Modern technology has introduced the use of phones to our everyday life. Most teachers tend to frown against the use of mobile devices in classrooms because they attribute them to the leading causes of distractions within the school walls. Students who violate the law against the use of cell phones usually have their phones seized or receive other forms of punishment.
Cell phones are indispensable for both teenage and adult students in today’s world. And we have teachers who are determined to focus more on the disadvantages in the classroom. Notwithstanding, this article will explore the various reasons teachers ban cell phone use in class and also argue why students should be allowed to use their phones during lessons.
Use Of Cellphones In Classrooms; Good Or Bad?
The use of a cell phone in the classroom has numerous advantages such as facilitating learning processes, keeping students and teachers aware of activities around them, and also a medium of communication in case of an emergency.
Although It enhances learning processes, it can cause students to lose concentration in the classroom. For example, there are cases where students will turn deaf ears to their teacher in class and may prefer to view their social media pages.
The use of cellphones gives students access to digital libraries which can be found on the internet. It is also very easy for a student to access unrelated websites that may disrupt the learning process. An example of this can be cited among students who may choose to play mobile games in the classroom instead of learning.
In essence, the ongoing debate on whether cell phones are good or bad in the classroom has not been justified. Some argue that its importance can not be overemphasized, while some argue that it does more harm than good.
Why Are Cellphones Banned In Classrooms?
- It enhances distractions thereby hindering effective learning.
- It promotes addiction to the use of mobile phones where students can only think about their phones during and outside the classroom.
- It hinders participation in sports and other extracurricular activities which are all parts of learning.
- It gives room for students to cheat during quizzes, tests, or examinations.
- It promotes inequality amongst peers.
Why Students Should Be Allowed To Use Phone In Class
Safety And Emergency Reasons
Life is embodied with risks and challenges making it impossible to predict future occurrences. A student with a cell phone can always be informed about any potential risks in his classroom or outside his school walls. For example, there are scenarios where a fire emergency or smoke alert can be turned on and while people run to the safety area, some students may not realize what’s going on within their surroundings unless someone rings them up to inform them about the dangers around them.
In terms of safety, students can always inform their loved ones about their safety status in dire times.
Enhances Learning
The use of cell phones enhances learning. This is because mobile phones allow students to access academic resources in the classroom. Some students learn faster with images, videos, audio, and mobile phones makes it possible for students to access related media on any of their specified subject matter.
Mobile phones have been very effective in helping students understand what’s been taught in the classroom.
Useful:
Mobile phones are useful for everyday learning. Students will find mobile phones important when they require the use of a calculator, access the dictionary, etc.
Phones make it possible to save cost on the purchase of a wristwatch, and dictionary amongst others since there’s an app for almost everything on one’s device.
Communication And Collaboration
Mobile phones make it possible for students to communicate with their teachers, parents, or peers while they are in school. Students can share important information about activities going on within their school walls.
In terms of collaboration, mobile phones make it possible for students to participate in group assignments, group research, and much more.
Digital Learning
Mobile phones enhance digital learning by providing a medium where students can access learning materials. The use of learning software such as Google Classroom, and Zoom makes it possible for teachers to interact with their students even when they are not physically present.
Students can use their mobile phones to participate in group assignments, and take quizzes or tests.
Create Memories
Mobile phones help create memories that can be used to build long-lasting relationships. The use of the camera or video camera enables students to document activities happening within the school walls.
Students can take pictures with their classmates, teachers, and much more.
Keep Students Informed
Rather than being used as a medium of connecting to one’s social media page, mobile phones can also help keep students informed about things happening around them. For example, if there’s a serial ki11er on the loose in a particular street, mobile phones allow students to know when to take a different route or inform their peers about the dangers lurking around.
Mobile phones also inform students about weather and climate changes and help prepare students ahead of any natural disaster.
Report Crime And Emergencies
The use of mobile phones in the classroom makes it easier to report criminal cases such as kidnapping, abuse, assault, and much more. There have been several cases where mobile phones have come in handy in reporting criminal cases before they escalate.
In terms of emergencies, I have witnessed firsthand where the use of mobile phones was used to call for an ambulance to save asthmatic students, students involved in accidents, and much more.
GPS Monitoring
Mobile phones allow parents and teachers to know the precise location of students. GPS monitoring comes in handy when it comes to guaranteeing safety and knowing the precise location of an individual.
Students can also use the GPS feature on their mobile phones to track themselves within school premises and can also be used for fun and games.
Digital Payment
Mobile phones make it possible to buy things in school without the use of cash and ATM cards. Making payments on mobile phones comes in handy when a student does not have cash in hand or has access to his ATM card.
Students can use their mobile phones to pay for goods and services, and can also use them to pay for school charges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of a mobile phone is important because it enhances learning by providing students access to learning resources, guarantees students’ safety and informs them about what’s happening around them, it also allows students to take quizzes and collaborate with their peers and teachers.
Some people still argue that the distraction caused by the use of mobile phones is disastrous for learning. Teachers should however try to understand that mobile phones do more harm than good, and educate students on how to be on their best behavior in the classroom.