Cell phones in the classroom…not at the K-5 level. I have read several interesting articles and blogs on the pros and cons of cell phones in education. I can actually see the logic for the higher grade levels such as 9-12 and of course higher education. However, I am fundamentally opposed to the use of cell phones by 6 -12 year olds in school. I understand the fact that they are digital natives and are very adept at using devices to obtain information. The fact is that most children in grades K-4 just don’t own working cell phones. If they do they are often in a backpack and for emergencies only. If that is the case and the district is aware of it, they often confiscate the phone and have a parent pick it up.
The first Article I read had some really good points to consider. I thought that the pros were mostly skewed toward the High School setting. In that setting I can see a benefit for educational use. However, one of the responses on the Helium site (Response by Kelly Kidd) listed some really careful cautionary points to consider. Kelly’s response references a Family Education article that lists some pretty strong negatives for school cell phone use. One of the points that stuck out to me was the possibility of bomb threats. While I think it would be unlikely, with the pace of the elementary school day, that a student would have opportunity to make a threat, the possibility is very real. My district alone has had 8-10 bomb threats in the past three years. On a more elementary and junior high level, the use of cell phones could contribute to the spread and propagation of rumors and threats. Cyber bulling is another big issue in my district right now. How would cell phones in school contribute to that issue?
My own thoughts focus on student maturity and time on task with a device that is largely social for students.
In this MSNBC article a school district in Wisconsin banned cell phones when students were using them to call in family members for reinforcements in a fight. The article also cites other cities that have banned cell phones for students who were caught cheating. The High School setting brings up another issue. Students who are already digital natives have the advantage over teachers and administrators through their understanding of how to circumnavigate around safety and usage protocols.
I really am not usually a pessimist, however I just see way too many pitfalls in trying to use cell phones in the classroom. I am sure in a perfect world the positives would outweigh the negatives. At the elementary level, I think it will be some time before we are using cell phones in the classroom.
Citations:
Meador, Derrick. (2012). Embrace cell phones or ban them? Retrieved on 2/27/12 from
Associated Press. (January 27, 2007). Wisconsin school violence leads to cell phone ban. Retrieved 2/27/12 from
Cohen, Maya. (2011). Family Education. Retrieved 2/27/12 from
Chris,
ReplyDeleteGreat job as usual! I thought your video about being an educator was awesome and I like that you took a stance against cell phones in the classroom -- it is hard to do -- but you picked a side! I like the organization of your portfolio and feel it is definitely a good representation of your work --It has been a pleasure working with you in this class!