Cellhub News

Cell phones have evolved the world. The cell phone technology has shown tremendous improvement in less than a decade and they have transformed from logical devices to emotional devices. Even more drastic improvements and changes are on its way soon. Keeping pace up with technological advances children should not be left behind when our future rely on them. Like every other technology, cell phones have some pros and cons associated with them. I think the pros here weight out the cons. Looking towards the positive technology tools of cell phones and teaching students ethical and responsible use is our job as twenty-first century educators. As Peggy Sheehy, a library media specialist from Suffern, N.Y., put it: We can't teach 21st century literacy and assess with 19th century methodology.

Well-thought-out cell phone policies enable schools to continue to reflect the society they serve. Students will use cell phones, will teachers and administrators are willing to work together with our twenty-first century global learners?

So our debate should not be on an issue whether children should use cell phone in schools rather why have the schools been so slow to embrace them.

For what purpose should cell phones be used?

Cell phones should be used for educational purposes.  Students should be able to use this technology to create broadcasts, media projects, etc.  Students are expected to use technology in school in order to develop the twenty-first century skills necessary to compete in the workplace.  Most individuals have cell phones today, and these phones can do just about everything from actually calling people to giving directions.  Why not allow them to capitalize on the hand-held technology in their pocket? 

Benefits of Cell phones in a school:

Cell phones can be used as an assistive technology. Today's cell phones allow for two-way communication through different forms from voice communication to text communication. These devices allow students to access learning materials in different forms either through auditory means as through an mp3 recording of a book or visually by text on a screen.

When parents are able to contact students on cell phones, office staff receives fewer calls and it lessens the burden of office staff. In addition, cell phones can be life savers in an emergency, providing police with vital and timely information. In emergencies when school office lines are jammed then cell phones can be a handy device to contact the concern departments or parents.  Older students can conduct phone interviews during class time with teacher supervision, for instance. Also, many cell phones now have Internet capability, built-in calculators, and memories able to hold entire books. For schools with limited technologies available to students, cell phones mimic the computers that the classroom may lack.

On School part How to create rules for cell phone use: 

Teachers and the school need to create rules for proper use of cell phone. During a test or while conducting a lecture in classroom students know to turn off the phone and place it in the upper-right-hand corner of the desk.  This eliminates cheating; one of the main reasons why many people would argue that using cell phones in education is hazardous Many of the other hazards in line with cell phone use in school involves students broadcasting inappropriate behavior, calling in bomb threats, etc.  Students need to be educated about proper cell-phone and technology use in general. 

So rather banning and imposing more restrictions in using of cell phone, students should be given the opportunity to embrace cell phone technology; they may be more inclined to use it for more appropriate purposes. In our experience, more restrictions tend to more crimes. Schools also need to implement a cell phone plan that warrants against cyber bullying, improper texting, etc.  If students are educated about the correct use of cell phones, they will be able to enhance their education. If proper rules and guidelines are in place, cell phones will not be a distraction, but rather a welcomed and integral part of the curriculum. 

Tags: cellular phone plans, cell phones in a school, cell phone technology, children use cell phones in school