speech on use of mobile phones by students

Speech on Impact Of Smartphones

Smartphones have transformed your world. These pocket-sized devices connect you to everyone, everywhere.

Yet, they also change your behavior and environment. Understanding their impact can help you navigate the digital age better.

1-minute Speech on Impact Of Smartphones

Good day everyone! Today, we’re talking about a device that’s right in your pocket – the smartphone. These tiny devices have changed our lives in ways we never imagined.

First, let’s talk about convenience. With smartphones, we can call or message friends and family, anytime, anywhere. You can even see their faces with video calls! We can check the weather, the time, our email – all in one place. It’s like having a mini computer in your pocket.

But it’s not just about talking and texting. Smartphones are a gateway to knowledge. Curious about something? Just type it into a search engine. Within seconds, you can learn about anything from dinosaurs to spaceships. You can read books, watch videos, and even take online classes. Learning has never been this easy!

However, smartphones also have a downside. We can become too attached to our screens, and this can lead to problems. Too much screen time can affect our sleep, our eyesight, and our mental health. It’s important to remember to take breaks and enjoy the world around us.

Lastly, smartphones have changed how we socialize. Social media apps let us connect with people all over the world. We can share photos, stories, and ideas with just a few taps. But remember, it’s also important to spend time with people in real life.

In conclusion, smartphones have made our lives easier and more connected. Yet, it’s crucial to use them wisely and remember that there’s a world beyond the screen. So, let’s use our smartphones to learn, to connect, and to grow, but also remember to put them down and enjoy life!

2-minute Speech on Impact Of Smartphones

Good day everyone. Let’s talk about something we all know and love – smartphones. These small devices have changed our lives in many ways.

First, let’s think about how smartphones bring the world to our fingertips. We can look up anything we want to know, anytime, anywhere. If you want to learn about dinosaurs, or the tallest mountain, or how to bake a cake, you can do it all on your smartphone. It’s like having a library in your pocket.

Second, we can’t forget about communication. Before smartphones, we could only call or text. Now, we can send pictures, videos, and even voice messages. We can talk to people on the other side of the world without leaving our room. Families and friends can stay connected no matter where they are.

Third, smartphones help us in our daily life. Need to get up early for school? Set an alarm on your phone. Not sure how to get somewhere? Your phone can give you directions. Want to listen to your favorite music? Your phone can play it for you. There’s an app for almost everything you need.

But, like all things, smartphones also have a flip side. Sometimes, we spend too much time on our phones. We play games, watch videos, and scroll through social media for hours. This can take away from time spent on other important things like studying, playing outside, or spending time with our family and friends.

Also, constantly looking at a screen can be bad for our eyes. Our eyes can get tired and strained. It’s important to take breaks and not use our phones too much.

In conclusion, smartphones have changed our lives in many ways. They help us learn, communicate, and navigate our daily life. But they can also distract us and can be bad for our health if we use them too much. Like all tools, it’s about how we use them. So let’s use our smartphones wisely, for our benefit and not our harm.

Thank you for listening, and remember that we control our smartphones; they don’t control us!

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Bans may help protect classroom focus, but districts need to stay mindful of students’ sense of connection, experts say

Students around the world are being separated from their phones.

In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 77 percent of U.S. schools had moved to prohibit cellphones for nonacademic purposes. In September 2018, French lawmakers outlawed cellphone use for schoolchildren under the age of 15. In China, phones were banned country-wide for schoolchildren last year.

Supporters of these initiatives have cited links between smartphone use and bullying and social isolation and the need to keep students focused on schoolwork.

77% Of U.S. schools moved to ban cellphones for nonacademic purposes as of 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics

But some Harvard experts say instructors and administrators should consider learning how to teach with tech instead of against it, in part because so many students are still coping with academic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic. At home, many young people were free to choose how and when to use their phones during learning hours. Now, they face a school environment seeking to take away their main source of connection.

