Most schools use technology to push information to
students. A Texas college is using text messaging to get the word out.
A study conducted at Cisco College provided text
messages to half of a class of developmental psychology students. The messages
included notes on readings and quizzes that would take place during the
upcoming week, current events the students should review for the class,
student-specific notes on ongoing work, and a message asking students to send
questions, comments, or concerns to the instructor.
The students who received the text messages scored higher
on quizzes, papers, and exams than the control group, which did not receive the
messages. Students also reported they spent more time on assignments because
the information was made convenient.
“Digital natives—basically everyone in a K-12 classroom
today—are comfortable using handheld devices to interact and communicate,”
Scott Hamm, director of online education at Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene,
TX, wrote in an article about the research for EdTech Magazine. “Staying connected through one’s
smartphone is an ambient part of communication habits today, and texting is the
primary communication medium of 14- to 18-year-olds.”
