Monday, August 30, 2010
Cell Phones In Schools
Recently, cell phones have taken on a new personality in schools — some students have been using phones to plan disturbances, fights, and gatherings — students call or text message each other and a situation quickly escalates from involving two students to involving twenty or more students. Many schools have told students they must leave their cell phones in their lockers and only use them during breaks; other schools have completely banned cell phones usage on school campus. Should cell phone use in schools be banned or limited in their use? Why or why not? On the contrary, some schools have incorporated cell phone use into instruction. Provide examples from the media and your opinion on this side of the debate.
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I think that cell phones are an important peice of technology. If utilized correctly in school, they could be helpful. As far as students using them to organize harmful situations, encourage them to use them positively. We all know, as students, the more we are told we can't do something, the more we focus on trying to do it any way.
ReplyDeleteI know not everyone has a smart phone that has all these applications such as your email and what not, but most all phones have calculators, note pads, calendars and other tools that could be used educationally.
I think if we take the focus off banning phones and start reassuring students that their cell phones can stay in school if used with no harm, then students will stop focusing so much on sneaking around and being mischevious!
I absolutely agree with Haley in the fact that cell phones can be used as some really important technology in the class room. Students in today's generation grow up with cell phones and seem to be getting them earlier in their lives every year. So rather than fight with students everyday why not embrace this and use it for something it may not have been meant for EDUCATION!
ReplyDeleteTo use this as an advantage as an educational tool, even the most basic tools such as a calculator, note pad, and calendar or the new and improved smart phones with its apps, can be used to get work done in class. I know that in my future Physical Education when figuring out targeted heart rates they could use there phone to calculate it. Then when homework is assigned they can put it into their calendar on their phone and set an alarm to remind them when it is due in class for the next day.
I believe that no matter how hard we try to stop kids from texting or someone calling them in the middle of class it is not going to happen. At this point some sort of contract can be made that both students and teacher agree on and if broken consequences stated in the contract will be executed.
harmful situations can be avoided with these techniques but it will never be the full solution to the problem even under the most watchful eyes. That is why again as Haley said that if we encourage students to use them positively situations can be avoided with less arguments with students and even lesser chance of having to deal with parents and having to go out of their way to get there kid's cell phone back just to continue to run into the same problems.
To comment on the topic of banning or limiting the usage of the cell phone in the schools? I agree with Harley and Ben, that if we as educators focus on the positive of the cell phone to promote education of the techology device.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think cell phone usage should be limited in schools, but not banned. For example, maybe cell phones should only be pulled out in class if being used for education purposes. I know that I used my cell phone all of the time as a calculator and calendar. Cell phones should be allowed to be used for personal purposes (such as texting a friend) during free times (in between classes or during lunch). If students are allowed to use their phones during these times, then maybe they wont be so tempted to pull it out and start texting during class. However, if a problem occurs through the use of a cell phone (organizing a fight) then perhaps there should be a TEMPORARY ban put on them (1-2 weeks, or depending on the offense). This ban should only be put on the students involved so not everyone is punished. Hopefully, students will be less likely to use their phones in negative ways if they know consequences will follow.
ReplyDeleteBen makes a good point that no matter how hard teachers try to ban text messaging, or the use of a cell phone in class, people are still going to do it, and want to do it more because they are told they can't. He made a great point that a teacher and students could come up with a contract together as a class and set their own, reasonable rules.
ReplyDeleteI believe that cell phones should allowed in schools. There should however be limitations so that while class is actaully in session the students must turn them off and be engaged in the classroom. Cell phones are great for emergency purposes and in today's society it just makes more people feel comfortable if they have them near by. I know that for me personally if I don't have my cell phone with me at all times even when turned off I will feel lost and disconnected. I like the sense of security that it gives me.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went onto the website familyeducation.com I saw that polls were being taken to see what the publics ideas were about cell phones in the schools. I voted for yes and after I voted it showed me the results of what others had said The polls showed that 85% said yes, but that schools should control their use adn impose limitations during class time. 15% said absolutely not.