“Returning back to in-person, I think it was hard to break the habit,” said Victor Pereira, a lecturer on education and co-chair of the Teaching and Teaching Leadership Program at the Graduate School of Education.

Through their students, he and others with experience both in the classroom and in clinical settings have seen interactions with technology blossom into important social connections that defy a one-size-fits-all mindset. “Schools have been coming back, trying to figure out, how do we readjust our expectations?” Pereira added.

It’s a hard question, especially in the face of research suggesting that the mere presence of a smartphone can undercut learning .

Michael Rich , an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says that phones and school don’t mix: Students can’t meaningfully absorb information while also texting, scrolling, or watching YouTube videos.

“The human brain is incapable of thinking more than one thing at a time,” he said. “And so what we think of as multitasking is actually rapid-switch-tasking. And the problem with that is that switch-tasking may cover a lot of ground in terms of different subjects, but it doesn’t go deeply into any of them.”

Pereira’s approach is to step back — and to ask whether a student who can’t resist the phone is a signal that the teacher needs to work harder on making a connection. “Two things I try to share with my new teachers are, one, why is that student on the phone? What’s triggering getting on your cell phone versus jumping into our class discussion, or whatever it may be? And then that leads to the second part, which is essentially classroom management.

“Design better learning activities, design learning activities where you consider how all of your students might want to engage and what their interests are,” he said. He added that allowing phones to be accessible can enrich lessons and provide opportunities to use technology for school-related purposes.

Mesfin Awoke Bekalu, a research scientist in the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at the Chan School, argues that more flexible classroom policies can create opportunities for teaching tech-literacy and self-regulation.

“There is a huge, growing body of literature showing that social media platforms are particularly helpful for people who need resources or who need support of some kind, beyond their proximate environment,” he said. A study he co-authored by Rachel McCloud and Vish Viswanath for the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness shows that this is especially true for marginalized groups such as students of color and LGBTQ students. But the findings do not support a free-rein policy, Bekalu stressed.

In the end, Rich, who noted the particular challenges faced by his patients with attention-deficit disorders and other neurological conditions, favors a classroom-by-classroom strategy. “It can be managed in a very local way,” he said, adding: “It’s important for parents, teachers, and the kids to remember what they are doing at any point in time and focus on that. It’s really only in mono-tasking that we do very well at things.”

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones for Students

Mobile phones have become an essential part of our daily lives, and students are no exception. They use mobile phones for various purposes, including communication, entertainment, and education.

However, the use of mobile phones by students has both advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using mobile phones for students.

We will explore the different ways in which mobile phones affect students’ academic performance, social life, and mental health. We will also examine the impact of mobile phones on students’ engagement in the classroom and their anxiety levels.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones for students.

Advantages of Mobile Phones for Students

Mobile phones have become an essential part of our daily lives, and students are no exception. While there are concerns about the negative impact of mobile phones on students, there are also several advantages that cannot be ignored. We will explore the advantages of mobile phones for students.

1. Access to Educational Resources Anytime, Anywhere

Access to educational resources anytime, anywhere is one of the significant advantages of mobile phones for students.

With the help of mobile phones, students can access educational resources such as e-books, online courses, and educational videos anytime and anywhere.

They can download educational apps that provide them with access to a wealth of information on various subjects.

Moreover, students can use their mobile phones to collaborate with their peers and teachers, share notes, and participate in online discussions.

This flexibility in accessing educational resources can help students to learn at their own pace and convenience, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

2. Enhanced Communication with Teachers and Peers

Mobile phones have become an essential tool for students, and one of the advantages is enhanced communication with teachers and peers.

With mobile phones, students can easily communicate with their teachers and classmates through various channels such as text messages, emails, and social media platforms.

This allows students to ask questions, clarify doubts, and collaborate on projects outside of the classroom.

Additionally, mobile phones enable students to stay connected with their peers, which can help them build stronger relationships and support networks.

Mobile phones provide students with a convenient and efficient way to communicate with their teachers and peers, which can enhance their learning experience.

