Today at the usual hour we explore how Best Practice Case Studies on the use of cell phones in K-12 schools “might” evolve into a de-facto standard for all school districts. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Case studies evolve into general consensus standards through a multi-stage, evidence-driven process:
- Discovery & Proof-of-Concept (individual success)
A few organizations implement an innovative approach and achieve dramatically better results. - Validation & Replication (early adopters)
Other organizations study the cases, replicate the approach, and publish similar positive outcomes → credibility grows. - Widespread Discussion & Refinement (community phase)
Conferences, journals, consultants, and industry groups analyze, critique, and refine the practice. Variations emerge and the strongest elements survive. - Pattern Recognition & Codification (framework stage)
Thought leaders and associations identify common success factors, create frameworks, guidelines, and maturity models. - Institutionalization (consensus stage)
Major standards bodies (ISO, NIST, ITIL, COBIT, etc.), regulators, or dominant industry players formalize the practice into official standards, certifications, or audit requirements. - Taken-for-Granted Status
The former “innovative case study” becomes the default expectation — “this is how things are done.”
Timeframe: typically 5–15 years, depending on industry pace and evidence strength.
Readings:
IEEE: How to use effectively smartphone in the classroom
IEEE: Acceptable Use of Technology in Schools: Risks, Policies, and Promises
IEEE: A Review of the Repercussions of Mobile Phones and the Internet on Education
