CELL PHONES IN EDUCATION: NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The widespread adoption of cell phones among the Brazilian population has created a significant impact on various aspects of society. This study aims to explore the use of cell phones as an educational resource, particularly in the context of schools where teachers and students belong to different generations with distinct digital skills. The research acknowledges the increasing accessibility of smartphones and the fact that a majority of the population, especially those aged 10 years and above, utilize them to access the internet. However, despite their prevalence, integrating cell phones into educational settings remains a significant challenge for teachers. This challenge arises from the presence of two distinct generations: digital natives, who possess digital technology skills and were born after 1980, and digital immigrants, who adopted technology later in life. These generational differences result in conflicts regarding the use of mobile devices in teaching and learning environments.

To address this conflict, this study investigates how cell phones can be effectively used as educational resources. It examines the current state of cell phone usage in Brazil, explores the existing legislation regarding their use in classrooms, reviews previous research on their integration in educational settings, and proposes potential applications in continuing education and the teaching-learning process. By exploring these aspects, the study aims to provide insights into harnessing the potential of cell phones to enhance the educational experience.