Using cell phones in the classroom can be very invigorating to learning. Cell phones complement learning, they are small handheld portable computers. (Thomas et al., 2013, pg. 295) The issue with utilizing cell phones in the classroom is that students get easily distracted with the other items cellphones provide besides the work at hand. When students use their phone instead of the school’s equipment it is not easy for the Teacher to monitor the student’s engagement. These devices support instruction, but with texts, social media, and other disruptive apps the support can quickly be null and void. (Thomas et al., 2013, pg. 296) Parents it would help if you talk with your child(ren) about the importance of being on task and having their device on silent. When phones ring in class it causes a disruption especially if they have a song ringtone. Hearing a phone ring negatively affects students concentration on the task at hand. (Thomas et al., 2013, pg. 299) When a phone rings the student has to find their phone, turn it off, other students are now focused on the song, who it was, and then want to discuss them interruption. This are kids being kids, but it disrupts the educational process. Being disrupted while testing can affect the whole process, because the room being silent and students focusing on the information that is stored within to regurgitate on the test. During instruction time this is also a problem because it causes students to become off task. Even though we would like to show or students that there are other ways to appropriately use their devices besides talking, texting, social media for social purposes; Educators cannot risk the decline of students learning. Texting is another issue that cellphones cause in the classroom because students can silently be disruptive. When students are texting they are more focused on the conversation they are having on their phone than what is going on in the classroom. Some could say students text in class because the lesson or engagement is boring, but in actuality texting and phone usage is a problem everywhere. It has to be advertised in the movie theater and courtroom not to be used. We are in a society where phones plague our way of living. Despite that we are taking care of business a notification trumps that business; which once again, is why business have to shun phone usage at counters, banks, theaters, court, etc. When test taking students can use their phone to cheat and send to others. (Thomas et al., 2013, pg. 299) Lastly, sexting is another issue that arises and can hider learning. (Thomas et al., 2013, pg. 300) Then sexting can lead to cyber bullying, or they can cyber bully students while in class. A quarter of teens have experienced cyber bullying through texts or calls. (Thomas et al., 2013, pg. 300) This does not only cause distractions, but messed with another persons self esteem. If a student’s mind is bothered by the negative statements of others then they are not able to be on task and it may cause students to harm themselves. Even though we do enjoy incorporating cell phones into learning, we want to make sure they are used appropriately in the classroom. As long as everyone is on the same page of positive use, then we can be supporters of their learning achievement.
Thomas, K., O’Bannon, B., & Bolton, N. (2013). Cell Phones in the Classroom: Teachers’ Perspectives of Inclusion, Benefits, and Barriers. Computers in the Schools, 30(4), 295–308. https://lynn-lang.student.lynn.edu:2092/10.1080/07380569.2013.844637