Teaching+Cell+Phone+Etiquette+in+Classrooms+and+Schools

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=**Overview **= Cell phones have infiltrated the classroom. At their fingertips (quite literally), students have the capacity to communicate in nearly every way possible. Once upon a time, not quite so long ago, the ability to call or text someone was the main function of the cellular device, for it was simply an addition of the landline all families had in their home. For the educator, this was their main worry. At the time, educators could simply tell students not to use phones in school, and that was that. However, times have changed, and these devices are now capable of what was once considered space-age technology. The Jetsons did not foresee this coming, and classroom teachers and school administrators were not prepared for the digital intrusion. In turn, students have become dependent upon cell phones and treat them as if they are an extension of self. To wholly rule out the use of cell phones in an educational environment seems equivalent to teaching abstinence in sex education. There will be a few who will follow that rule simply because it is a rule, but most will partake in the prohibited activity anyway. Instead of outright banning cell phone use altogether, it would be more beneficial for educators to encourage students to use these devices responsibly.

Many schools have adopted a very strict and definite rule regarding cell phone use. Russell County High School, located in the rural community of Seale, Alabama, has passed a new technology policy that will go into effect for the 2016/2017 school year. The policy is as follows: An offence is simply having their phone out in the class or in the halls. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Smiths Station High School, a rural school within the surrounding area, simply takes up the cell phone until the end of the day when a parent must personally appear in the office in order to pick it up. After three offences, ISS is given for one school day, and a day is added for each offence thereafter. There is such a great divide in theory as to what to do with these communication challenges.
 * For a student’s first offence, phone will be taken up and kept in the office for a period of 7 days
 * For a student’s second offence, phone will remain in the office for a period of 9 weeks
 * For a student’s third offence, phone will remain in the office for the rest of the school year in addition to student suspension or possible Alternative Placement

Opinions on solutions for this technological battle vary just as much. Other schools across the country have also banned mobile phones, laptops, and other mobile internet devices from classrooms. However, in a recent study implemented by Shanedra D. Nowell (2014) from Oklahoma State University, she found that despite these strict guidelines, “Teachers decided to ignore the ban on mobile devices in order to equip students with twenty-first century literacy skills, especially wanting students to know how to leverage technology and personal learning networks needed to thrive in our ‘newly blended cultural traditions’” (p. 110). These educators feel it is necessary to teach their students to use what they know, and in doing so, teach them to use it correctly. On the opposing side, some educators encourage the outlaw and welcome a prohibition on cell phones in the classroom. Thomas Sherman, professor of education as Virginia Tech is one of these prohibition advocates. Sherman has been outspoken concerning the subject of cell phones in the classroom. Marilyn Gilroy (2004) states in an article on eddigest.com that, “As someone who is training tomorrow’s teachers, he emphasizes that cell phones don’t contribute to learning and are a distraction” (p. 59). With this being said, there are a multiplicity of benefits in being able to use cell phones in the classroom. In Nowell’s study, she found that where students shared positive relationships with teachers and technology was integrated as a teaching tool, student engagement was improved and learning partnerships were formed (p. 111). Technology is here to stay. It simply cannot be outlawed at will. For educators who learn to embrace this, the language and culture of today’s students, learning can become limitless. =Trend or Issue = Although technology has gone through many trends, cell phones are not one of them. Cell phones here to stay. These devices are essential to daily technology. In fact, to most teenagers, they are as essential as food and water. These devices are simply viewed as necessities instead od the extravagances they once were. However, the only instruction manual they came with explains how to use them, not when. Therefore, in the world of education, cell phones have become an issue. Many educators are baffled with what to do with their most challenging issue of distraction in the classroom, so they turn to what seems to be the easiest solution: they ban them.

