Most schools have policies restricting cell phones in school. But according to an Apple computer representative, the Apple I Phone will be the next technology finding its way into the school. Seventy-one percent of teens had a cell phone by early 2008, according to a survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Cell phones have become the equivalent of small computers — able to check e-mail, do Internet searches and record podcasts. A few teachers have incorporated the use of cell phones into their classes, as calculators in math, cameras for student projects, and for communicating in Spanish classes.
Most people understand the value of student cell phones. There will be a time when schools require cell phones in their classrooms just like they calculators. First we have to find an answer to the problem of “sexting”, cheating, unauthorized texting to friends during class, and sending bullying or harassing text messages. Schools have the ability to control what students can access on computers and can monitor what they are doing. Not so with student cell phones. Cell phones have the potential to be a valuable instructional tool, once we start trusting students to use them in appropriate ways.
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