by Bronston Sterner

Created on: April 17, 2010

I would say no to allowing children to use cell phones during school.  Many uses that a cell phone can accomplish can be done with a computer. There are many items which lead me to believe that cell phones should not be used in the classroom.  As an example, how do you control what students are viewing and sending?  As far as I know teachers and even technology personnel can’t view or control what is on the phone.  With computers that are run through the district server, there is some type of filtering device associated with them. The schools can monitor the content a little easier on a computer than what they can on a cell phone. 

When the students have this access they can be texting or viewing material and possibly not even be paying attention to what is going on in class.  A student could say that they are just taking notes. So now the teacher needs to take time to check to make sure the student is telling the truth.  It also could be a problem if students take pictures and record information that could be used against someone such as another student or even the teacher.  I understand that this could occur even if they are not supposed to have them in school.  Students figure a way around the system.

I’m slowly starting to see a shift in how people who are supposed to be working are also texting.  A few years ago someone told me about an article that showed how production had dropped since eBay started.  Now it is with the cell phones.  How much time is wasted by employees? How much time is wasted by students in the classroom?  There has to be a correlation. I’m sure there are other articles out there but I did find one that related to work time loss.

Just because the high-tech cells phone are a new form of technology doesn’t mean we have to use it right away. Guidelines and control need to be addressed before any type of cell phone usage in the classroom can take place. More information and safe guards about cell phone usage should be given before cell phones are common place in the classroom.  I'm not opposed to having cell phones used in the class which students have limited control of such as a clicker system or some basic item like that.

Articles which assisted in gathering information

http://life.familyeducation.com/cellular-telephones/ school/51264.html

http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/article_b851282e-9 41c-11de-b6d1-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_di splay/ys/expert-columnists/suzanne-devries/e3i103c27 5cad3b5dbfa5adbd440e95d41b

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/cell-phone-us e-in-school-726.html

Learn more about this author, Bronston Sterner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.