Should cellphones be used in learning?

I do not think cellphones should be used in learning. The reasons why I feel they should not be allowed is the prevalence of texting, inappropriate use of cameras and video recorders, and the apps and games on modern phones would serve as a distraction for students.

Students are already sneaking their phones out in class to send text messages. While many of the texts are harmless conversation, they do provide a major distraction to the classroom environment. I also had a student who was on drugs and talking about a knife he had texting in the classroom. Whether he was trying to get more drugs, plan an assault on someone, or simply talking to someone I will never know, but I do know that wihout a ban on cell phones in the classroom he could have texted anything he wanted.

The news has had many stories in recent years about students sending inappropriate photos and videos of themselves with cell phones. Openly allowing cell phones in the classroom would increase the possibility of students abusing the privilege. At my placement there have also been past issues with students recording other students and instructors to make fun of them later.

The final reason I think cell phones should not be used in the classroom is because of the distraction they would be to students. The age of the basic flip phone is over and even the most basic phones now have numerous applications and games to cause a classroom distraction. Some may argue that the teachers should regulate the cell phone use, but due to the small size and easily concealed nature of modern phones that would be nearly impossible. In computer apps it can be hard enough to monitor the more than 20 students and what they are doing on a 17" screen, imagine trying to monitor what each student is doing on their phones 2"-4" screen.

The abilities of modern cell phones combined with the risk to student privacy make me think that cell phones are not appropriate for the classroom.

Peer Review

I thought the peer review was very valuable. It was great to give and get feedback from other student teachers who are in the same position as myself. It was also good to see the methods another student teacher uses in their classroom. It also gave me perspective on difficulties that others are having when student teaching, such as connecting content back to student experiences.

I enjoyed reviewing a peer's lesson and found it informational. I did find it hard to say negative things about a peer, knowing how hard it has been to get better at teaching myself. I tried to be as positive as possible, and luckily, had a talented peer to review.

Peer review is on the domains rubric, because it is a good way to have students think critically and be exposed to how other students complete assignments. It can help students realize areas they are talented in and areas they need to improve in relation to their classmates. One way to implement peer review would be on the current event articles we use in business explorations. Students could note how other students write and make suggestions about how to improve the other student's work. Also, by noticing things that are giving other students problems, they may realize something that they are doing wrong and need to improve.