Students and Cell Phones: Controversy in the Classroom
Shaw (2005) recognises that cellular telephones have been widely available for over 15 years. She identifies in her article ‘Students and Cell Phones: Controversy in the Classroom‘ that schools and legislators have not yet reached a clear decision on their appropriate use in school environments. In her discussions, Shaw considers the pros and cons of student cell phone usage; limiting student use of cell phones; short-term solutions; and, the future of cell phones on the classroom. She states that “Keeping up with technological advances is not easy, particularly when benefits and drawbacks may not be clear, but it is necessary”.
It is interesting to read an article about this topic published 4 years ago and the thought pattern that was around then. We are now experiencing the future and there are considerations that are needing to be made regularly about the use of cell phones in classrooms and by students. Shaw states that “Well-thought-out cell phone policies enable schools to continue to reflect the society they serve”.
As educators, what do we need to consider about cell phone use in our classrooms and/or schools by students?
Image source: http://elearningstuff.wordpress.com/2008/03/
