Cellphones in Class?

About a month ago the New York Times ran an article about cellphones/smartphones and their relative value in the classroom. Currently, it seems like most teachers and administrators see cellphones as major distractions for their students with no place in the classroom. However, as technology becomes more sophisticated and students more and more dependent on them, their potential aid in the classroom should not be downplayed. This particular article discusses the cellphone industry's interest in breaking into the educational market by promoting cellphones as cheaper versions of laptops. I think this is a valid case for study - many cellphones are available to access the internet and provide endless amounts of information in a highly portable manner.

I can see the use cellphones may provide depending on the model - easy access to internet, a small digital camera (students can take pictures for assignments and projects), simple video recording, classroom networking (keep in touch for group work), etc. From a budgeting standpoint this may be a great option for schools as cellphones are a relatively inexpensive appliance that can be bought in bulk. I could see such a plan encouraged at poor schools that may not be able to afford enough computers or updated technologies to support students. Still, I have some reservations about the use of cellphones in the class. Would the school need to supply the same type of phone to every student to make sure every student has the same programs? There would definitely need to be some training sessions made available to teachers to discuss ideas for class use of the phones. I could still see the cellphones as being a huge distraction for kids - however, they do not provide anymore distraction than a personal laptop or even an iPod. Although I don't think schools will warm up to the idea of classroom cellphones anytime soon, I would be interested in exploring their options and ways to create lessons using them. I think they could be a welcome alternative to computers.