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.
You bring up some very good points as to why cellphones should not be used in education. While I researched the topic, I did not find any websites that brought up the use cellphones and their abilities to record or take pictures. A comment left on my blog asked if I could ever see cellphones benefitting education and my answer was yes, but, of course, after we develop some sort of software that would allow students to log in using their cellphone that way it could be monitored. Where do you think camera/video phones could be used? Do you think this option on a cellphone could possibly benefit education? or do you think text messaging, emailing, or applications are the only way cellphones could be used to enhance and interest students?
ReplyDeleteI don't think camera/video phones should be used in the classroom. There are too many privacy issues at stake. Cellphones could be used to interest students, but there are too many potential issues.
ReplyDeleteI could possibly see inexpensive tablet computers that are purchased, monitored, and controlled by the school being used for many of the proposed cell phone activities.