Minions of Cell Phone

 

Debate#4: Phones in the classroom should be banned

Do our kids really need their phone in the class room? Does the benefit of technology outweigh the most concerning issue of using cell phone during the lecture ? Well, this debate could go on. Lots of people have different opinion, whether the cell phone should be banned in the class room. Few people supports that it should be banned in the class room. At the same time some believe that it is important for kids to learn proper way to use cell phone and technology.

Cell phone was not readily accessible when I was in school. Still it became a major part of my life and I can not imagine a day without it. This little device inextricably woven into our daily lives. When we became so addicted? When I am facing difficulty to avoid screen time, it is definitely challenging for the kids.

Classroom is a place for learning, social interaction and development. Kids learn from what they see, do and practice. Where the cell-phone allows the freedom to gather information, at the same time, however, it can lead to dependence. Nowadays a very common picture is tilted head children browsing phone.

Our opposing team mentioned, students can access to different tools that aid the learning process. I won’t deny technology is essential for education. Students work on  PPT and learn from YouTube.  Google drive is common platform to work simultaneously in multiple projects.  Kahoot is a fun tool which I have used to make quizzes. Mentimeter is also frequently used during the class presentation. They can also collaborate with friends from different class.

During our debate, some proposes that there should be a good management system in class, so that kids do not misuse the device. According to my fellow classmates cell phone not only helps in learning but also ensures safety. Like kids can communicate with their parent during emergency etc. There is no doubt that technology holds immense power to navigate us to learn new things everyday. Thus access to the cell phone in class seems quite beneficial.

Our new generation never experienced a day without the technology. So the argument about either banning cell phone use or allowing them to use phone is old concern. Everyone is pressing on educating the students to use the cell phone/ technology/ social media appropriately with caution.

To be honest it was not easy debating on this topic. Research paper includes both pros and cons of using cell phone/devices or technology and the impact on education. I inclined more on banning cell phones in class and no I am not being cynical. My reason for not allowing cell phone in class rooms are as following-

1. Distraction and Reduced Focus: Most concerning issue about using the device in class room is it creates disruption in learning process. Students constantly check their phone for popped up notifications. They either text their friends or send pictures. Some students go online shopping and involve adjacent classmates for their opinion. Few kids may really use it for academic purpose. Nevertheless it can interrupt other people that includes the teacher as well. One of the primary arguments for banning cell phones in schools is the distraction they cause. Text messages, social media notifications, and games can divert students’ attention away from their studies. Research has shown that multitasking with electronic devices can reduce cognitive performance and impede learning.

 

2. Cyberbullying and Social Issues: Cell phones can facilitate cyberbullying, leading to emotional distress and social issues among students. The anonymity and immediacy of digital communication can exacerbate conflicts and negatively impact the school environment.

 

 

 

 

3. Academic Dishonesty: The ease of accessing information online can lead to increased instances of cheating. Students might use their phones to look up answers during exams or share test questions with peers, undermining academic integrity.

 

 

 

 

4. Sleep Deprivation: Excessive use of cell phones, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality affects students’ concentration, memory, and overall academic performance.

 

 

5. Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Constant use of cell phones can diminish opportunities for face-to-face interaction and the development of social skills. Engaging directly with peers and teachers is crucial for building effective communication and interpersonal relationships.

 

6. Physical health problem: Among many physical health concern postural problem is alarming. Stiff neck, hunched back, hand arthritis, ‘text claw’/cubital tunnel syndrome, lazy eye, sleep deprivation, headache etc.

7. Behavioural Disorder: Social anxiety disorder can be triggered by using cell phone. It is now more common in children. Nomophobia and Textaphrenia, Ringxiety are NEW behavioral problems and disorders in teens. De-Sola Gutierrez et al. (2019 ) mentioned in his study that adolescent children are more vulnerable to control their urge. They are simply captive my their dependency.

8. Mental Health Disorder: A study (hasempour & Mahmoodi-Aghdam, 2015) shows positive association between depression and addiction to use of cell phone among university students. According to the researchers, students who are more attached with the cell phone exhibit the tendency of social isolation, limitation of emotions and distrust. Ironically they also found this pattern in turn leads to addiction to communication technologies and devices even more.

9. Breach of privacy: Kids often post their pictures in the social media including class room. They share photos of the friend, family and everything that surround them. In social media links or cookies pop up and those are not always safe. Confidential information can be leaked by just one click. Many sites offer prizes and bonus which can lure innocent kids and become more prone to cyber attack.

10. Poor academic performance: Students get more dependent on technology and phone in class diminishing the ability to think. Lot of the students uses AI technology for education, resulting lack of creative thinking. As children can use the phones to record the lectures and believe they can find the study material from elsewhere, they do not bother taking notes or fail to concentrate in the class. It also drive students to think memorizing the lecture word by word is learning, which is not.  Eventually unable to gather the basic concept.

Is banning the cell phone in class useless ?

However, while I can not support that students should engage with their device in the class, at the same time I can not overstate the valid points to allow the item in the school. 

Educational Tool: If cell phones are used responsibly, it can be powerful educational tools. They provide access to a wealth of information, learning apps, and resources that can enhance learning and foster independent research skills.

Emergency Communication: Cell phones serve as vital communication tools during emergencies. Students can quickly reach their parents in case of unpredictable events, ensuring safety.

Digital Literacy: In a world increasingly driven by technology, digital literacy is crucial. Allowing cell phones in schools helps students develop the skills needed to navigate and critically assess digital information, preparing them for future.

Innovative Teaching Methods: Cell phone not only helps students but teachers as well. They can leverage cell phones for interactive and engaging teaching methods. Polls, quizzes, and educational games can be conducted via mobile apps, making learning more dynamic and interesting.

Personal Organization: Cell phones help students stay organized by managing their schedules, setting reminders, and taking notes. These organizational tools can improve time management and academic performance.

Striking a Balance

Rather than implementing an outright ban, schools can consider establishing clear guidelines and policies for cell phone use. Here are some strategies to strike a balance:

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1. Break/ Breathing Times: Schools can designate specific times and areas for the students where they can use cell phones. For instance, during class breaks, lunch breaks. I can speak from my experience. Dr. Abu from my last two semesters allowed every student 15 minutes break in class to relax. We used to interact with each other, and some could check their notifications. Me and my friend often checked the bus schedule. A similar approach can minimize the distractions during instructional time.

2. Educational Integration Under Supervision: Teachers can integrate cell phone use into their lessons, encouraging students to use educational apps and online resources under supervision. This fosters responsible use and maximizes the educational potential of mobile technology.

3. Digital Media Literacy: Schools should provide education to teach students about responsible and ethical use of technology. This includes understanding the implications of cyberbullying, protecting personal information, and maintaining academic integrity. At the same time explaining the consequences of defying them.

4. Parental Contribution: Parents should participate to establish consistent rules and expectations for cell phone use both at school and at home. Parental support is crucial in reinforcing responsible behavior.

The debate over banning cell phones in schools is multifaceted, with valid arguments for both sides. Striking a balance through policies, educational integration, digital media literacy, and parental contribution can help harness the advantages of mobile technology while minimizing its drawbacks. Our purpose should be creating a learning environment that supports both academic success and personal development.