Cell Phones in School (5.9)

Teachers teach that knowledge waits, and that certain technologies change our fates. Cell phones are one of those technologies that said to change our fates. Instructors feel that cell phones promote cheating and deception, but there is not much truth in that allegation. Pointed threats are directed towards cell phones in school, but even the administrators fail to realize, that as much as they criticize the technology, cell phones are potential lifesavers. If cell phones promote cheating when they are considered contraband, then they should be utilized differently when "legalized". Apparently, it's not the phones themselves that are faulty per say, it's the few people who abuse the system.

Fundamental tools that students can use such as notes, calculators, and human help are pivotal in deciding one's grade, cell phones contain calculators, and some even play videos, which could tutor students. Cell phones can calculate problems that are too difficult to process through one's brain. Cameras are included in many cell phones these days, and one thing teachers could do, is to patrol the aisles and watch for any cameras and any other inappropriate tools being used, because cameras are easy to detect with the unaided mind or eye; unless in subjects like science, where cameras could be used to enhance the results of an experiment. Cameras should be restricted, but utilized.

A secondary concern for cell phones are that if they play music, they will disrupt the class. There is no justification whatsoever in that accusation. If headphones are worn while listening to music, the class should not be distracted by the music. Teachers would complain about that fact, because it means that students could listen to music, and not the instructor. That is an erroneous assumption. Teachers and students agree on many things (i.e. order in the classroom, silence, studying, etc.) and if teachers and students could come to agreements that one can listen to music- with headphones on- then, they'll listen when need be.

Cell phones, like gum, would without a doubt, not be a problem if they weren't banned. Contrary to teachers' beliefs, most students do not ever think of cheating, much less do exactly that. Abstract indulgences are believed to drive students to not pay attention in class, these "abstract indulgences" can be regulated and censored, so therefore, can be extinguished as threats. Feature inhibitors do exist, but are in the hands of parents and legal guardians, but nevertheless, should be utilized in school.

Texting is a large concern for teachers. Sending messages (i.e. e-mail) is the act of sending text, audio, or video messages to another phone to carry out a conversation- with another individual obviously. Logically one could suspect cheating and aiding on tests, quizzes, and exams, which is an activity only arrogant and disdainful students would do with cells phones. Cell phones should be allowed as a privilege to the student, and if behavior, attitude, grades, etc. continue to be a problem, they should be taken away.

At the end of the day, cell phones are helpful, albeit, amusing features abound in them. Even though there are many statistics out there, and many truths and facts about cell phones, in the end, it all comes down to one's personal views. It's not what the teacher or the preacher tell you, or what the administrator or governor tell you, it's what your mind tells you; your opinion, which is the truth and the law to you, it's your decision. Cell phones are a new technology, technology itself is one of the main problems of society today. So, the verdict my mind is telling me, is that the world would be a much better place if technology never existed in the first place.