So this site showed that most people do believe that phones can still be in schools it's just that there needs to be strict rules and limitations on when, where, and how they are being used.
Cell phones can also be used for educational purposes where students can explore all the different kinds of educational applications. Such as the other day my teammate downloaded tha application for SAT and the GRE common vocabulary words. They appear like flashcards and you can just flip them to help you study. How cool is that!!
Haley I agree with what you are saying about how the more people tell students they can't do something the more they are going to do it. That is so true and I know in high school for sure that was how I thought because I thought I was old enough to do whatever I wanted...lol
ReplyDeleteI do believe as well that if the schools are more open to them then it won't seem like such a big deal to do "behind the teachers backs"
Maybe because I'm out of the loop and have an older phone, I don't think cellphones serve as an educational tool. Yes they have calculators, but typically so do students. But I do not agree with banning them in school because it would be impossible. Like everyone else so far has touched on, kids will bring them anyway and want to use them more if they are told not too. As teachers, we will have to pick our battles. Punishing kids for using their cellphones is probably not one we would win. I think allowing limited use would be the best way to avoid problems. No stigma would be attached to having one's cellphone if they are allowed, but the rules should be clear about when it is acceptable to use them, ie before/after school, lunch time.
ReplyDeleteAs for cellphones being used for escalating and creating problems, these issues should be addressed on a case by case basis.
I do feel that cell phones are necessary, but the students take advantage of what they are given at the same time. The teachers don't want to be the ones to put in "no cell phone use" into the school rules. I think the students need cell phones actually, I feel that it's a great way of emergency actions if they needed someone to contact the student could use their cell phone to do so.
ReplyDeleteI know in my old high school, it was improper to have cell phone use, but they could go to the office and make a call if they wanted. I feel that this was a good way to use cell phones because it would eliminate it during class for the exceptions of students who are gutsy and feel that they can get away with it 100% of the time.
I think that we need to cut down the use of cell phones, but still be able to go back to them if needed.
I think that the use of cell phones in schools should be extremely limited. Cell phones are a distraction when teachers are trying to teach their lessons. Text messaging in the classroom should not be permitted in my opinion. I do not see any harm in students texting outside of class, at lunch, and during periods of free time. There is no possible way of banning students from bringing cell phones to school. Cell phones are our primary source of keeping in contact with siblings, parents, and friends. Some students depend on their cell phone to get from school to sports practice and home again. Our society depends on the cell phone.
ReplyDeleteHowever, no matter how important the cell phone is to the daily grind of our lives, I do not think the classroom is the place for them. As a teacher, I would be offended and annoyed if students texted while I was trying to teach. Cell phones have also been used to assist students in cheating on assignments, quizzes, and tests. "More than one third of teens with cellphones admit to having stored information on them to look at during a test or texting friends about answers, a new survey finds (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2009/06/23/one-third-of-teens-use-cellphones-to-cheat-in-school.html)." If they can't have their cell phones in class then there should not be as big of a problem with cheating in class.
I think that students should be allowed to have their cell phones on campus but not in the classrooms. Students do text each other when they see certain things happen on campus and it can sometimes make the situation worse. I feel like the students who are driving to and from school should have cell phones for the ride to school and home but shouldn't bring them into school.
ReplyDeleteI think cell phones could be incorporated into instruction with limited use. There are so many functions of a cell phone that could be useful in a classroom. Cell phones could be useful as calculators, digital cameras, and dictionaries, not to mention smart phones with Internet capabilities.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that they could be a distraction but banning them is not the way, I think explaining to children the appropriate way to use their cell phone at school would be better. I think we should let them explore all the technology they can and help them learn from it.