The statistics are there. The is little doubt or argument as to whether students are using these devices of controversy in the classroom. Azad Ali and David Smith (2014) of Indiana University, report that, “About 45%of the students admit using cell phones in the classroom” (p. 114). Regardless to whether teachers want them with the students or in their classrooms, cell phones have invaded their area with no plan of leaving. In a study by Kate Blackburn (2013) and fellow doctoral candidates in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, they declared that within their study, “Participants reveal that they voluntarily and actively engage in technology unrelated to class” (p. 111). As technology moves forward, these numbers and confessions are only going to increase, as technology has proven that it never goes backward.

As a result of such a mass number of student consumers, many schools and teachers have declared an outright ban on these instruments of immense technology. When in doubt, leave it out seems to be the general consensus. In Marilyn Gilboy’s article on the ongoing concern, she reports that, “In Spring 2003, the National Education Association for higher education division ran a poll asking if professors should ban cell phones in their classrooms. An overwhelming 85% answered ‘yes’” (p. 57). This speaks volumes, but in 2003, phones were not as capable of doing as many things as they are today, nor is it likely that professors were able to foresee the magnitude of what was coming. The Guardian reports that, “By 2012, some 98% of schools either did not allow phones on their premises or required them to be handed in at the beginning of the day” (Doward, 2015). Clearly, with these findings, it seems as if educators want them outside of the classrooms. 

Even with that being said, studies continue to show conflicting viewpoints, with more experts agreeing that cell phones are a useful tool in the classroom than those who feel otherwise. In Nowell’s study at Oklahoma State University, she concluded that the findings demonstrated the importance of this digital technology and their emerging roles of teachers and students alike (p. 114). These devices hold access to a vast amount of information, all within the swipe of a finger. Robert Sterner (2015) from the Center for Teaching Quality stresses the importance and opportunities present in using these devices in the classroom. In his article in eddigest.com, he asserts, “Remember everything about that cell phone in your student’s pocket is vastly more powerful than the computer used by Neil Armstrong to land on the moon” (p. 57). Others agree with his valid points. Edward Graham in an article on NEA’s website states, “With their easy internet access, a multitude of education-friendly apps, and the ability to be used at a moment’s notice (after all, what smartphone-owning teenager would go anywhere without their phone?) smartphones have all the tools necessary to boost student learning” (Graham, 2015). The ability of the cell phone should not be questioned, for its technology is seemingly limitless. 

Since the concern of the cell phone’s capability is not in question, and many agree that cell phones could be beneficial in the classroom, they also agree that it is necessary to establish etiquette in the classroom when using cell phones and to do so early on. It is simply a classroom management issue as affirmed by a study from California Polytechnic State University (Jackson, 2012, p. 137). She makes suggestions for mobile technology guidelines. They are as follows: <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> > <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Others concur with this train of thought and effectively enforce these and similar rules. In Sterner’s article, he also denotes that by banning cell phones in the classroom, many teachable moments will be lost (p. 56). Cell phones will be a part of these students’ futures and will be a part of their lives, so etiquette needs to be taught now in lieu of denying the instruments outright.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Consider a middle ground instead of total ban
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Educate students early in the course about distraction and negative effects of misuse
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Clearly discuss how and when you expect it to be used
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Explain rationale clearly
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Reinforce mobile technology etiquette on syllabus
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Have students leave phones in backpacks, etc. during examinations when they are prohibited
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Enforce policies consistently
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Alert students when they may/may not use cell phones (p. 137).

