Author: Amanda K. Bevis

Cell/smartphones have become a staple in our everyday life. To catch up with the times, we are having to think or rethink how to handle this small electronic device in education and in the workplace. School districts, teachers at all levels, and some businesses and industries have policies that prohibit cellphone use. We have become dependent on this mobile device to assist us in staying connected. Almost nine in ten (89%) adults have a wireless or cell phone (Harris Interactive) and 79% of all teens have a mobile device (Harris Interactive Online Study). The increase in cell/smartphone usage of all ages sparks interest in new technological advances to use these devices in productive ways in education and in the workforce. Applications are now available to use with our cellphone that makes it practically handsfree. BlueTooth technology allows a small device in the ear for listening and talking and speakerphone devices for our automobiles. Now, there are applications that let us call a service from the cellphone and use voice commands to text, email, tweet, and add to our calendar. The voice is recorded and converted to text.

Examples

reQall

Jott - no longer free

Dial2Do

Getting Started

Intro to Dial2Do




What can you do with Dial2Do? Click here to see the commands and services that can be used.

How do I use it? (These instructions taken from Dial2Do FAQs.)

Any time you want to do something, you dial your local access number for Dial2Do and we'll guide you through getting whatever you want done. For example, to send an email...

• We say "What would you like to do?" : You say "Email"
• We say "Email Who?" : You say "Dave"
• We say "Record your Email" : You say "Hello Dave, I'm trying out this life changing service called Dial2Do"

Hang up and we'll send the email. Your friends will get an email to read what you said, and also a link so they can hear the original audio.


The picture below shows an email message sent via Dial2Do.




Educational Setting

Voice-recognition in conjunction with cellphones can be used by teachers to quickly record ideas for teaching and planning. Students can use these types of services to practice speech and reading. Recording their voice can enhance word pronunciation and aid in memorization. Another benefit is oral communication. Not only is writing important but also the ability to communicate effectively. An example could be an assignment on giving short instructions for a simple task. These voice-recognition services can also benefit individuals with disabilities. A time limit on the recording will limit a lengthy voice recording.

What Ideas Do You Have?

Please share your thoughts on ways this tool can be used.

References/Acknowledgments

deLaBruere, Lucie. (February 5, 2009). Infinite Thinking Machine. Lucy and Lucie's Friday five - cellphones in education. Retrieved August 1, 2009 from

http://www.infinitethinking.org/2009/02/lucy-and-lucies-friday-five-cellphones.html

Google Mobile Blog. (November 17, 2008). Google mobile app for iPhone now with voice search and my location. Retrieved August 1, 2009 from


Harris Interactive. (April 4, 2008). The Harris Poll #36. Retrieved August 1, 2009 from http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=890

Harris Interactive Online Study. (September 12, 2008). A generation unplugged. Retrieved August 1, 2009 from

http://files.ctia.org/pdf/HI_TeenMobileStudy_ResearchReport.pdf