Cons in the Classroom

Having the ability to use a smartphone at school is great and its likely going to be integrated into the education system no matter what but there are some possible dangers. Some think that it is too early to be bringing this technology into the classroom. While it can be used as a tool to gather information, there are other aspects that aren't easy to control such as texting or tweeting. Now it is possible to work around some of these areas by configuring the network to block access to certain sites and setting strict policies. However, these methods can only be effective to a certain extent. There is also no evidence to prove that technology makes students get higher grades like many advocates try to push.

People should realize too that making wireless technology a part of the curriculum is different than just letting students bring in whatever devices they would like. A study back in 2008 with laptops showed that those who used them were multitasking and scored lower than those who didn't use a laptop because they were more focused with less distractions. Students favor using mobile devices or having power point presentations rather than normal lectures in class though this preference has no real change on marks received. It has been stated that technology can not replace skillful teachers who keep students from being distracted and focus their attention on staying engaged.
Would you be able to remain focused if you could use your phone in school?

"Smartphones Do Not Benefit Classroom Learning." Smartphones. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Don't Give Students More Tools of Mass Distraction." Maclean's (28 Sept. 2010).Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.

Benefits to the Classroom Environment

A professor at the University of Maryland believes that within just five years every student K-12 will have a mobile device for learning. According to him, mobile phones are the preferred tool for today's generation and to learn 21st century skills it is important to have 21st century technology. The kids bring their devices with them and are very capable of bringing those skills that they've learned outside of school into the classroom. These phones are also fairly affordable compared to other devices.

They are used to the small screen size making them more comfortable working with that technology. Having a smaller device allows for simple portability which triumphs over everything else. It is key to have mobility so being able to have instant access while on the go is huge in today's world. Mobile devices let students do almost anything that they could do on a laptop. Cell phones are considered a game changer and would allow for basically all the time learning. Smartphones are constantly advancing so who knows what they could be like in a year or two. Perhaps being able to project the
screen onto another surface is in the near future.

Would you use a mobile device in the classroom if you haven't already?

Soloway, Elliot. "Smartphones Will Benefit Classroom Learning." Smartphones. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Will Smart Phones Eliminate the Digital Divide?" THE Journal (1 Feb. 2011).Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.