Mobile Phones in School

Who doesn’t have a mobile phone these days? The amazing thing about mobile phones is that they are no longer just used for calling or texting. They have become an indispensable multi-tool wonder. Today’s mobile phone is cutting-edge technology at your fingertips. With this in mind, should students be permitted to use mobile phones in school? Students should not just .be permitted to use mobile phones, they should be required to use them. Mobile phones don’t just allow students to stay connected with family and friends, they are also an excellent learning resource, and they encourage the responsible use of technology.
To begin with, mobile phones make it possible for students to stay in touch with family and friends. A student can call home and ask a family member to bring them a forgotten assignment or lunch money or to come pick them up if they are sick. Also, mobile phones allow parents to keep track of their children’s whereabouts before, during, and after school. And, of course, there’s always the possibility of a student needing to contact a parent because of a dangerous situation. Thus, having a mobile phone is like having a guardian angel. Students can also connect with friends, but not just because it’s a fun thing to do; my teacher asks us to text or email our friends when they are absent to let them know what’s going on in class and to inform them of any homework. When used responsibly, a mobile phone can be an excellent communication tool.
Also, mobile phones – especially smart phones - are a fabulous learning resource. Students can use tools such as the calculator, the map finder, and the calendar. I’ve used my mobile phone in Math and Geography and to keep track of my homework. My science teacher lets us use our smart phones to do research when we are doing group work or working on a project. For example, when we were studying ecology we did research on local jobs having to do with protecting the environment. Plus there are lots of great learning websites – including essay-writing websites – we can use to supplement the learning in class. Mobile phones are a quick and easy way to incorporate technology in the classroom. Finally, mobile phones encourage the responsible use of technology. Students can learn when and how to use their mobile phones to enhance their learning. They will become more independent in their work and more motivated to learn. Students like being allowed to make choices, and they understand consequences. If a student is texting when he/she should be paying attention to the teacher, the teacher should take the mobile phone temporarily away. No big deal. Before a test, all mobile phones should be placed on the teacher’s desk. Again, no big deal. By allowing the use of mobile phones, students will feel like they are being treated like responsible young adults, and they will appreciate that. If teachers are patient, understanding, and consistent, students will surely become responsible users of technology.
In conclusion, people who oppose the use of mobile phones in school do it because of the disruptions and distractions mobile phones can cause. But we must accept that we live in a world of technology and that mobile phones are an important and very useful part of that world. We miss out if we fail to take advantage of the educational power of the mobile phone. All in all, mobile phones improve communication, provide learning resources, and encourage appropriate use of technology. Teachers and administrators must find ways to incorporate this excellent multi-tool in our schools. As you’ve learned from this essay, it’s really not that difficult. Let’s make the most of the day and age we are living in! I.e. phones – especially smart phones - are a fabulous learning resource. Students can use tools such as the calculator, the map finder, and the calendar. I’ve used my mobile phone in Math and Geography and to keep track of my homework. My science teacher lets us use our smart phones to do research when we are doing group work or working on a project. For example, when we were studying ecology we did research on local jobs having to do with protecting the environment. Plus there are lots of great learning websites – including essay-writing websites – we can use to supplement the learning in class. Mobile phones are a quick and easy way to incorporate technology in the classroom.