TXT LEARNING | One step forward, two thumbs down

No paper? No pencil? No problem. That’s the secondary message of TXT Learning, a program that puts a teen’s cell phone to good use. Educators in the UK are among the first to use podcasts, text messaging, MySpace and FaceBook in the classroom. And it’s working.

And if it works there, surely it will work in the U.S.

How It Works
The theory is that texting — once seen as way for teens to talk in code — will revolutionize the way they learn. TXT Learning doesn’t replace hardbacks, teachers or homework. It takes what students learn in class to the next level. Think of it as cell phone trivia. Only it’s trivia on the students’ terms. They decide the subject (math, history, English, science, Spanish and college prep) and when to answer. Thanks to trivia’s contagious nature, text users become students and through an online community, they learn.

Questions (provided by the National Education Association) are sent students’ cell phones and e-mail accounts, and they can answer anytime.

“Basically, we’ve created mini cell phone lessons for kids,” said founder Britt White. The premise is that students learn wherever they are, whether it’s on the bus, in their room or when they’re with friends. Most teens have a cell phone these days, and if we can generate enough interest in this country, hopefully students all over the world can eventually dial up lessons on the cell phone, whether it’s in an Oklahoma classroom or on a bullet train in Japan.”

Basic services are free, but texting isn’t. So make sure your child’s wireless plan can handle the messages without racking up charges. Students who pay extra receive the premium package.

How It Started

Technology Leaves Teens Speechless: So how did Britt White, a South Carolina guy in his 40s tap into teen talk and give it an educational spin? He works for a technology company and his customers can carry on six IM conversations at once, watch “American Idol” on TV and Google the names of last season's finalists — all at the same time. He also has a daughter who texts constantly but doesn’t talk much. Sometimes, she even pings him to ask what’s for dinner — from her bedroom.

So Dad did some thinking. Because students are wired up and plugged in, why not give them information they can use — at their fingertips and on their terms. Sounded cool, but what did the kid think? “Yeah, dad. Whatever,” which meant it might actually work.

How You Can Help

Become a Partner: Sponsor a text message. Call (803) 788-0073 to find out how.

Spread the Word: Mention TXT Learning to other parents and teachers. Give them the lowdown about teen habits — that they go online for more than music, photos and movies. It’s where they share ideas.

Make Headlines: Get the program in newspapers, magazines, newscasts, radio broadcasts and blogs. Anyone with a keyboard and an interesting point of view can bring stories directly to the masses in real-time. Here’s the who, what and how: The basic service is free; it’s like having access to school 24/7, and it can help students score higher on the SAT or ACT.

NOTE: Parents and students are encouraged to study their wireless plan to avoid surcharges. Standard text messaging and data transfer rates apply.