Banning mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones) at schools: yes or no?
We needed something to keep ourselves occupied, so we started messaging each other. I realize now that we should have paid attention in class, but kids will be kids. There hasn't been much change in nearly four decades. Kids must be kept engaged and interested at all times, otherwise, they may get easily distracted and "zone out." On the other hand, if you can find something that truly captivates them, it will be exceedingly tough to entice them away from it. Any parent with a child who enjoys video games can attest to this.
This, in my opinion, is at the heart of the discussion about whether or not cell phones should be prohibited in schools. The most compelling argument against cellphones is that they are a distraction in the classroom, resulting in bad test scores. Students are unable to concentrate in class, and professors are unable to complete their work due to the constant buzzing and chirping of devices. Students are more likely to text and post on social media than to pay attention to their lecturers. Clearly, this is a source of concern for teachers, with many calling for a complete ban on cell phones.
This is a divisive issue, with passionate disputes taking place at multiple levels: education departments, school boards, and parents all have opinions on the subject. As a result of the demands, an increasing number of schools are enacting entire or partial bans. We need to better understand the habits and motivations of today's youth if we are to harness the potential of these devices to create more engaging and effective learning experiences. Rather than being viewed as a hindrance in the classroom, technology should be used to enhance the human experience.
When we were developing our game-based teaching platform, we noticed that having a room full of kids with their heads buried in their gadgets meant they weren't getting the most out of the valuable social time the classroom provides. That is why it is critical to developing a methodology that allows students to look up, see each other, and participate in a social and playful learning experience that includes student-led questions, discussion, and debate. When adding any form of technology into the classroom, this should be the primary focus.
Technology may enhance rather than detract from a greater learning experience. If it is feared that social media would divert students' attention, we must involve them in the process of creating experiences that engage and drive them.
Learning is a personal and emotional process, and you always have your phone with you. Mobile phones can assist students in understanding their development, directing them in the proper direction, and even assisting them in discovering the areas of life where they can realize their maximum potential. They are instruments that enable creativity, cooperation, and problem-solving, all of which are necessary abilities in a world that are always changing and uncertain. Mobile phones in the classroom can help with group activities, creation, and discussion. They can provide teachers with a rapid assessment of everyone's understanding, giving them more time to train and encourage those who need it.
If mastery is the goal of school, it's past time for consumer technology and other pertinent topics like mental health to be included in the curriculum. Isn't it a chance for us to teach a healthier approach to use technology at a time when we're battling with how cellphones are eroding our attention span, affecting our productivity, relationships, and mental health?
The focus of this discussion is frequently on the negative consequences of technology rather than the tactics utilized to use it. If the government wishes to help today's students become useful members of society, it should consider the role that young people can play in a more positive future. The next generation will be better positioned to create the tools that will provide a more sustainable future if they gain a better understanding of the wider role technology plays politically, socially, and environmentally, as well as a greater appreciation for the positives of what technology can enable if designed empathetically.
