Hi All,
There have been some interesting threads running on the Forum recently regarding the use of Smart Phones/ Phone connected PDA's with learners.
In the Learning2Go project we have always steered clear of these devices because of the recommendations in the Stewart report.
http://www.iegmp.org.uk/I quote from the summary and recommendarions section of the report...
1.53
If there are currently unrecognised adverse health effects from the use of mobile phones,
children may be more vulnerable because of their developing nervous system, the greater
absorption of energy in the tissues of the head (paragraph 4.37), and a longer lifetime of
exposure. In line with our precautionary approach, at this time, we believe that the
widespread use of mobile phones by children for non-essential calls should be discouraged.
We also recommend that the mobile phone industry should refrain from promoting the use
of mobile phones by children (paragraphs 6.89 and 6.90).Now we all know that a significant number of school age children own mobile phones... but it is one thing for a parent to allow this and quite another for an LA or a school to promote the use and possible purchase of these devices...
So ... As the report is dated 2000 and last updated 2001... has the situation changed?
Have colleagues who have used Phone connected devices solved this problem?
Or have all of these projects been with over 16 year olds...?
With the convergence of PDA's and Phones becoming more and more desirable for manufacturers... then this is a real issue!
I request the views and knowledge of members of this forum.... on what started as an interesting niggle and is now becoming a concern.
I await responses with great interest.
Regards
Dave Whyley
Community 
FORUM 
