Smartphones have been taboo in the classroom until recently. Phones can be a tool: calculator, organizer, or even a video recorder. In particular, they can help students with disabilities access learning aids. Students with attention disorders, for example, can stay organized, and all students can use technology to develop higher level thinking skills.
Two programs I have used with my students are voice and video recorders. These are great tools that allow students to record class lectures or create their own recordings for assignments. My daughter submitted her choir finals as an email attachment.