That’s right, it talks to me! Of course, by now, the word is likely out on the new iPhone 3gs and its accessibility functions. But it is a whole new world for me and many others.

I had heard about voice over coming with the new iPhone. Being someone who loves being connected, and a school admin who wants to see the newest tools, I have always been interested in a “smart” phone. But being a visually impaired person, there was little possibility of using one effectively.

But through conversations with friends, seeing online demos, listening to podcasts such as the mac-cessibility and MacCast, I figured the time might be now.

Conveniently, my wife and I were due for an upgrade on 7/11. So we went to the Apple store, and came hone with 2 iPhones! Then the fun began. Once I was shown how to access the accessibility functions, I was on my way.

Through the innovative way that this phone works, I can access all of the functions and most of the apps available to fully sighted users. I can type on it, read my mail, surf the web, use my beloved twitter, and so much more. I am learning how to do something new with this thing every day. Thank you Apple for building accessibility into your products!

So, I know this doesn’t tie in perfectly with a blog site called Imagine and Teach, but it is summer. And this is a transforming experience for me as I now have all the phone provides available in a usable way. But having this phone also reinforces my belief that cell phone bans should be a thing of the past. They can be used instructionally, and appropriate, moral, ethical, and productive use of smart phones can become part of what students learn, particularly at the secondary level. I know there are challenges when we permit students to have phones with them, but they have them any way, don’t they?

Teachers and admins, what is your school’s policy? What challenges do you think will be faced by schools if those with bans change their policy? Do you have any recommendations on successful instructional use, particularly at the secondary level?

Thanks for taking the time to read this and enjoy summer!