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Cell phones in the classroom are a somewhat touchy subject. I’m sure ninety nine percent of students would want to have their cell phones in the classroom with them, while probably an equal percentage of teachers and administrators would not want them in the classroom at all. As for me, I don’t think cell phones in the classroom are any different than any other distracting object or situation students bring with them into class. Even with supportive evidence to include cell phones in the classroom, I still haven’t been able to wrap my brain around the concept of using them in class, during school hours to enhance the curriculum of the subject that I wish to teach, mathematics. Now using cell phones as a way to connect with students outside of school, of course with parental permission, would be a great way to send out pop quiz questions to help students reinforce in memory the ideas experienced in class. I used to think that cell phones should not be allowed in classrooms because of the distractions of text messaging and cell phone games. But like I said, they are no different than other distractions students bring to class. Texting, to me, is about the same as passing notes, just without the paper and a much larger distance to travel. My opinion changed after my exposure to current classrooms and discussions about how students haven’t changed, just the technology they have access too.

My cell phone policy will be somewhat open ended. And I hope to have my students and coworkers involved in shaping the policy even further. Pretty much, if they are demonstrating mastery of the subject and class I am teaching, they can use their cell phone as long as it does not distract from others in the class. And then, only if they are not distracting another person in a classroom with more restrictive cell phone policies. Part of the consequences set up for the classroom will be determined as a compromise of what I think punishment should be and what the class as a whole thinks the punishment should be. Policy could be cell phone taken away for first offense or just a warning. It will all depend on the respect demanded and given between myself and my students. As long as students have a sense of control and respect, they will abide by the rules set forth for them.

As I stated earlier, I can see using cell phones as a reminder for subjects taught earlier that day or week. Sending out somewhat simple questions with simple answers will keep students involved longer with the subjects. I can’t foresee using cell phones with the physical classrooms, but I can see them being used in any imaginative way students may want to use them. We teachers must not be afraid of change, even technological change, for that is what we are trying to effect on our students. Change.