Argument about the use of Cellphones in education

A cellphone and its purpose

A cellphone is a portable telephone that calls and receives information via cellular network technology. The name derives from the cell-like structures that are common in networks. Theoretically, the purpose of a cellphone is to aid in the transmission of calls and the transmission of any other reliable information to the user. As technology advances, the use of telephones has become an integral aspect of our daily life (Klemens 175). It’s also impossible to live without them now that communication is so easy. We use this device from the moment we wake up till we go to sleep at night. The one place that were are not permitted to use cellphones is at school.

The advantages and disadvantages of cellphones at school

Many students have also seen the advantages of carrying these gadgets to school. Ideally, cellphones as thought by educators are not harmful or bad but the problem arises when the students use them at the wrong time and place. Yes we might use the electronic gadgets like laptops and cellphones to complete our projects but one place which is completely restricted to use them is in the educational facilities. The rarity of the students to use cellphones in classes depend on the kind of material the teacher may use if the use of textbooks may not be of help. Cellphones in general are not harmful or bad as many may put it but depends on when and time used. Since most phones can access the internet, students selfishly entertain themselves at the wrong time particularly when they are in the classroom which creates destruction as well as affecting their grades.

Arguments for and against allowing cellphones in schools

Many might argue that mobile phones should be allowed in educational facilities considering that they will not cause destruction to the environment around them. They also argue that they should be allowed to use it during their lunch break or if needed in project researches. Let’s be realistic, if cellphones are allowed in schools, then the student’s privilege is taken from them because some of them will take advantage of other students by doing wrong things. For instance, the majority of them abuse the use of this gadget by playing games, texting, and looking into staff that are not school related. Electronics at some glance are evolutionary because in some schools particularly those in America have used them successfully in classrooms (Webb 260). However, there is very little success seen in those educational facilities since it causes destruction.

Possible solutions to reduce cellphone use in classrooms

One way which can reduce the use of cellphones by students in the classrooms, is by the teachers paying close attention to monitor if there is any using electronic devices unnecessary. If any of them is caught, it is the duty of the teacher to punish the student because of the abuse of the cellphone. This may act as a lesson to the others and also streamline them on when to use these gadgets and making the use of cell phone not a bad idea. Schools could also implement the use Wi-Fi systems, which has limited access to unwanted sites the students may think of visiting. Also this system will prevent them from having unnecessary texting while the class is in session.

Benefits of using cellphones as learning tools

In a study that was done by Pew Research Center showed that 73% of National writing project teachers permitted their students to use cellphones in schools for the purpose of conducting and completing assignments. With internet and mobile apps at their fingertips, students used phones to document labs, answer questions, set reminders for school projects and collaborate group projects (Parson 39). The electronic devices were also used for further researches for assignments in class by using the school website to turn into class worksheets. The use of phones in classrooms may also be beneficial to teachers because they will avoid the headache of answering a plethora of never ending questions from students. Instead, students can get further verification by use of Google. The use of cellphones also make the students to be independent which enables them find things on their own because internet gives sufficient information that teachers cannot provide. In cases where students did not understand what the teacher taught, they can just use their phones to get clarifications. Also the use of cellphones assist the students to complete their homework help because it convenient and fast.

Conclusion

An argument can still arise stating that students don’t have the same characters and so not all of them will follow the rules. Some will still end up abusing the cellphones leading to unsuccessful use of this gadget as a learning tool. The argument of whether cellphones must can be used in school is a tricky one because it carries both the good and bad side. Altogether, I don’t believe that students should not be allowed to use cellphones in classrooms. We have seen the chances where some of them abuse this gadgets but they only do this with fear. This means they are not free using the phones and so they don’t benefit as much as those who are allowed. When the use of these gadgets is properly controlled, they become beneficial to both teachers and students. Therefore I readily support the use of cellphones as educative tools but only if governed by a good system.

Work cited

Klemens, Guy. The Cellphone: The History and Technology of the Gadget That Changed the World. McFarland publishers, 2010. 125-224.

Parsons, Les. Back to Learning: How Research-Based Classroom Instruction Can Make the Impossible Possible. Pembroke Publishers Limited, 2012. 20-188.

Webb, Willyn. Teaching Generation Text: Using Cell Phones to Enhance Learning. John Wiley & Sons, 2010. 244-307.