Lucy Georgius: Pro Phones in School
As the technology behind smartphones continues to evolve at lightning speeds, technology in the classroom has become a hot topic of debate. There are strong arguments for each side of the issue as each side has its pros and cons. While phones can definitely be a source of distraction, especially with new apps coming out every day like Instagram, Snapchat, and even TikTok, they can also revolutionize the learning experience of students.
Over the past few years, Chromebooks have become widely used for students to use for research and writing. Although these can be helpful, personal phones allow the student to conduct research and type papers with the convenience of being able to fit in his or her pocket. Once class ends, the Chromebooks must return to the cart to be plugged in and left in the school overnight. In some cases, students might start to associate working and researching with using the Chromebook, which could keep students from doing work at home. On the other hand, people keep their phones in their pockets 24/7. In addition, students will be more familiar with their personal cell phones, which reduces the learning curve. Using a phone in contrast to a Chromebook allows the student and the teacher more flexibility within the classroom.
One major backlash and argument against having phones in the classroom is the considerable risk of distraction. Phones nowadays are filled with different games and apps that keep us constantly stimulated and entertained. Here’s the difference: phones should not be allowed at all times throughout the classroom; cell phone use should be regulated, and only used when a teacher gives permission. While there should be obvious exceptions to this idea in execution, for the most part, this concept is a way to get the best of both worlds. Learning will be advanced through this innovative technology rather than be brought down and hindered by the distraction.
Not only does utilizing mobile devices enrich the academic experience, but there are other benefits too. In case of an emergency, it is beneficial to have a phone. Say there is a real fire—having to deal with handing back phones to students in such a stressful time can make an already chaotic situation much worse. Not only will this be a stressor in situations like these, but it also makes the threat much more dangerous. When students already have access to their phone in scary cases like these, it eliminates an extra step towards solving the problem and dealing with the situation at hand. In addition, if a family emergency occurs, a student will have more access to information and stay in the loop; if the student has to leave because of this, they will know immediately, which could be vital.
Cell phone use in schools is highly controversial because of the potential risks, but using phones in a controlled way could lead to an innovative and enhanced classroom experience.
Chole Wilson: Con Phones in School
Our attachment to our cellular devices has grown rapidly over the years. Not only can we not put them down during a family dinner or while doing homework, but it also seems that we cannot put them down at school. Maybe it’s because Candy Crush is too tempting, or perhaps it’s ingrained in our brains that we must have our phones on us at all times.
Numerous studies have proved that our addiction to our phones can be related to the amount of dopamine in our brain. According to Trevor Haynes of Harvard University, “Smartphones have provided us with a virtually unlimited supply of social stimuli, both positive and negative. Every notification, whether it’s a text message, a “like” on Instagram, or a Facebook notification, has the potential to be a positive social stimulus and dopamine influx.” Our attachment to our smartphones has become an addiction that we just can’t shake. As a result, this addiction is now affecting our work ethic in the classroom. Dr. Sahlberg, who will join the University of New South Wales as professor of education this year, said smartphones were distracting students from reading, school-related work, physical activity, and high-quality sleep. With every notification we get, we are forced to unlock our phones, and in turn, we miss part of our teacher’s lecture. We are fortunate for our education, so should we really be decreasing its value at the expense of our smartphones?
According to The Atlantic, The University of Michigan found that in schools that permitted students to have cell phones, 71 percent of students sent or received text messages on their cell phones in class. This staggering percentage is what is costing students their education. Although many students argue by saying that they can multitask or that they are simply listening to music while doing their work, this reasoning can be shot down quickly. Peter Bregman wrote in the Harvard Business Review Blog Network that multitasking can reduce productivity by 40 percent, while also increasing stress and causing a ten-point fall in IQ. The point is that teachers cannot be naive when it comes to cell phones in the classroom. If teachers think that their students aren’t quietly texting under their desk while instruction is going on, they would be sadly mistaken. At the same time, while students are missing parts of the lecture, they are only hurting themselves and their grades.
According to The Atlantic, “In a recent New York Times article titled ‘A Silicon Valley School That Doesn’t Compute,’ Paul Thomas, a former teacher and an associate professor of education at Furman University was quoted as saying, ‘Teaching is a human experience. Technology is a distraction when we need literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.’” All in all, if teachers want success in the classroom, cell phones must be banned due to student’s unwavering addiction to them.