Should Cell Phones Be Banned From Classrooms?

This is a very interesting topic today in schools.  It was brought to my attention in my last class from Dr. Lichau, just how much kids are using cell phones in schools and that in some districts, students are encouraged to use them in class.  I found in college, cell phones going off during class to be very distracting and extremely rude.  I do see that they can be a useful tool in learning and finding out information.  Where do we as teachers draw the line?

            I myself as an aspiring teacher tend to side with the “yes” people, as far as cell phones being banned or not used during class time.  In the article “Should Cell Phones Be Banned From Classrooms”, Josh Allen asks the question, “How can instructions including cell phone use even be considered for a valuable use of block time?”  I see why this gentleman feels this way.  Teachers have limited time as far as what they can get through with curriculum and lessons.  Something could be lost or not covered if too much time is spent dealing with cell phones.  After reading both sides of the debate however, I have changed my stance a bit.  I could see myself performing lessons in class having the students use their cell phones to do research, etc., to complete the assignment.

            In the article “From Toy to Tool”, Liz Kolb discusses a great point.  She states, “Over time I have come to realize that cell phones are part of our students everyday lives.”  These kids are part of the Digital Native generation.  Almost everyone you see nowadays has a cell phone, including children.  That being said, I would have individual contracts for each student to sign at the beginning of each particular class.  There would be times of appropriate use such as for assignments or research, but texting and taking pictures, etc., would be questionable.  If students used their cell phones at times when not permitted, I would collect it and return it at the end of class and that student would be on probation.  Steps would have to be taken and use in class would have to be earned back. 

            Referring back to the counterpoint article, Liz Kolb argues for use in the classroom.  She states, “A basic cell phone has the ability to be the students Swiss army knife of technology.”  Students can use the Internet, take notes, pictures, etc., to help with assignments and projects.  There are many uses that could be applied to schoolwork.  I would be very much interested in having a couple assignments during a class where the cell phones were used to collect data and then presented. 

            I think having cell phone use in the classroom can be a double-edged sword.  I think they can be very useful for research, projects, and provide numerous helpful functions.  I also see them being a distraction and being used inappropriately taking away from the total learning experience of the individual and group.  I would have to take a final stance and say in my classroom I would have to get to know the students, see how responsible they are, and see what kind of projects could be created positively using the phones.  At this point however, I would probably still lean towards having them banned in the classroom.