Should Cell Phones be used in the Classroom?

1. Should Cell Phones be used in the Classroom? Shaneira Evans Education 320 Standard 1

2. Pros • Cell phones can be used to check the spelling/definitions of a word, research a topic, and look up reference images. • Mobile devices have the ability to play the role of a computer in a classroom. They have many features of a computer and are cheaper. • Students know how to use them and it could provide added benefits to communicate and help one another.

3. Pros • Mobile skills will be important in the future workforce. • Cell phones bridge the digital divide (using the same too inside of the classroom as they do outside the classroom). • Students want to learn anytime, anywhere, anyplace, at any time.

4. Cons • Cell phones are a distraction to the student as well as the class. • Cell phones can be used as a method of cheating. • A student with a cell phone is an uninterested student, one with a short attention span who cares more about socializing than education. • Cell phones claim they are a nuisance and a cheating device and can even be a danger.

5. Cell phones should be allowed in the classroom. They can bring a positive influence to the classroom and learning. Position

6. Cell phones are a means of learning. Assessments can be done through cell phone technology, such as oral quizzes, and text message homework assignments. Cell phones can be used to gather information. Reasons

7. Reference • http://www.helium.com/items/845428-why-cell-phones-should-be-banned-in-the-classroom • http://ww.teach42.com/2008/05/06/mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-again/ • http://glickreport.blogs.foxbusiness.com/2009/02/19/a-new-learning-tool-in-the-classroom-cell-phones/ • http://cellphones.org/blog/interviews/cell-phones-in-education-an-interview-with-liz-korb • http://findarticle.com/p/articles/mi_m0BUE/is_7_139/ai_n17215695 • http://www.edutopia.org/should-cell-phones-be-allowed-school