Recently, our class has had many discussions concerning kids and cell phone use. While we may not agree if kids should be allowed to use them or not, we all can agree that cell phone use is definitely on the rise and issues surrounding these devices will continue. Cell phone use is definitely creeping into schools despite rules and regulations. Some may argue that cell phones do have a place in schools and that they can in fact enhance student learning, however, I believe that allowing cell phones in the classroom will in fact cause more distraction for students.
Recently 7E students participated in a "Break a Rule Day Fundraiser" where students paid a fee to break set school rules. One of those rules was permission to use electronics. While it was made clear that these electronics, including cell phones, were to be used at appropriate times, I can attest that there were many cases of students playing games and texting while lessons were going on...hence my post on our blog (here). Because of my experience on this day, my concern is that it is too tempting to be distracted by cell phones if they are allowed at school.
In addition to the distraction, many studies state that the use/ overuse of cell phones can have serious side effects to teen health including sleep deprivation, eye strain, addiction and side effects from radiation (Article #1, Article #2). Increasing the time students are exposed to cell phones by having them use them in the classroom will only increase these risks.
Schools are welcoming technology as a teaching tool, but we need to be conscious of making sure we are selective with what we are allowing. The technological world is advancing at an alarming rate, and we need to accept its presence and embrace the advantages that it offers. The features that a cell phone offers as a learning tool can be found in other devices that are already in use in schools- cameras, video cameras, calculators, interactive whiteboards, websites and blogs are all examples of technologies that are currently in schools (and in our classroom!) Cell phones just aren't necessary.
Clearly, allowing cell phone use in school could pose many problems. Students may be tempted to play games and text during class time, they pose potential health risks and the technology that they offer to student learning can be found in other devices. So the question remains, as the technological world advances, are we fighting a loosing battle by not allowing cell phones in the classroom? What is your opinion?
Check out what students at Essex High School had to say about it! Here
Recently 7E students participated in a "Break a Rule Day Fundraiser" where students paid a fee to break set school rules. One of those rules was permission to use electronics. While it was made clear that these electronics, including cell phones, were to be used at appropriate times, I can attest that there were many cases of students playing games and texting while lessons were going on...hence my post on our blog (here). Because of my experience on this day, my concern is that it is too tempting to be distracted by cell phones if they are allowed at school.
In addition to the distraction, many studies state that the use/ overuse of cell phones can have serious side effects to teen health including sleep deprivation, eye strain, addiction and side effects from radiation (Article #1, Article #2). Increasing the time students are exposed to cell phones by having them use them in the classroom will only increase these risks.
Schools are welcoming technology as a teaching tool, but we need to be conscious of making sure we are selective with what we are allowing. The technological world is advancing at an alarming rate, and we need to accept its presence and embrace the advantages that it offers. The features that a cell phone offers as a learning tool can be found in other devices that are already in use in schools- cameras, video cameras, calculators, interactive whiteboards, websites and blogs are all examples of technologies that are currently in schools (and in our classroom!) Cell phones just aren't necessary.
Clearly, allowing cell phone use in school could pose many problems. Students may be tempted to play games and text during class time, they pose potential health risks and the technology that they offer to student learning can be found in other devices. So the question remains, as the technological world advances, are we fighting a loosing battle by not allowing cell phones in the classroom? What is your opinion?
Check out what students at Essex High School had to say about it! Here