I disagree with a lot of my peers and think cell phones should be banned from school. There is no technology on cell phones that you can not get from using a computer. If kids have cell phones on them they will be tempted to use them through out the day. You hear, way to often, how kids are being bullied outside of school by Myspace or facebook. Cell phones help the bullying progress rapidly. I know it's not hard to sneak a text message or a look at your phone when a teacher is talking. Even the best teachers can't have their eyes on every student. I think for the safety of students cell phones should be banned from the school
ReplyDeleteI really like what Haley said about rewarding students by allowing to have their cell phones only if they use them for positive things and not to organize harmful situations or alert other students when a fight or argument breaks out. On the other hand, texting while the teacher is teaching is also out of control and gives the teacher grounds to not allow them in their classroom. When I become a teacher I will most likely say if I see it out during class then I have a reason to take it. They will be allowed to have it back at the end of class. It is a big distraction to students and I just don't think it is that important to have their phone all the time. Unless, there are special circumstances. I agree with Heather on the fact that I think cell phones cant really be used educationally. I don't know of a lot lessons that can be taught using cell phones nor do I think it is really necessary. They are important socially in our society, but we shouldn't let this piece of technology take precidence in our classroom.
ReplyDeleteIn the school where I worked the policy was if a phone is out to confiscate it. That's going a bit far and there are times when I've allowed students to use their phones for an approved purpose. One thing that it extremely annoying is that parents do get extremely mad when phones and other electronic items are confiscated, but generally about 7 out of 10 times I've caught a student texting in class it's to their parents. It becomes so automatic in our lives that people don't want to be bothered with the "inconvenience" of calling the office and leaving a message.
ReplyDeleteJen, I saw a girl the other day with that same application with the note card stuff, I thought that was pretty neat! In saying that, I agree that cell phones in school shouldn't be banned, but limited. Like Haley was saying earlier, the more that kids get told no, the more they want to do. So why not, turn cell phones into something that kids can work with from a different but educational perspective? We can't pretend that the use of technology, whether we're 12 or 25 isn't present all the time, so I think we should just learn to adjust as teachers and use things like computers and cell phones in our classrooms to help the children learn to their fullest potential with the technology they use.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah Hindlin and some of the others who said cell phones should be very limited in the classroom. Yes, cell phones (if you have the applications) can be used as an educational tool, but the majority of the students will most likely not have an Iphone or Blackberry with these applications. Student in high school or middle school most likely will have their own calculator, so I don't really see a cell phone being needed for that. I think it is perfectly acceptable for students to use their phones during breaks or during lunch, but I see cell phones a big distraction during classroom time.
ReplyDeleteLike many of my classmates, I believe that cell phone usage should be limited but not banned from school. Students that stay after school for sports, club meetings, and other extracurricular activities have an easy way to contact parents or others to pick them up or even when last minute cancellations occur. When emergencies occur on a school campus, cell phones are a great resource to quickly get help. In the classroom, however, cell phones can be a distraction and even aid cheating through text messages and pictures. I agree with Kyle in that cell phones should only be used when the teacher involves them in instruction. If cell phones are permitted all the time, constant texting and chaos would fill every classroom. Like Jennifer Mallard, I believe that standards need to be set of when, where and how a cell phone can be used in school. This way, students are not strictly prohibited from using them altogether and still have that security a cell phone brings in society today.
ReplyDeleteI found a blog online, http://www.cellphonesinlearning.com/, that discusses cell phones in learning. According to the website, “63% of parents say they would buy their child a cell phone if they knew it would be used for educational purposes.” With parents supporting the idea, teachers should find ways to integrate cell phones into lessons. The website even listed suggestions that students have for the use of cell phones such as taking videos of class presentations or experiments, organizing schoolwork, creating and sharing documents, and more. If students can see the educational value of cell phones, then they will be willing to use them in this manner as they learn. Some teachers are experimenting with using texting to teach poetry in a middle school, resulting in an increase in the number of poetry questions students answered correctly on the state test (linked from the blog: http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100426/NEWS/100429736). Texting can actually enhance spelling skills because students have to understand the sounds of letters and the actual word to create abbreviations like “l8r.” There are numerous ways cell phones can be used in education that benefit students, and it is our job as educators to embrace this technology.
