Today, if you google or search 10 reasons why cell phones should be allowed in school and at the same time we see a progress that essay online services are getting popular, online translator and other services, surfing in internet you will end up with millions of results each trying to explain why it may be okay to allow cell phones in schools. Well, aside from this topic being widely discussed in the world, few countries have considered the benefits phones may have to learning. Most schools today have cell phone policies which help spell out laws and rules of either carrying or having a cell phone while in class. The truth is, however, these rules do not deter students from carrying their phones to school. Some of them can be said to be pointless and in this article, we seek to challenge the idea of denying students the right to carry their cell phones. It has been shown a countless number of times that cell phones can be an important or a great tool in essays writing and education process at all. Below is an elucidation of how smartphones can be used in education.
Why and how to use smartphones in learning
The first reason why cell phones in the classroom is not a bad thing is that learning is taken beyond the school’s perimeter. A phone is a personal gadget and students feel a personal connection with their belongings as would any person. If a phone, for example, has a recording of a lesson or lecture, a student can listen to it anywhere and anytime because they are not limited by time or venue. So, with the help of phones, learning becomes something that is not confined within the classroom walls.
The second reason why cell phones in school is a good idea is the fact that they are affordable and the majority if not all students can have access to one. If made to good use, smartphones can help ensure that no student lags behind on anything. If one needs notes, they get the entire lecture. If a student misses a class, they get a recording of the entire day’s events. School becomes fun when this happens and students will be motivated to learn.
Learning tactics
There are different learning tactics which can be done with the help of a smartphone. Some of the tactics include:
- Using a smartphone to record lectures – as a teacher, one must understand that some concepts and topics can be difficult for the students. Some are problematic to teach and it takes two lessons for the students to confidently say they understand something completely. As a teacher, it makes sense to record the lecture and giving the same to students so that they can use it to fill in the gaps.
- Using the cell phones as response systems – today, it is possible to track the responses students give. Using a platform like www.polleverywhere.com together with the students’ smartphones, it is possible to track how they respond to the questions a teacher asks in class. When a teacher asks the students a question, the students then respond with their smartphones and each response is displayed on the projector or whichever screen being used.
- Use of the phones as channels of delivery – this is another learning tactic that makes up the list of pros of cellphones in school. Teachers who are taking advantage of the technology in their students’ hands are making sure that their students receive materials on their smartphones. Using available platforms, teachers can start discussions with their students.
Handling a problem with the help of a smartphone
Different problems arise with any new development. However, with the help of smartphones, a teacher can very well avert such. For example, not every student has or can afford a smartphone. In such an instance, teachers should motivate their students to work in groups. In doing this, a teacher will not only be instilling or motivating team spirit among the students but also making everyone feel accommodated.
Another problem that might surface as a result of smartphones in school is the possibility of having the school’s Wi-Fi overburdened. Well, in such a scenario, teachers may have to change the focus of their assignments to fit group works or homework. These strategies will ensure that teachers are able to get the best out of their students.
Thirdly, there have to be rules of smartphone usage in the school. Teachers are often against the idea of students using cell phones in the classroom mainly because of issues of inappropriate use. However, while implementing this idea, students need to be engaged and offer ideas on how inappropriate use can be stopped. In the end, topics such as sexting, cyberbullying, etc. will be handled and students will become more aware of their actions than before.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smartphones can be useful in the classroom. With its numerous phone tools, it is possible to turn learning into a fun activity. Those saying that cellular phones should not be allowed in schools need to reconsider their stance because smartphones are proving to be a great addition to education. Our hope is that those at the helm of power will consider instituting laws to allow smartphones in education.