= This Teacher's Opinion = <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif; font-size: 16px;">As a teacher and parent, I disagree with any ban placed on cell phones in schools. Opinions surely vary, but mine is thus: to put an outright ban on cell phones is petty. My theory is and has always been to pick my battles. The cell phone controversy is a no-brainer. There is no way we as educators are going to win because cell phones are not going to go away. Students are not going to wake up on any given weekday morning and say, “You know, I think I’ll leave my cell phone at home today where it belongs so I can gain a good, quality education without distraction.” Why educators think this will occur is beyond me. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif; font-size: 16px;"> As a parent of four boys, two of which are twin 16 year olds, I want to laugh at the decision to ban phones in the classroom. Do these administrators and issuers of rules understand the minds of these creatures? They do not think like we think, for they grew up in a generation we can simply not comprehend. We comprehend it from the viewpoint of an adult. Some of today’s adult populace grew up in a more technologically advanced era, and others (like myself) grew up in an era where VHS was not available until we were teenagers, and phones were stuck in a home where they belonged. I suspect that many of the rule makers fall into this latter category. They are close-minded when it comes to this issue and do not understand how very important a cell phone is to today’s younger generation. This generation is nearly dependent upon them. This is not going to change. Those who make the rules cannot simply will what they wish to happen (which is for students to become non-dependent on these devices) into action. Students will bring their phones to school, students will use them, and students will sneak around to do so, if necessary. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Since this is the case, as a teacher, I say run with it. Instead of saying absolutely no to any cell phone usage, I say let’s teach them how and when to use them properly. Students respect this rule (for the most part) and adhere to it when it is implemented properly. Consistency is crucial, however. It falls in line with classroom management. I go over my cell phone policy along with my procedures the first week of school. Basically, students are allowed to use these devices when I say they are allowed. Often times, they will be allowed as we use them for various projects, group work, research, etc. However, I adamantly enforce the fact that when I am teaching and it is not during a permitted time, cell phones must be put away. Students actually adhere to this rule. I take up phones if necessary if the student has them out during a non-permitted time. If their phone is in sight at all during a test or while testing, they receive a zero. Students know this and truly abide by these steadfast rules. Furthermore, I use cell phone etiquette to teach things that do not fall into the standards, such as class and manners. This is a life lesson, and I am a firm believer that, as teachers, we must prepare our students in all aspects of life, not just our subject area. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Cell phones are here to stay, they have unlimited possibilities, and educators need to learn to embrace them instead of outlawing them. The key lies in teaching cell phone etiquette. This valuable etiquette lesson will follow them throughout life. Educators are always trying to ban something, whether it be books, music, clothing style, piercings, gum and many other trite things. Some of these things are completely necessary; however, we need to pick our battles wisely. After all, students are taught rules dealing with etiquette at an early age. Otherwise, kids may possibly be going around stabbing others with their scissors and pencils…and we still use scissors and pencils.

= Annotated Bibliography = <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Ali, A., & Smith, D. (2014). Enforcement and Effectiveness of Rules in Dealing with Cell Phone Use in the Classroom//. Competition Forum//, 12(2), 111-117. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This study examines the rules that are established in order to deal with cell phone policies in the classroom.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Blackburn, K., LeFebvre, L., & Richardson, E. (2013). Technological Task Interruptions in the Classroom. //Florida Communication Journal//, 41(2), 107-116. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This study examines whether and when mobile technology in the classroom serves as an interruption.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Doward, J. (2015). Schools That Ban Mobile Phones See Better Academic Results. //The Guardian//. Retrieved from [] <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This article discusses schools that choose to ban mobile phones.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Gilroy, M. (2004). Invasion of the Classroom Cell Phones. //Education Digest//, 69(6), 56-60. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This article provides information on how teachers can deal with cell phones in the classroom.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Graham, E. (2015). Using Smartphones in the Classroom. //National Education Association//. Retrieved from [] <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This article discusses using mobile devices as learning tools in the classroom.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Jackson, L. D. (2012). Is Mobile Technology in the Classroom a Helpful Tool or a Distraction?: A Report of University Students' Attitudes, Usage Practices, and Suggestions for Policies. //International Journal of Technology, Knowledge & Society,// 8(5), 129-140. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This study debates the use of mobile technology in the classroom and gives guidelines for using them.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Nowell, S. D. (2014). Using disruptive technologies to make digital connections: stories of media use and digital literacy in secondary classrooms. //Educational Media International//, 51(2), 109-123. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This study focuses on ways teachers use mobile technologies in the classroom and relationship building.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">Sterner, R. (2015). 4 Things You’ll Miss by Banning Cell Phones in Your Classroom. //Education Digest//, 81(2), 56-58. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype',serif;">This article, written in the point of view of a classroom teacher, stresses important lessons that can be learned by choosing not to ban cell phones in classrooms.