Tablets

You can use a tablet for all of the things listed for cell phones, but they are also good for other things in the classroom as well. This is especially true for younger children. The best thing about tablets is that they can often take the place of a computer lab. My school had two computer labs that could only fit one class at a time, so it was hard for teachers to schedule time to work. With tablets you don't need a computer lab.

Examples

Learning games/apps make it possible for children to work separately or together on the specific skills that they need to master. Maybe one group is playing a math game, and another is playing a word game. The children are actively learning, which makes them learn better.

 

Taking notes. You can add a keyboard to tablets and it becomes very easy to type up notes for a class.

Educational videos. Each child can work at their own pace to watch the video and answer any assigned questions. It's like a portable computer lab!

Research. If quick research needs to be done alone or with a group project, a tablet is great for this. And you don't have to leave the classroom.

Art Class. There are a lot of apps that focus on art and drawing techniques and would be great for a lesson in digital art.