The Moss-Free Stone

Just had an idea for a way schools could begin to utilize student cellphones in a productive way. What if, rather than simply treating them as if they were an instrument of evil, determined to destroy the classroom, schools collected student numbers, then used text-messaging to alert students of important events, reminders, even snow days? Teachers could do the same, reminding students to return permission slips, study for tests, turn in projects, etc. Pardon me if this is not completely original–I imagine this is already occurring somewhere, but it seems to be a very underutilized tool, especially in an age where texting is such an enormous part of a child’s everyday existence. It would even be financially viable, as text messages can be sent via email as well as via cellphones, and unlimited texting plans are very inexpensive. Who knows? It might actually lead to cell phones with data plans being used to access the Internet, conduct research, even communicate with students working on collaborative projects in other locations. Just a thought.