How did I get through 20 years of school without a phone ??

Many schools are moving towards allowing technology (cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) to be used in our student's daily education. Our high school here in NJ worked very hard to give each student a laptop for daily use in class. They also are allowed to have a cell phone in class for grades 7-12. There are some great apps out there that allow each student to respond on their cell phone, to a question sent by the instructor (25 instant responses replaces 1-2 hands raised). Others allow students to respond to a query posted in a closed online forum, enhancing typing and writing skills. Of course it does not replace instruction, but technology communication is the future and most careers require this knowledge, so we are planning for their future at the same time as enhancing instruction.

That being said, any experienced teacher also employs a shelf in the classroom as the cell phone/device parking lot. During tests or other designated tech down times, students must park their phone for the duration of the class. Its easy to spot perpetual texting and that often earns a time out in the cell phone parking lot also. Its all a matter of balance. It is the future and one of the reasons my daughter earned her engineering job above hundreds of applicants is due to the fact that she is tech savvy and can even write code! Google first year employees earn $70,000- $100,000. We cannot leave this important part of career readiness out of education. Rules, boundaries, limitations....good teachers just set the parameters for their use. 33 years in the classroom here.

While most older people do not like change, improving technology has made life a lot easier for millions of people. If you don't like it, may I suggest moving to an Amish community where you don't have to put up with all this "change"?

I can see the use of cell phones in the classroom. Our Church now encourages the use of your cell phone during services. You can follow the sermon and take notes as the preacher delivers his sermon. The times they are changing!

:bigbow:

Well...I retired as a teacher/media specialist in Ft. Lauderdale in 2010 and our district did not allow the students to have cell phones in class. Honestly it was a no win situation. The students used them all the time. When the teacher called security to confiscate the cell phone the students would not just hand it over in a docile manner. Oh no! You would think they were having their hands amputated by the actions of these kids. One girl tried to get the campus police officer’s weapon from the holster. And this was because she had gone to the restroom and was texting sexually explicit photos of herself to other students on campus. It caused so much chaos that of course she was found out. I kid you not. A total nightmare!

Calculators and computers are used during tests, etc. Things are different in 2018. Our way of thinking may no longer fit. That's OK. It is the way of the world.

And yes, with all the school shootings, parents need to be able to reach their children.

Having them is not the issue, using them at the wrong times is the issue.

All my grandkids have them in class.

Parents like the tracking feature too.

Pretty harsh.

What you describe is a far cry from wanting reasonable controls related to personal technology in our schools.

As long as we remain vigilant that the morals and behaviors established by right and wrong do not allow degradation.

That being said, we have definitely experienced a significant decline in respect and decency.
The new technologies have been allowed the insignificant to become significant...by choice.
The isolated be presented as if a general condition.
Permissiveness and lack of disciplinehas been and continues to rule no matter how wrong an act or action may be.

Technology has been good for the advancement of mankind.
Technology has facilitated the devaluing of humankinds core values.

Yes these are the signs of the times.....does not mean they are right/acceptable.

Well, this student put one to good use. Not only did this dirtbag “teacher” denigrate our fine military, he used a lot of very foul language which alone should get him fired if not more. I would not want my daughter to have to sit and listen to his foul mouth!

Totally agree, Manabouttown!

I had no idea my beginning this thread would bring so many replies.

Okay, let's revise it a bit.

Cellphones to be allowed in schools BUT must be OFF except during lunch, changing classes, or before and after school.

Any student caught texting, etc, during class would get a 0 for the day - even it was a test day. "Sexting" would be automatic expulsion, or at least, suspension.

Home emergencies can be called in to the front office and relayed to the student who could be excused from class to call home.

Comments?

Yes, the cellphone video was put to good use THIS time - but what about the times you mentioned including the girl who was using her cellphone to take sexually explicit pictures of herself and sending them to other students?

I would venture a guess the latter is more prevalent than the former for cellphone usage in schools.

I agree their use while in class should not be allowed except in extreme emergencies such as the initial case.

How about this type of situation? Student caught on cell phone video assaulting substitute teacher | abc13.com

Or this?Student 'Body Slams' Teacher Who Took Cell Phone (VIDEO) | HuffPost

Or this time? VIDEO: Teen punches teacher in the face during class