2. “Schools should be places
where students are allowed to
use the tools they are
comfortable with and have
access to in order to develop
and use skills needed to be
successful and productive in
the 21st century (Engel).”
3. Pros of cell phones in the
classroom
Already in use by students
Various uses in secondary classrooms
Informal polls
Conduct research
Photos and Video
4. Most important Pro
Teach students appropriate use
34% of texting teens ages 16-17 say they
have texted while driving (Lenhart)
5. Cons of cell phones in the
classroom
Distraction in class
Misuse and cheating
Access for all students
6. Response to the Cons
Have specific learning goals and
expectations for students
Have rules in place to combat misuse
Provide alternate activities for those who
do not have access
7. References
Cell Phones as Classroom Tools. (n.d.). In Teaching History. Retrieved July
12, 2012, from http://teachinghistory.org/digital- classroom/tech-
for-teachers/25273
Cell Phones in the Classroom. (n.d.). In Teaching Today. Retrieved July
12, 2012, from http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/
cell-phones-in-the-classroom
Engel, G., & Green, T. (2011). Cell Phones in the Classroom: Are we
Dialing up Disaster? TechTrends, 55(2), 39-45.
Lenhart, A. (2010, April 20). Teen, Cell Phones and Texting. In Pew
Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved July 13, 2012, from
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1572/teens-cell-phones-text-
messages
Rapp, D. (n.d.). Lift the Cell Phone Ban. In Scholastic. Retrieved July
12, 2012, from http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?
id=3751073
Richtel, M., & Stone, B. (2009, February 15). Industry Makes Pitch That
Smartphones Belong in Classroom. New York Times.
Retrieved July 12, 2012, from http://www.nytimes.com/
2009/02/16/technology/16phone.html/?_r=1
