Cell Phones in Schools
As smartphones become more and more common,
the debate about whether students in schools should
be able to use them rages on. Some say that cell
phones can be used for positive reasons like research
and student safety. Students can use their phones
for many productive purposes: using the calculator,
looking up the definitions of words, organizing
their assignments in a calendar, and using apps
to study. They also argue that allowing students to
use cell phones in school prepares students for
adult life, in which they will use technology daily.
Teachers, however, argue that phones are too distracting. They say that kids are often
too tempted to play games, text each other, and take pictures during instructional time.
They can also cheat on assignments by looking up the answers online. Teachers do not
trust that students will use their phones responsibly or appropriately if they have them.
They believe that phones are too much of a distraction and take away from a student's
overall education.
Use the RACE strategy to answer the following question, using the checklist as you write.
Do you think kids should have phones? Explain using reasons from the text.
