A major hurdle of wireless devices, such as cell phones, in the K-12 educational sector is district policy. Administration needs to understand the potential of data devices for the classroom, moving away from the view that students will use these inappropriately. Let's face it, many punishable behaviors in a school are not necessarily bad; they are simply misplaced. In the working world, an adult would not be "in trouble" if he or she were texting at their work place. It may be frowned upon as the timing may be bad, but it's generally considered acceptable adult behavior. Perhaps if administration understood the benefits of data devices and saw these outweighing the negatives then cell phone use would be more prevalent.
CTIA - The Wireless Association found that 4 out of 5 teen agers, about 17 million, have cellular devices (http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/1774). With the infrastructure already in place, it's an easy connection to make. If we are put off by this technology simply from the fear of misuse, then it is our duty to teach students responsible and acceptable use of these devices.
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3 comments:
Texting in the workplace
I must disagree with the idea that adults would not get in trouble if they are caught texting in the workplace. Several office building have a "No cell phone policy" when it comes to board meetings and hourly workers. You can use them during your break, you can use them at lunch. You cannot use them during meetings, team meetings, staff meetings, and other places. These devices are considered disruptive. If the president of the company began to speak and you are sitting in the audience texting someone you can get reprimanded or even fired, especially if your phone continues to beep or ring during such meetings.
There is an appropriate time and place for all devices. Standing at the window or counter talking to someone in the service industry while chatting with someone on your cell phone is inappropriate and actually got me pulled over at the border, even though I wasn't driving, my sister was. He was offended that I was on the phone with my husband instead of letting the driver answer the questions. We had to sit to the side for an hour while he flexed his authoritative muscle.
It is important for students to learn early, when to use cell phones and when not.
I agree with you about administration afraid of mad student behavior. I believe they will be always someone that will try to break the rules. As long as we guarantee student privacy and take the necessary measure to filter the Internet contend we can open the doors to technologies as cell phones, PDA or wireless infrastructure.
Larissa
Rhodes-O'Neill
I guess I should have phrased that differently. I am referring to the appropriateness of behavior as opposed to the behavior being "bad". Yes, I too would consider it rude behavior for someone to text or take phone calls in these situations, and I'm not one to excuse rude behavior. Unfortunately there are many adults who do not consider these situations, thus rules and associated consequences, including being reprimanded, must exist.
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