In classroom smart phone usage is increasing as millennial and post-millennial students enter college classrooms.
But, how much of a problem is this?
This question has sparked debate among educators, leading some to propose the installation of smart phone jammers in college classrooms.
Internet sources suggest this technology has already been approved for use in educational settings in India and Ukraine. However, the United States Federal Communications Commission has determined use of smart phone jammers is outright illegal at this point.
Love them or hate them, smart phones will remain a permanent fixture in college classrooms.
For this reason let’s examine 10 ways smart phone usage impacts college classrooms to shed light on their pros and cons:
10) PRO: Safety & Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency, every second counts, and communication with emergency responders is crucial. These seconds can save lives. Also, remember that not all college classrooms and laboratories are equipped with a telephone.
9) CON: Digital Cheat Sheets
Smart phones have text capability as well as storage space, and can therefore be used to store information internally. For the most part, information stored on smart phones is harmless, but academically dishonest students can misuse them to store homework results, test answers, and formulas and equations similar to a cheat sheet. If a professor doesn’t have a watchful eye, students will rely on information stored in their smart phone to boost their grades.
8) PRO/CON: Instant Answer Gratification
Some professors promote use of smart phones under certain circumstances in their classroom.
For instance, I openly admit that as a professor, I do not know the boiling point of methane. It’s just not something I’ve committed to memory. When a student asks this, I flip the question back onto them, allowing them to briefly use internet on their smart phone to inform the class. I find this strengthens their research skills and perhaps leaves them more engaged about a given topic.
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