Read BOTH passages. Then answer the question that follows.

Cell Phones in the Classroom

A familiar ringtone sounds in the classroom directing everyone’s attention to a shy student in the back row. Several years ago, this would have seemed a bit strange, but not today. A recent study showed that one in three third grade students has a cell phone. With so many students having access to these technology devices, a lot of talk has gone into whether to use them as learning tools or keep them banned from the classroom.

Let’s think about their role as learning tools. Annie needs a calculator, but forgot hers. She takes out her cell phone and is able to use the calculator app on the phone. Just across the room, Johnny is trying to spell the word “similar,” so he uses the dictionary app on his phone to find the correct spelling. Another student in the class, Mitchell, has completed all of his work early, so he decides to use the multiplication app on his phone to review his multiplication facts in a fun and interactive way. These and other apps are making teachers and other school officials see that cell phones do give students access to many resources that could actually save schools money.

While cell phones may sound great, not everyone is ready to lift the cell phone ban. There are still those that have major concerns. One concern is what to do about students who do not have a cell phone. Another worry is how to make sure students are using the phone as a learning tool instead of texting and social media. Additional concerns arise with how to address when a phone is broken or stolen while at school. Certainly, the list of problems that some schools have goes on and on.

The answer isn’t clear for schools across the United States. Some schools are starting to lift the cell phone ban, but others are keeping it in place. As more and more backpacks get armed with cell phones, the discussion of having them in the classroom will certainly continue.

Always Worked Fine Before

I hear a lot of talk about allowing cell phones in the classroom. Why? There is nothing wrong with the way things are now. If you allow cell phones in classrooms, you are asking for trouble.

Cell phones may distract students to off task behaviors. Students may tell you that they are playing learning games, but how do you know that they are not sending texts? Students may skip doing their assignments so that they can hurry and play learning games. Cell phones will make classrooms noisier. If everyone gets messages, plays games, or receives phone calls, think about how noisy classrooms will be.

We really do not need cell phones in our classrooms. It seems to me that our classrooms are functioning correctly as they are right now. They are helping prepare me and other students for the future.

How are these passages different?