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=Cell Phones in the Classroom = __//**Overview**//__ As technology continues to evolve and the digital divide is still alive and well, there is a clash of opinions of the subjects of utilizing cell phones in the classroom. As cell phones have now infiltrated grades down to the elementary level, many parents and kids see the need of their child having their phone with them regardless of location, including school. However, with a cell phone, comes texting, facebook, sending pictures, and many other activities that are perceived as distracting. On the other side of that coin, many educators, students, and parents see cell phones as a tool for learning. Whether for research, as a calculator, or educational apps, some schools and teachers are beginning to implement cell phone usage in their daily lessons. To date, there is no clearly defined research on either the pros or cons, however, regardless of opinions, technology is moving and so is life, adaptation is needed somehow, someway.

=//__**Definition**__//= Defining cell phone use in the classroom, can best be done as M-learning, or mobile learning. Generally speaking M-learning involves any type of computer device, including laptops, ipads, cell phones, mp3 players, etc. This type of learning is centered on the mobility of the user and the equipment, as well as the additional learning opportunities that exist utilizing mobile devices.

__//**Pros and Cons:**//__ The debate whether to allow cell phones in the classroom or not is one of the most controversial topics in schools today. It may seem like a small issue compared to much bigger issues like budget cuts and emphasis on increasing test scores but it is drawing alot of buzz around the nation. Here are some pros and cons on the subject.


 * The Pros**
 * You can be in touch with your children, and know their whereabouts.
 * Your kids can reach you in the event of an emergency, and vice versa.
 * If in danger, your children can reach the authorities or a medical provider.
 * Phones can be silenced during class or study periods, and active only in appropriate places.
 * Cell phones create a convenience that was previously unavailable. With cell phones, you can easily reach your kids for any reason: to ask them questions, change plans, or to simply say hello.
 * Phones create new learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom with various applications.
 * Cell phones give some internet access whom otherwise could not obtain.
 * Offers teachers the opportunity to increase motivation in their students by utilizing their phones for classwork, rather than taking them away or turning them off.


 * The Cons**
 * Students often forget to turn off their phones in class, and ringing noises or text-message alerts disrupt learning.
 * Even if set to silent, cell phones can still cause distraction, since text messaging has become a high-tech method of passing notes in school.
 * Students have been known to use cell phones to call in bomb threats to schools, to avoid or condense class time.
 * In the event of a widespread crisis, rampant cell phone use can overload communication systems and render them inoperable.
 * Student cell phone networks add to the spread of rumors and misinformation, which can be harmful during a widespread crisis.
 * Phones can be used as cheating devices during exams.
 * The long-term physical effects of cell phone use are still undetermined.

__Opinions on cell phone use in Schools:__
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=__//**Websites:**//__=

[] This site produced by the National School Safety and Security Services is a Cleveland (Ohio)-based, national school safety consulting firm specializing in school security assessments, school safety and school emergency/crisis training, and school crisis planning and emergency plan evaluationsand related school safety consultant services for K-12 schools. This website focuses on the hazaords of having cell phones in the classrooms and lists the protocols if a district is to allow cell phones.

[|www.**cellphones**inlearning.com] This site is both a blog and informational site on the discussion of whether or not cell phones belong in the classroom.

Cellphones in the classroom: Distraction or Tool This article discusses some of the policies and rules on cell phones in the classroom, as well as an explanation of how these low cost gadgets can bea benefit rather than a hinderance.

Cellphones: Why Not Use Them to Teach? Discusses the issues of lifting the cell phone ban in city schools. Arguments for are using the tools students already have as a tool of productivity rather than distraction.

__//**Blogs:**//__
[] This blog discusses the uses of phones in cirriculum, and begins by offering specific data concerning cell phone users and usage type.

[] This blog is opened by the author asking questions about ideas using phones in the classroom if allowed. Following, are fellow bloggers giving advice and opinions.

[] Discussion of teachers who utilize phones in the classroom and the benefits they reap within the cirriculum.

[] Author of this blog shares top resources and discusses opinions on phones in the classroom via webcast.

[] Referencing a news article, the author discusses ending the "cat and mouse" game between students, teachers, and cell phones.

[] The author here gives no concrete data on or solid opinion, rather refers to the questions of phones in the classroom as a guessing game on whether they are harmful or helpful.

[] The author introduces a video on one example of cell phones in the class, and asks the audience to reply with recommended change opportunities.

[] Author discusses Pew research offering statistics supporting cell phones in the classroom.

[] Discussion centers around texting in the classroom and how it can be used for various functions in the cirriculum.

[] Enhancing emotional intelligence with the use of phones is the concentration of this article, and includes supporting classroom images.

[] The author discusses their plan to introduce cell phone usage in classrooms and the proactive steps they have begun in formulating the plan.

__//**Books:**//__ **Teaching Generation Text: Using Cell Phones to Enhance Learning** As described, this book discusses using cell phones to enhance learning. It also discusses classroom management and discipline among other principles.

This book identifies a few projects conducted in study format, in an effort to integrate how cell phones in the classroom effected learning. Prefacing the studies was identification of who, how, and when kids currently use cell phones, and how that will continue to transform outside of the classroom.
 * Mobile Learning: Pilot Projects and Initiatives**

This book focuses on how cell phones can be useful tools in the classroom, and discusses some of the reasons they have been banned at various times and schools.
 * Toys to Tools: connecting student cell phones to education**

This book takes a look at evolving technology, and how instant access has changed culture in several aspects.
 * The Young and the Digital: what the migration to social-network sites, games, and…**

= __//**Journal Articles:**//__ =

h[|ttp://llt.msu.edu/vol10num1/pdf/emerging.pdf] The concentration of this article is the use of mobile devices in language learning.

[] The author of this article points out how the everday use of cell phones and can become knowledge building tools with comprehension.

[] From mobile learning, to virtual classes, this article discusses the learning platform availability of wireless devices.

[] A survey of policy and practice of cell phones in school.

[] This article discusses some of the pros and cons of cell phones in class.

[] Article frames some of the distractions phones in the class cause, and with wireless only growing, students will continue to be attached somehow. Thus coping strategies and ideals are offered by the author.

[] This article highlights the use of text messaging in second language aquisition. Although the main purpose is administrative, allowing computer to phone communication, the author warns of possible negative side effects.

[] This article discusses the use of cell phones as mobile learning devices, highlighting their use to teach English as a second language, as well as utilizing phones in Chinese language and learning.

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This article discusses the conflicting view points of what students in a New Hampshire High School view as the correct use of cell phones in the classrooms.



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