Cell Phones in Education - Classroom 2.02024-03-28T08:01:45Zhttps://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/cell-phones-in-education?groupUrl=CellPhonesinEducation&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI was not aware of BYOD until…tag:www.classroom20.com,2014-07-12:649749:Comment:10210872014-07-12T20:31:35.389ZBrenda Tomeohttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/BrendaTomeo
<p>I was not aware of BYOD until learning about the topic in class. Bring Your Own Device, the purpose of encouraging students to bring electronics to school is an up and coming trend. I work in a vocational training program, training and teaching students to become prepared to enter the world of competitive employment. Cell phones are discouraged in the work place and often are distracting to others. Students have a difficult time paying attention and focusing in on the teacher. Students…</p>
<p>I was not aware of BYOD until learning about the topic in class. Bring Your Own Device, the purpose of encouraging students to bring electronics to school is an up and coming trend. I work in a vocational training program, training and teaching students to become prepared to enter the world of competitive employment. Cell phones are discouraged in the work place and often are distracting to others. Students have a difficult time paying attention and focusing in on the teacher. Students who have learning disabilities and other types of impairments find it difficult learning in large groups let alone using technology in a small group setting. We encourage them to leave their mobile devices at home. We do have one student who communicates via the iPad. In this case, I applaud the use of the iPad for communicative purposes, and if we had more access to iPads for others, I would see the value. However, when students use the cell phone to check out the time or to see the latest instant message or text, they lose valuable instructional time. In the future as this trend gains momentum I wonder about students who do not have access to cell phones, how are they kept engaged? </p>
<p>Although I do agree with the many points made by Krista in that students DO benefit from accessing their mobile device in class. The ability to search the internet, use various apps and to communicate with peers related to school work is great. I then wonder about students doing their own work and not cheating on exams and quizzes. I also agree that students need to be aware of the digital rights and responsibilities while doing classwork on these devices. </p>
<p></p> I agree. I know of several s…tag:www.classroom20.com,2014-06-06:649749:Comment:10162522014-06-06T02:10:48.715ZChristine Smithhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/ChristineSmith250
<p>I agree. I know of several students who have been suspended or even expelled for taking and posting pictures of their teachers, for example, when bending over. I'm glad there were some repercussions of these actions. I would agree to let students use their phones in between classes and lunch time. I believe we are fighting a losing battle with banning them all together. I don't feel students are being guided on how to effectively use technology. It's kind of funny how teachers feel we…</p>
<p>I agree. I know of several students who have been suspended or even expelled for taking and posting pictures of their teachers, for example, when bending over. I'm glad there were some repercussions of these actions. I would agree to let students use their phones in between classes and lunch time. I believe we are fighting a losing battle with banning them all together. I don't feel students are being guided on how to effectively use technology. It's kind of funny how teachers feel we need to educate students on their technology behavior, when most technology is just as new to us as it is them.</p> Seth,
You made some really g…tag:www.classroom20.com,2014-06-03:649749:Comment:10154342014-06-03T23:49:10.475ZKrista Attixhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/KristaAttix
<p>Seth,</p>
<p></p>
<p>You made some really good points about using cell phones in the classroom. I currently work at a school district that is on the fence about mobile devices (BYOD) in the classroom. At the high school level, students are allowed to use their cell phones during class to search the Internet, use educational apps, and communicate with classmates on school-related topics. At the middle school level and below, cell phones are strictly prohibited. While it is obvious that high…</p>
<p>Seth,</p>
<p></p>
<p>You made some really good points about using cell phones in the classroom. I currently work at a school district that is on the fence about mobile devices (BYOD) in the classroom. At the high school level, students are allowed to use their cell phones during class to search the Internet, use educational apps, and communicate with classmates on school-related topics. At the middle school level and below, cell phones are strictly prohibited. While it is obvious that high school students are more mature than our middle school and intermediate-level students, I still feel that they could benefit from using their phones in the classroom. Through my graduate program that focuses on technology, I have come across a ton of apps that I would love to use in my classroom. I think that my students could benefit from using these programs, and would certainly enjoy doing it. I think that we have to embrace the fact that our society is changing and technology is becoming more and more prevalent. Many students would prefer completing an assignment on their mobile device versus a pen and paper. They are more fluent and find it more engaging. As you mentioned, there needs to be a lot of instruction and reinforcement of appropriate use of technology in school. Students need to take place in many lessons regarding technology prior to being about to use cell phones. They need to constantly be reminded of the rules and expectations. I think that students will be eager to use their mobile devices, and many will adhere to the policies put in place.</p> I agree with you. I think tha…tag:www.classroom20.com,2014-05-21:649749:Comment:10128852014-05-21T23:18:07.560ZLauren Luccahttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/LaurenLucca
