along with health, nutrition and fitness. Professional athletes will ask some of the questions delivered through voice mails, text messages and interactive videos. Students can win prizes such as sports tickets and trips to sporting events.

My Sports Pulse partners include the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Orlando Sharks and retired Orlando Magic players.

The "My Sports Pulse" name, likeness and image are a registered trademark of the University of Central Florida.
Copyright © 2007 University of Central Florida. All rights reserved.
The My Sports Pulse™ program was initially funded in the United States by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

For further information, please contact:

A.J. Ripin, 561-346-1096
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