It is quite clear that cell phones are a mainstay in today’s society; however, like most things, moderation is the key.
Cell phones keep students physically present, but intellectually and emotionally removed.
Classroom interaction becomes choppy and unpredictable governed by beeps and enticements of smartphones. Distracted students grow irritable when their phone use is interrupted; they not only miss emotional cues but actually misread them. A tuned-out student may be quicker to anger than an engaged one.
There are times when a teacher may ask a student to use their cell phone: Kahoot and other online quizzes, D2L, Lucidpress, investigating a link, etc.
Cell phones should not be used in class for the following: Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Texting, YouTube, video games, music, cheating, plagiarism, etc.
A student’s online profile should not be more important than real-world interactions. Children should be guided by their intrinsic desire to learn and not have their life hijacked by their cell phone.
Self-regulation is the key. Create a schedule and tell your friends:
- 7:45 – Before morning classes, check phone and place in knapsack (out of sight, out of mind)
- Lunch – Chat with your friends – verbal communication
- 11:15 – Before afternoon classes, check phone and place in knapsack (out of sight, out of mind)
- Limit night time use to a similar schedule
- Use an alarm clock – leave your phone in the kitchen and have a good night’s sleep
Students must set aside frivolous time sinks (Activities that consumes a significant amount of time, especially one which is seen as a wasteful way of spending it).
ENG3UI - ENG3UP 