<p>I agree with you. I think that cell phones should be allowed to be carried for educational purposes, but should not disrupt the learning process of the classroom. I like the idea of teaching the students to use them appropriately and incorporating them into the curriculum because I think it would really keep the students engaged and excited about using their phone to learn in class. But there is definitely a line between appropriate usage and inappropriate usage.</p>
<p>I agree with you. I think that cell phones should be allowed to be carried for educational purposes, but should not disrupt the learning process of the classroom. I like the idea of teaching the students to use them appropriately and incorporating them into the curriculum because I think it would really keep the students engaged and excited about using their phone to learn in class. But there is definitely a line between appropriate usage and inappropriate usage.</p> Hi, everyone, I think the sam…tag:www.classroom20.com,2014-03-25:649749:Comment:10023202014-03-25T00:51:28.792ZRocio Campoverdehttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/MelidaRocioCampoverdeMendez
<p>Hi, everyone, I think the same like you. cell phones in class is like having a toy in class, students are going to play instead of paying attention to the teacher, and the worst is when students take photopraghs to other classmates or teachers in an uncomfortable manner. For example, when a teacher is angry.</p>
<p>Hi, everyone, I think the same like you. cell phones in class is like having a toy in class, students are going to play instead of paying attention to the teacher, and the worst is when students take photopraghs to other classmates or teachers in an uncomfortable manner. For example, when a teacher is angry.</p> Like some of the other posts…tag:www.classroom20.com,2014-03-19:649749:Comment:10011362014-03-19T02:07:38.917ZRob Samplehttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/RobSample
<p>Like some of the other posts here, I believe that much of the debate surrounding cell phone usage in the classroom centers on "appropriate use." I have been teaching for seven years at the high school level, and have grown up on the cusp of being a digital native. I may not have been one of the first to adopt a smart phone, but I have never been one to ignore their utility, and one might even argue now - their necessity. We live in an ever changing and exponentially advancing…</p>
<p>Like some of the other posts here, I believe that much of the debate surrounding cell phone usage in the classroom centers on "appropriate use." I have been teaching for seven years at the high school level, and have grown up on the cusp of being a digital native. I may not have been one of the first to adopt a smart phone, but I have never been one to ignore their utility, and one might even argue now - their necessity. We live in an ever changing and exponentially advancing technological world, and to limit the use of such a powerful tool via a "cell phone ban" in schools strikes me as incredibly shortsighted.</p>
<p>I teach in such a school where a "technology" ban currently exists, students are "supposed" to put phones/iPods away upon entering the building in the morning, and may take them back out at the bell at the end of the day. Anyone who has taught at the secondary level probably has a good idea of how well this policy works. I have allowed iPods in my room for six years, and phones for about the past four - mainly as a means to listen to music. I teach Studio Art courses, and a vast majority of our class time is dedicated to individual work - as such the students focus much better when they are listening to music. </p>
<p>With the spread of the smartphone, brand new avenues for accessing information have been opened up in my class room. Almost all of my upper level students (Art II, III, and IV) paint, draw, and sculpt from reference photos stored on their phone. The inclusion of high-quality cameras on most models makes impromptu reference shots a breeze. And, on a moment's notice, I can pull up examples of other artists' work that pertain to the specific student with whom I may be speaking.</p>
<p>I believe the key, as others have stated, is keeping a watchful eye on students who "lose focus." Not for an instant, we are all human, our world is changing, and our notions of patience and focus are as well; so if a student takes a quick break from working and checks a text - no big deal. But if they have spent the last several minutes blasting out messages to their friends, checking Facebook, or playing a game - that's behavior that needs to be addressed. </p>
<p>And that's how I manage cell phone use in my classroom. If the technology is being leveraged in a manner that is conducive to learning and appropriate in the Art classroom - excellent. If a student is abusing the technology and off task - then I address it and redirect.</p>
<p>Fun discussion here, looking forward to hearing more thoughts!</p> This year students can use ce…tag:www.classroom20.com,2013-11-22:649749:Comment:9808072013-11-22T02:40:14.015ZLinda Robertshttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/LindaRoberts676
