I recently read the article, “Lift the Cell Phone Ban” by David Rapp. The article presents the question of why many schools are not using students’ cell phones as instructional tools in the classroom rather than forbidding students to use their phones while in school. One concern I have is mentioned in the article, as the author states that, “Initially, only about 40 percent of the class had cell phones, but kids who had them were willing to share.” I am wondering if parents would really want their children sharing their cell phone while at school. Who is liable if the phone is broken?
I liked some ideas presented in the article, including this statement: “But kids who had video functions on their phones could record their discussions then Bluetooth it to Dolman’s phone, and she could watch each individual discussion, without missing a moment.”
In addition to the problem of each student not having his or her own cell phone, I wonder how teachers would prevent misuse of phones since they will not be able to keep their eyes on all students at all times. One problem schools face now is students sexting to each other. How do teachers ensure that students are being appropriate on their phones? How do they ensure that students aren’t watching a YouTube sports clip instead of completing their assignment? Also, what accommodations will be made for students who cannot manipulate such a small screen and keyboard? A last concern I have is about students who lose focus easily. I have problems all the time with my students checking their Facebook account or watching a video on YouTube or surfing a clothing website for new shoes. How do teachers prevent students from giving in to temptations to surf the Internet?
I like the idea of using cell phones in class, but I don’t see how educators can solve all of the issues that could impede learning.
Comments on: "Cell phones in class as tool for instruction…manageable?" (9)
The fact is that you can’t control what the kids are doing on their cell phones and that is why it becomes a question as to whether to allow them in the first place. Even if you use them as an educational tool, how do you ensure that each student has equal access? What if a student can’t afford a cell phone? Should they be at a disadvantage because of their financial situation? Since there is no clear-cut answer to those questions – it’s better (in my opinion) to just not allow the use of cell phones in class. As a society, smartphones are too ‘new’ to us to be anything more than techno-toys that will do more harm than good in the classroom. Perhaps in another generation, when we are more mature as a society in how we view smartphones, it would be all well and good to allow them in classrooms and make them a viable tool – I just think we aren’t there yet.
I completely agree with you. I feel that is the reason why teachers don’t let their students use cell phones in class because they don;t really know what there doing on them. Also, i feel like it’s not a completely bad idea to let them use their phone there just has to be rules and regulations on this major adjustment they would be making. Teachers would have to one trust their students and two watch them carefully so if they are misusing them the teacher can take their privilege’s away. Simple as that. But i also, agree that were not quite there yet in being ready to let students use their phones. Not until students prove they can be trusted in doing the right things with the phones.
I have to agree with Sharif. I don’t even have a smartphone. And, I do not know what the advantages are. Couldn’t a teacher record a discussion to be sent to a sick kid? I don’t know that I see an advantage to actually using them in class. Not sure what to do, but when I see 5-7 yr olds who don’t always hold a pencil right, I feel like technology just is taking away from basic skills.
I disagree – technology engages students and shows them more about how the real world works. Mr. Rapp’s ideas all sound great as long as the majority of students have smart phones. The problem is that this isn’t the case in poorer school districts like Baltimore. We need plans and funding to improve our schools – building and technology. I’m not sure buying smart phones make sense – maybe netbooks or iPads or something.
I agree 100% some childern arent as fourtunate as others, that being said the idea of kids sharing there cell phones might make them feel bad about there homelives. The childerns parents who are sharing cellphones might not like that either. But all this technology it makes sense to teach them that way because that’s what everything is based off of. yes i would agree to use ipads, or netbooks not cellphones its unfair
I’ve never systematically used cell phones in class, for access reasons described above. Many of my students do have smart phones, though, and some are constantly trying to fiddle with theirs, texting or otherwise. And I cannot realistically control them to the extent of banning them from my classroom.
I reprimand students for being off-task when they are using the phones instead of completing their assignment. And I have, in certain circumstances, given permission for a phone to be used, e.g. as a calculator, as a photo camera when the class’s camera was in high demand by others, and as a video camera once when the video camera I had purchased with my own money was stolen. So, overall, I try to encourage student focus and discourage phones when they are a distraction (more often), but am also open to using the technology they bring.
I agree with the whole article, as a teen personally when I’m on my cell phone in class I’m always checking Facebook, and Twitter. Personally though if we were given the chance to actually use our cell phones for class work I think that will stop most students from surfing the web, and focus on the work that needs to be done since it is graded. Also, when they were talking about how many students have cell phones in class I think that it is just the younger generation and only have a certain few who have cell phones. In all my classes every one has a cell phone and most of them use them to set reminders, alarms, and they text their friends to remind them of work or quizzes.
i agree that cell phones cant be used in school systems because you never know what they are doing, i have a smart phone & personally i play games and twitter on my phone im sure a lot of others do the same thing.
I completely agree, in school if i am on my phone i’m either texting, checking facebook, or on twitter. It is kind of distracting, but if teachers let us use our phone for school reasons we wouldnt be doing other things on our phone. With technology increasing, teaching ways should be changing too.