3. Mobile Learning and E-Learning Opportunities

Mobile learning and e-learning opportunities have gained popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits. One of the biggest advantages of mobile learning is its convenience and flexibility.

With mobile learning, learners can access educational materials and engage in learning activities at any time, from any location, making it possible to fit learning into a busy schedule, no matter how hectic it may be.

Mobile learning also enables learners to study at their own pace, allowing them to take as much or as little time as they need to understand the material.

Additionally, mobile learning can improve engagement and motivation, as it provides a more interactive and personalized learning experience.

Furthermore, it can increase accessibility to education for individuals who may not have access to traditional classroom settings. Mobile learning also offers a blended learning approach that can enhance the education of young learners.

4. Organization and Time Management Tools

Organization and time management tools are essential for students to stay on top of their academic and personal responsibilities. There are numerous apps available that can help students stay organized and improve their time management skills.

Some of the best time management apps for students include Evernote, iStudiez Pro, myHomework, TickTick, and 2Do.

These apps can help students keep track of their assignments, deadlines, and schedules, as well as prioritize their tasks and increase their productivity.

Additionally, these apps can be synced across multiple devices, making it easy for students to access their information from anywhere.

By using these organization and time management tools, students can better manage their time, reduce stress, and achieve their academic goals.

5. Research and Information Retrieval on the Go

Mobile phones have become an essential tool for students in today’s world. One of the significant advantages of mobile phones for students is the ability to conduct research and retrieve information on the go.

With the help of mobile phones, students can access a vast amount of information from anywhere at any time. They can use search engines to find relevant information, access online libraries, and even watch educational videos.

Mobile phones also allow students to stay connected with their classmates and teachers, making it easier to collaborate on projects and assignments.

In addition, mobile phones can help students stay organized by using apps that allow them to create to-do lists, set reminders, and manage their schedules.

Mobile phones have become an indispensable tool for students, providing them with the convenience and flexibility to access information and stay connected with their academic community.

6. Educational Apps for Skill Development

Mobile phones have become an essential part of our daily lives, and students are no exception. Educational apps for skill development are one of the advantages of mobile phones for students.

These apps offer a range of benefits, including the ability to learn new skills, improve existing ones, and access educational resources from anywhere.

With the help of these apps, students can learn at their own pace and in their own time, making education more accessible and convenient.

Additionally, educational apps can help students stay organized, manage their time effectively, and track their progress.

The use of educational apps on mobile phones can be a valuable tool for students to enhance their learning experience.

7. Collaborative Learning and Group Projects

Collaborative learning and group projects can be enhanced by the use of mobile phones for students. Cell phones in the classroom can foster collaboration and communication between teachers, parents, and learners.

There are numerous discussion tools and apps that learners can download and use to work on group projects or communicate with peers after school hours.

Additionally, teachers can use apps to create, mark, and grade students’ assignments and test their comprehension of a topic at the end of the lesson.

Smartphones also provide an easy way for teachers to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity while increasing motivation, as research shows that when students are engaged in their learning, they are less likely to succumb to distractions.

Disadvantages of Mobile Phones for Students

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives, and students are no exception. While mobile phones have several advantages, they also have some disadvantages, especially for students. We will delve into the disadvantages of using mobile phones by students.

1. Distraction from Academic Tasks

Mobile phones can be a major distraction for students, especially when they are trying to focus on academic tasks. The disadvantages of mobile phones on students are evident in their potential to disrupt the learning process.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, mobile phone distraction has a negative and significant association with psychological well-being .

The presence of electronic devices in the classroom is not the problem, but rather the way we incorporate them into situations in which we are already inclined to pay attention to too many things.

This highlights the disadvantages of mobile phones in school, where they can hinder effective learning environments.

A meta-analysis published in ScienceDirect found that excessive mobile phone use has been associated with distraction in the classroom, further underscoring the negative impact of mobile phones on students’ educational experiences.