<p>This year students can use cell phones to text in the hall ways and study halls and upon teacher approval.</p>
<p>I have had to tell students to put away their phones, only to be told that they are allowed to have them out in other classes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am catching students on snapchat and other apps that they are not using for academic purposes. I agree with Bruce that consistency is key.</p>
<p>I didn't have a problem with students taking a picture of their work, or notes that they…</p>
<p>This year students can use cell phones to text in the hall ways and study halls and upon teacher approval.</p>
<p>I have had to tell students to put away their phones, only to be told that they are allowed to have them out in other classes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am catching students on snapchat and other apps that they are not using for academic purposes. I agree with Bruce that consistency is key.</p>
<p>I didn't have a problem with students taking a picture of their work, or notes that they had completed on dry erase boards</p>
<p>or taking a picture of the homework posted on my dry erase board. </p>
<p> </p> I completely agree with you a…tag:www.classroom20.com,2013-04-22:649749:Comment:9280012013-04-22T01:40:17.103ZSarah Horanhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/SarahHoran
<p>I completely agree with you about teaching students to overcome distractions. It's an easy answer to just ban cell phone usage in the classroom, but what does that do for our students? They live in a world where cell phones are available constantly and when they move on to higher levels, they have to know appropriate uses of their mobile devices. It seems like the same adults who are willing to ban the use of cell phones in the classroom for students are also the ones who have their cell…</p>
<p>I completely agree with you about teaching students to overcome distractions. It's an easy answer to just ban cell phone usage in the classroom, but what does that do for our students? They live in a world where cell phones are available constantly and when they move on to higher levels, they have to know appropriate uses of their mobile devices. It seems like the same adults who are willing to ban the use of cell phones in the classroom for students are also the ones who have their cell phones at meetings. Learning appropriate uses of mobile devices is a life skill that needs to be taught and I don't think our students are being taught that. </p> I taught adult ed classes to…tag:www.classroom20.com,2013-04-21:649749:Comment:9279112013-04-21T20:29:05.000ZBruce Lackhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/BruceLack
<p>I taught adult ed classes to young adults and OSY. I didn't use cellphones as part of my classes but I did allow them to be used when not lecturing. I found that students would use them appropriately when the lessons were engaging and would abuse them when they felt disconnected from the lesson. To help keep control, students were required to keep their cell phones on top of their desks/tables. those that abused the rule had to keep their phones on my desk for a week. Consistency of…</p>
<p>I taught adult ed classes to young adults and OSY. I didn't use cellphones as part of my classes but I did allow them to be used when not lecturing. I found that students would use them appropriately when the lessons were engaging and would abuse them when they felt disconnected from the lesson. To help keep control, students were required to keep their cell phones on top of their desks/tables. those that abused the rule had to keep their phones on my desk for a week. Consistency of applying clear rules and engaging lessons are the key to dealing with cell phones in the classroom. If i were still teaching, I would use the various apps that would allow me to incorporate the phones into the classroom more. Allowing the phones before other teachers did also gave me a bit of social capital with the students.</p> I think the problem is not so…tag:www.classroom20.com,2013-04-18:649749:Comment:9270212013-04-18T01:26:56.212ZJennifer Eschhttps://www.classroom20.com/profile/JenniferEsch
<p>I think the problem is not so much cell phones as it is students allowing themselves to be distracted, as you alluded to. In some ways, it seems like the "easiest" thing to do is to ban anything that might cause a distraction, but I'm not sure that prohibiting mobile devices provides the best service to our students. Once they leave our classroom and go to the next or go to college or enter the workforce, they are going to have to learn to overcome those distractions. I think students…</p>
<p>I think the problem is not so much cell phones as it is students allowing themselves to be distracted, as you alluded to. In some ways, it seems like the "easiest" thing to do is to ban anything that might cause a distraction, but I'm not sure that prohibiting mobile devices provides the best service to our students. Once they leave our classroom and go to the next or go to college or enter the workforce, they are going to have to learn to overcome those distractions. I think students would benefit from being taught how to identify appropriate and inappropriate times to use their cell phones and other mobile devices while they're in middle and high school. It does have the potential to create more work and even frustration for teachers, but I think the life lessons as well as the education benefits can overcome these factors. I also agree with David that consistency is key (both within classrooms and as much as is reasonable across the school).</p>