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Cell phones are everywhere these days, even in classrooms. Last week, Staples principal John Dodig sent an e-mail to all Staples parents with the subject line "Phone Use Problem in Schools." In his message, he asks parents to remind their children to be respectful when using cell phone in school.
In the email, Dodig writes that it is innappropriate to text during instruction and that teachers are frustrated by the distraction that cell phones cause. He writes: "Story after story of teachers having to stop students from sending and receiving text messages, playing games on laptops, or even watching movies on iPhones all while the teacher is trying to teach has caused real concern." He continues: "I think what we are seeing at SHS is what we are seeing in the general population. Too many of us are tied to our phones and laptops at all hours of the day and night. We cannot wait to read the text or e-mail that just flew in from someone. While I accept that this is almost commonplace in the general population, it is still an annoyance and a major distraction to our mission of teaching and learning. We need your help. Our rules are simple: Dont use any electronic device where instruction is taking place.
In a phone interview, Dodig said that in general he is an advocate of technology. "Kids need access to technology and I encourage my staff to use technology in their classroom." Dodig's problem is with the disrespectful use of technology. "It's really a question of ettiquette and being respectful. And really, the kids are behaving no differently than their parents."
Dodig does not think that a cell phone ban is the answer. "I don't think draconian rules like no cell phone at school is the answer. The texting culture has developped quickly, we have to figure out how to manage it as educators."
Dodig points to examples of how different teachers are managing cell phone in their classrooms. One math teacher requires for calculators to be on the right hand side of the desk and all cell phones to be on the left. Another teacher, Kelly Garrity, a health teacher, incorporates cell phones into her instruction with polls and anonymous texting of questions. "The kids get such a kick out of it. They love using the cell phone in class and not getting into trouble for it."
Garrity says, though, that she shares Dodig's concerns and has strict cell phone policies in class. "Cell phones are attached to the kids hands." Garrity says. "My policy is that don't want to see them, if I do, I put them on my desk until the end of class."
A parent of a senior at Staples, Hina Hafiz, said that she recieved Dodig's email. 'I told my son that he better not be one those rude kids." Hafiz, a school teacher herself in Stamford, say that she's "old fashioned" when it comes to technology and learning. "I'm just not convinced that all this new technology helps us to concentrate and think more deeply. It's all a bit distracting."
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