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Smart List: 60 People Shaping the Future of K-12 Education
As with most technology there are pro’s and con’s when it comes to usage in a classroom. Cell phones are no different. As a teacher I don’t find it a distraction once the ground rules are set. Some students will always try to bend the rules but others will always adhere. If we are to follow the guidelines in particular states, electronic devices are illegal, but therein lies a loophole. In most states the law was enacted to deal with pagers connected to reduce the sale of drugs. The use of cellular devices can do the same, but the majority of students use them just for communication. A simple rule in a classroom can end most debate. Turn off the phone and put it on your desk in front of you. If you want to make it a part of a lesson, “let’s see who can get a person to respond via a text the fastest, or the farthest away,” then they can be implemented. What seems to be more close to the truth is that they are not going away, so we as teachers must try to deal with their use in the school.
I do think it is important to utilize technology in the classroom, especially those “mobile” technologies that the children are familiar with. It is more meaningful to them. I am fascinated with the different projects outlined in this article. I do agree with the prior post that cell phones are an issue in the classroom. While it is relevant to implement mobile technology, I think the cell phones can be omitted. They are a major distraction in class with texts, games, music, etc. They can really take away from your lesson, not add to it. .