Cell Phones in the Classroom

I do not like the idea of using cell phones in the classroom for a number of reasons. First, I think students will be more “distracted” than “engaged”. How are teachers going to monitor what the kids are actually doing on their cell phones? What is going to stop them from texting their friends? Although students already use cell phones in class, I think this would just open a flood gate for further distractions and, as a future teacher, I would want to eliminate as many unnecessary distractions as necessary. Another reason I do not like the idea of using cell phones in classrooms is due to the fact that many students do not have cell phones and would not have the same access to information as the other students. I think it would just widen the gap between the “haves” and the “have nots”. I think privileged society assumes that EVERYONE has a cell phone; however, I know several people that do not use cell phones--for either personal philosophical reasons or financial limitations. Another personal objection I have towards using cell phones in the classrooms is that I want my students to be aware of all kinds of information tools. Most kids already know how to use computers and cell phones--they use them for almost everything--from email, to texting to research and more. Cell phones may be familiar but students will know how to use them regardless of if they are in schools or not. I think it would be more beneficial to teach our students how to research using all kinds of tools---computers, academic journals, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc. If they want to use their cell phones to do different things then so be it, I just do not think they would be more beneficial than hindering in the classroom setting.
As far as the readings, I definitely think Josh Allen presented a much stronger argument against cell phones in schools than Liz Kolb did for her pro-cell phone argument. The best point presented in his claim was that of the financial obligations of the school. I agree that the schools should provide the cell phones for students IF they did decide to incorporate them into the curriculum. Allen strengthened this claim, stating that “laptops are much more versatile yet uniform than cell phones. Any monies schools spent on cell phones and plans would be much better severed with any number of other technologies” (p. 9). Laptops are an obvious tool for students---a tool that trumps any cell phone. My opinion did not change; however, it was strengthened by reading the articles.
In my future classroom, my expectations regarding cell phones will be as follows: cell phones should not be used during class time unless given permission. I will not tolerate students texting while I am teaching or while other students are speaking because I think it is disrespectful---bottom line. I do not like when people text while in company of others and will explain my reasons to my students. If they do want to use their cell phones to “help” them on their assignments, I will allow them to do so if it seems applicable and necessary. As for consequences, I will treat it like any other classroom expectation. I will monitor behavior by walking around and if I notice that students are texting or using cell phones without permission, I will ask them to put them away. If they continue to disobey, I will have a consequence. I am not sure what this consequence would be---it would depend on school policy. But it could be something as simple as having them write an apology or staying after class. If they continue to not follow rules, I could collect phones at the beginning of class and give them back at the end (I had a teacher that did that in HS and it was very effective).
In conclusion, cell phones are cool. They allow you to talk to people in a variety of medias and access information in myriad ways--awesome. Nevertheless, I do not want to use cell phones in my class. Period. I do not see any positive benefits and think it would just be cumbersome and annoying. Granted, I may be a little bias. My cell phone is a phone. That is it. I talk and text but that is the extent. I do not email. I do not download games or music. I would rather interact with others and the world around me in a more authentic and personal manner and would hope others would too.