I agree with Jessica that cell phone should be used in schools however limited. Cell phones are a great way for students to contact their parents and rides esecially in middle and high school grades. As far as inside the classrooms I believe it should be teacher preference. If the teacher believes that they could use the cell phone educationally in their classroom such as the calculator, note pads, calenders, and even smart phones then they should use the discretion. Certain teachers feel distracted by cell phones and other don't mind so I should be their choice. I do believe however that cells phones can be used to cause scenes and bullying in certain situations so I agree with Haley that we should encourage our students to use cell phones productively rather than destructively.
ReplyDeleteI do think that cell phones are huge part of technology today but I just do not know if there is a way to incorporate it in the classroom with out it being an issue or students taking advantage of it. If you allow students to use their cellphones in class for the calculator, notepad, or other applications they will find a way to also use their cell phones for whatever else they want to do. The cell phones will distract the students from what is going on in class.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that there is a way to ban cell phones from school all together. I would suggest keeping cell phones out of the classroom but allowing students to have them before and after class and maybe during lunch. However, I am not sure what the solution to the cell phones causing fights and other mischevious in school.
I agree with Jessica Byrd about how it is important to allow students to have cell phones for the sake of sports and emergencies. Like I stated before I do think students should be allowed to have their phones at school but only use them at certian times. The website that she found is very interesting! I think it is possible to allow students to use cell phones in the classroom when the teacher instructs them to, other than that I do agree that it will cause a lot of chaos. It would take a lot of trail and error to figure out how to include cell phones without it causing issues!
ReplyDeleteI think that there are situations and reasons why students could and should have cell phones with them at school. There are many situations where an emergency could happen and they could definitely use their cell phones to help the situation. So I think that students should be able to have their cell phones but they would definitely have to have limits on the situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jessica on the students may needing their cell phones for such reasons as sports and it would definitely take a lot of time and effort to figure out how to elminate all the problems that the cell phone has caused.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cell-phone-use-in-schools.html http://www.schoolsecurity.org/trends/cell_phones.html
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree that cell phones should not be banned from school, there are some negative issues to consider. The websites listed above touch on the pros and cons of allowing students to use cell phones in school. The most common negative effect is the disruption in the classroom, such as the ringing of the phone and the lack of restrain from the students to text either socially or to cheat on a test, and taking pictures of exams for other students. Other cons are taking pictures of other students changing in the gym locker area, making false bomb threats to schools, and connections to drug and gang activity. Rumors and gossip are spread much more quickly and has caused student attendance to drop dramatically due to the targeted students of the rumors trying to avoid the text messages received of violence they will encounter if they show up at school. As far as using their cell phone as calculators or accessibility of the internet to present further info on a topic of discussion, is not a valid reason to allow cell phones in the classroom. It could increase peer pressure because not all students’ parents can afford or want to provide their children with cell phones to begin with so some students make be singled out. For these reasons, cell phones should be kept in their lockers during school hours. If the students have the equipment in the classroom (computer, calculator) and teachers and administrators have cell phones or pagers for emergencies, then there is no need for students to have access to cell phones during school hours. Unless schools have strict guidelines for students to follow and a thorough plan on dealing with potential problems that may arise due to cell phones, the locker is the best place for cell phones during school hours.
I completely agree with Heather that a reward system for good behavior is a great idea. A reward system that allows students to use their cell phone during in the library, but only if they are not disruptive to other students. There usually isn’t enough time during lunch for cell phone use.
