Cell phones have many potential educational uses for teachers and students. Mansfield Independent School District allows students have phones in their possession but the cell phones, however have to be turned off and out of sight. Cell phones should be allowed in the school for classroom related purposes because of the technological advances they offer to students for education.
Cell phones could be used for different educational purposes, for example: a stopwatch, calculator for labs, to take pictures, and notes. Some smart phones have the ability to print documents wirelessly and can go on the Internet when a student needs to research a topic. According to PewInternet, 75 percent of teens between the ages of 12-17 own a cell phone and in the world, there are more than twice the number of cell phones than computers. Now cell phones hold all he potential of mini-laptops.
With all the advantages of cell phones, the school district will save tons of money. They won’t have to buy textbooks, graphing calculators for each math and science class, paper or computers. Paper alone will be a big money saver and more environmentally friendly. Teachers can email or text their students homework, worksheets and notes. Students could even take tests and quizzes on their phone. Just the basics of a cell phone can help a student.
Android and Apple app stores have endless amounts of apps potentially useful for school. Apps ranging from The ABC Song, SAT Flashcards and Allen Prep could help studying for the SAT and ACT. Not to mention Legacy’s library has an app, Gale Group, to help research topics. Students wouldn’t lose class time walking to and from the library when it’s in their hands. The advantages of cell phones and, better yet, smart phones are enormous.
District officials ban cell phones for causing distractions, cheating and for safety reasons. Although there might be problems with some students using cell phones for these purposes, the district and teachers can make rules so these situations can be avoided. Teachers can make rules to only allow cell phones at certain times and ask students to place their cellphones on the instructors desk when taking a quiz or test. If students abuse that privilege, like now, teachers can take it to the bookkeeper and have the students pay a fine.
District officials need to embrace the advances in this world and start including cell phones in the classroom. They need to see there are more positives than negatives when having a mobile device in the classroom.