Cell Phones in Classrooms: Pros & Cons

Three Pitfalls of Cell Phone Use in the Classroom

1. Less Face-to-Face Interaction

Heavy dependence on cell phones, and other digital devices, to facilitate lessons can minimize the amount of face-to-face interaction between students and between teachers and their students. In fact, a report entitled Students, Computers and Learning published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights a study that indicates that computers may actually have a negative impact on learning. Although the report focused on computers, these findings are applicable to all types of technology.

Cell phones have their place in the classroom. However, their use should not be to the detriment of high-quality face-to-face interaction. Face-to-face interaction is important for the development of emotional, linguistic, and social skills. A blended approach ensures that face-to-face interaction is supported by cell phone use in the classroom, not replaced by it.

2. Difficult to Keep Students on Task

Imagine a classroom with thirty students. The teacher has given them an activity that requires internet research using their cell phones. All students seem busy at work and the teacher is walking around to monitor them. However, Jane, who sits at the back of the class, is on Instagram looking at the photos of her favorite celebrities. She knows when her teacher is approaching and quickly switches to her search engine to appear busy at work.

This scenario is common. Keeping every child on task while using their cell phone is difficult. The best solution is to use tablets that are provided by the school that has limited features, block certain websites, and allow the teacher to use a computer or other device to monitor each student’s screens.

3. Harmful Effects of Digital Devices

Students are constantly exposed to digital devices. They are always on their cell phones, tablets, computers, or watching something on TV. Researchers have found that excessive use of digital technology can affect “our mental and physical health, neurological development and personal relationships.” Adding more screen time in the classroom may further enhance the problems.

Three Benefits of Cell Phone Use in The Classroom

1. Provides an Opportunity for Blended Learning

Blended learning is a combination of e-learning with traditional classroom teaching. Effectively using this technique requires thorough preparation. The teacher must carefully plan how to seamlessly move between traditional instruction and technology-rich activities. The teacher must also ensure that the culminating activity includes an assessment of whether the students have learned. If learning has not occurred, then the strategies used were not effective.

2. Access to Apps that Support Learning

Several apps exist that present concepts in a creative and engaging way. Using apps relevant to the concept being taught can provide a multi-sensory experience that students will enjoy. Always remember, however, that assessing whether they have learned at the end of the lesson is important. Assessments do not have to be long-winded tests, but they are necessary for testing the validity of the teaching strategy used.

3. Facilitates Social Learning

Social media can be used as a platform for students to engage in meaningful educational discussions. Teachers can create closed class groups and pose questions to which students respond. Students can also share their own thoughts and ideas. They can also upload videos they have created for classmates to critique and learn from. The possibilities are endless.

Strict guidelines must be set for the use of social media in learning. Without guidelines, teachers may find their pages at the mercy of cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying is a prevalent problem in today’s digital world. The teacher is responsible for ensuring that this learning platform does not become a place for cyberbullies to reign.

Should Cell Phones Be Used in the Classroom?

Cell phones can enhance the learning experience. There must, however, be clear rules guiding cell phone use in the classroom. Students must be aware of the onset of the consequences of inappropriate cell phone use during the lesson. Inappropriate cell phone use must also be clearly defined. Teachers should consistently issue punishment for breaches of the rules. Consistency is key.

It is also important to note that cell phones should not replace face-to-face interaction. Teachers should plan blended lessons that incorporate their use with traditional instruction. Furthermore, each lesson should culminate with an assessment of learning to determine if the teaching strategy used was effective.