I agree with S. Merante in that cell phones can potentially cause many issues and distractions in a classroom as well as the entire school. The only way cell phone usage could be productive in the classroom is if it is structured and controlled by the teacher and only occurs with specific assignments, not being allowed all the time. Guidelines would have to be set for the students. Instruction involving cell phones would need to be in a large group setting as well because not every child in our class will have access to a cell phone, and we cannot, as S. Merante said, single out a child because their parents cannot afford it or choose not to provide their child with a cell phone.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I do not think cell phones should be completely banned on campus. However, I do feel they should be limited to where students can use them. Just like some of my other classmates mentioned, cell phones are a huge distraction in the classroom, and they take away from the learning environment. If a student is completely uninterested in a certain class, and then receives a text message from a friend; of course they will completely lose focus on what their teacher is even talking about. I think that it can also be a distraction for their surrounding peers who might be trying to focus. I remember sitting in my calculus class when I was a senior in high school, trying my best to understand what my instructor was teaching. The lights would be off because our teacher would be using the overhead projector, and I would periodically see flashes of blue light out of the corner of my eye. The girl next to me was vigorously texting and the blue light from her phone was reflecting off her forehead. That is just one example of how cell phones can be distracting even to others. Cell phones can also aid in cheating, school gossiping, bullying, use of inappropriate language, and inappropriate photography among the students.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I think that students should be able to use their phone between classes, and at lunch. Students, as well as parents, rely on this device for communication. Some use it for their clock, daily planner, news source, and encyclopedia. According to the article, “Cell phones in school: Tools or toys” at http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/article_b851282e-941c-11de-b6d1-001cc4c002e0.html, 71 percent of American students ages 12 to 17 own a cell phone. Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska has given up the conflict against cell phones in schools, and now allows students to use this device between classes and lunch time. However, when they go to class, the phones must be off and out of sight. One of the principals in this article mentions they want to teach students a certain “social etiquette,” and that there is a time and place for everything.
I think this if the way it should be. It would save many schools a lot of time and effort because if the students are allowed to use their phone outside of class, they won’t be as tempted to use it in the classroom.
Morgan, great article and point. There is, as you pointed out, a time and place for everything. Manners and social ettiquette are some of the things that can be incorporated into school lessons. Helping students be future productive society members means preparing them for situations in the work place where they will have to know that text messaging and unprofessonal phone usage probably won't be tolerated.
ReplyDeleteI agree with morgan and carolyn that teaching students there in a time and a place for cell phones is something that they will take with them even after they graduate. This issue has become rapidly more debateable since children younger and younger are owning cell phones, I know children as young as seven who own them! It is important to show children that it is inappropriate to be texting whil in th middle of a conversation and especially when you are with a superior (teacher or boss) or someone you should be payin attention to.
ReplyDeleteI think that cell phones should be allowed at school but completley banned from the classroom. They should only be used in emergency situations. I also understand why some schools would ban them all together because of the harrasment and bullying. This day in age it does make it easier for kids to harass others because of the technology, people can forward mean text message and post things about others on websites. I dont think that having cell phones at school would make this any worse, because if they really want to do something like that they will regardless. They will wait and do it when they get out of school and have their cellphones.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mdassler, cell phones are very important when it comes to emergency situations and a child should be able to get in contact with their guardian if needed and vice versa. With all the school shootings that have occurred over the past decade kids should have a way of calling 911 or home if they were ever put in a situation where their lives were at risk and the teacher had no control.
cell phones should not be viewed as a burden unless they are being used for the wrong reasons. kids are going to gather around after school and do what they want regardless of when they decide to do it. it would be hard to tell students, especially in high school, not to have cell phones in the class. parents and family members may need to get in touch with students throughout the day for emergency purposes. this is obviously a distraction, but it is also important to have that emergency outlet available. ben had a great point, students could use cell phones for many things in the classroom these days. with all the apps out there, teachers could certainly find ways to utilize them.
ReplyDeletewith the way the world works, we must constantly have access to information. if cell phones can help a student understand something in class then i think it would be worth it to permit them in schools.
My opinion on cell phone use in schools is very similar to the opinions of my classmates. I believe that cell phone use should be allowed in schools with some limitations.
ReplyDeleteLike Haley, Ben, and Kyle said, children today have grown up using technology like cell phones. The cell phone offers many tools that can be useful in the classroom. Of course the smartphone has countless applications that could be beneficial to a student's learning experience, but even the basic cell phone has helpful tools like calculators and organizational tools.
