StudyBoost

After reading about the pros and cons of iPads utilization in schools, I started thinking about technology that many students already had available --- the cell phone.  

I came across StudyBoost (https://www.studyboost.com/).  It is a free service.  Once an account is created, a student can create his/her own batch of questions or use an existing batch of questions.  Most subject areas are covered.  The student chooses to receive messages via GoogleTalk, Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, text messaging or Jabber.  Then based upon the settings set by the student, questions are sent to the student to answer.  I signed up to see what it was like.  Within a few minutes, I received my first question "What is the capital of Alabama?".

Granted, I know not all students have a cell phone or unlimited text messaging.  However, it could be a tool that may interest some students and encourage learning when they have a few minutes to spare.