The fact that students today are so interested in using cell phones, as well as other forms of technology, means that schools should evolve to embrace these factors that have been influencing this generation of youth. Cell phones should be allowed in schools for various educational purposes as well as specified times throughout the school day (during breaks, lunch, etc...). This is also a great way for students to stay in contact with their parents about rides, afterschool activities, or if he or she is not feeling well.
I also agree with J-Gay's statement about cell phones can potentially become a distraction. Bullying or fighting through texting can also become an issue. Obviously, with or without allowed cell phone use in schools, these problems will occur no matter what. It is up to the teacher and/or faculty members to take control. If a student has his/her phone out at an inappropriate time during class, the teacher has the right to take the student's phone until the end of the class period. If the problem persists, the teacher should notify the parents and if it continues, the teacher should notify the principal to take further necessary action.
Through changing school policies on cell phone use, I feel like students would not be near as tempted to try to text or play with their phone throughout the school day if it is not considered "a big deal." If the use is not prohibitted, students may view this as a privilege that should not be abused.
I also think that with less emphasis on prohibiting cell phone use at school, teachers can focus more on teaching their students rather than punishing them for merely having their cell phone on campus. This could lead to a better educational atmosphere as well as a better relationship between students and school faculty.
This is a tough topic to touch on. As a teacher, it can be approached in many ways. However, I think the cell phone use should be allowed in a classroom if you have the advantages towards using it for educational purposes. There have been many times where I have been unable to print out the slides of a powerpoint for the next class. But I can pull the document up on my blackberry, and be right along with the class in the powerpoint slides. But I can feel as if the teacher is thinking I'm doing something else on my phone. Which is understandable, because there are so many more features to a cell phone that don't serve the educational purposes. But isn't the reason we should completely eliminate the cell phone use. Just so much to limit the use of the cell phone.
ReplyDeleteChelsey T. has a great idea on keeping cell phones from being a distraction in the classroom. She believes that cell phones should be allowed at school, but not in the classroom to save students from the temptation of using them. This is one way to keep cell phones in school but also keep their access limited.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, JBradley makes a great point also. Cell phones are a very useful tool, especially for older students. This statement agrees with most of us by saying that cell phones should be allowed in school. Again, cell phones can be used for organizational purposes (calendars, calculators, internet, etc.), or like JBradley says, it can be used to pull up powerpoint slides if one were to forget to print them for class the night before (or even if one just wanted to view them in a more eco-friendly way.) Also, cell phones can be used for safety purposes. All of these are reasons why cell phones should at least be allowed in schools, even if their use and access is limited.
Incorporating the names of the people you agree with is a great discussion technique. For example, "Like Haley, Ben, and Kyle said..."
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that the idea of using cell phones for cheating was largely ignored. Many of you agree with cell phone use for educational purposes. How can cheating be addressed? I appreciate reading the pros and cons of cell phone use that were cited.
The blue reflection on the girls forehead is priceless. This stands out in my memory. How many of you chuckled or could relate to this?
Many schools have policies of cell phone use that will already be in place prior to your employment. Yet, it is helpful to know how they can be used in educational settings. You may serve on a technology committee or be in a position where you can advocate for student use of cell phones. Aside from this, you will have to learn the school culture to determine if it's acceptable to have phones used in your classroom. I like the idea of using them for eco-friendly purposes.
The websites provided to support your statements and the content of your posts are amazing. Keep up the good work.
I think that cell phones are very important. But I also think that cell phones are used way too much inside schools. School is a time for learning and students should not be worried about texting or talking to their friends. Students also use cell phones to cheat on test and quizzes. I think that the best situation for cell phones is for to let students bring their cell phones but keep them in their lockers. Lockers is a good idea because whenever there is an emergency they can still reach their parents or guardians.
ReplyDeleteThere is also a big thing about teachers always thinking a student is cheating on their phone though. I think that if teachers would just let it be known that cell phones are allowed but to make sure that the students know that no cheating or mischievous act is not allowed then we wouldnt be having those kinds of problems in schools.