Students who are addicted to their phones tend to lose focus, and their academic performance suffers badly due to the mobile phones.

A study published in PMC found that cell phones are another attractive device that can affect students’ attention and concentration in the classroom, as students can be easily distracted by them.

Teachers need practical and enforceable strategies for dealing with phones in their classrooms to mitigate the disadvantages of mobile phones on students and maintain a productive learning environment.

2. Social Isolation and Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction

Mobile phones have become an integral part of students’ lives, but they also have some disadvantages. One of the significant drawbacks of mobile phones for students is social isolation and reduced face-to-face interaction.

Students tend to spend more time on their phones, which can lead to a lack of social interaction and isolation. They may miss out on opportunities to interact with their peers and engage in group activities.

This can lead to poor social skills, which can affect their personal and professional lives in the future.

Additionally, excessive use of mobile phones can lead to addiction, which can further exacerbate social isolation and reduce face-to-face interaction.

Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between the use of mobile phones and social interaction to avoid the negative consequences of excessive phone use.

3. Sleep Disturbances and Irregular Sleep Patterns

Sleep disturbances and irregular sleep patterns are some of the disadvantages of mobile phones for students. The blue light emitted by mobile phones can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Students who use their phones before bedtime may experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested.

Additionally, the constant notifications and alerts from mobile phones can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep deprivation, which can negatively impact academic performance, mood, and overall health.

It is important for students to establish healthy sleep habits and limit their use of mobile phones before bedtime to avoid these negative effects.

4. Potential for Academic Dishonesty

Mobile phones have become an integral part of students’ lives, but they also have their disadvantages. One of the potential drawbacks of mobile phones for students is the increased potential for academic dishonesty.

With access to the internet and various apps, students can easily cheat on exams or plagiarize assignments. This can lead to a lack of understanding of the material and ultimately harm the student’s academic progress.

Additionally, the use of mobile phones in the classroom can be a distraction for both the student using the phone and their peers.

It is important for students to be aware of the potential disadvantages of mobile phones on college campuses and to use them responsibly.

5. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Mobile phones have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, but the disadvantages of mobile phones in students’ lives are a major issue. One of the most significant concerns is the issue of cyberbullying and online harassment.

With the rise of social media and messaging apps, students are more vulnerable to these types of negative interactions. Additionally, mobile phones can be a distraction in the classroom, leading to poor academic performance and a lack of focus.

Students may also suffer from anxiety and isolation due to their phone usage, which can harm their mental health.

Finally, mobile phones emit electromagnetic radiation, which can be harmful to developing bodies and may lead to health problems such as poor vision and sleep loss.

6. Health Concerns Related to Excessive Screen Time

Excessive screen time, including the use of mobile phones, can have negative effects on the health of students. One major concern is the impact on physical health, as excessive screen time can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and headaches.

Additionally, the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep patterns, which can negatively affect academic performance and overall well-being.

Mental health is also a concern, as excessive screen time has been linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression in young people.

Finally, excessive screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can contribute to obesity and other health problems. Therefore, it is important for students to be mindful of their screen time and take steps to minimize its negative effects.

7. Impact on Physical Activity and Well-Being

Mobile phones have several disadvantages for students, including their impact on physical activity and well-being. Students tend to spend hours lost in the virtual world of their mobile phones, which distracts them from their studies and sports.

This can lead to poor academic performance, loss of focus, and anxiety. The wide array of video games and other applications not only disturb them but also cause anxiety in students.

Students suffer from debilitating headaches and migraines due to this constant phone usage, which further leads to anxiety and depression. Poor performance in exams leads to isolation.

Students prefer staying away from friends and family and lose themselves in their mobile phones. This can seriously harm their mental health.

Excessive use of mobile phones causes eyesight problems in most people, and it can lead to eye swelling. Furthermore, mobile phones can encourage cheating, facilitate bullying, and create educational achievement gaps.

Conclusion on Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones for Students

In conclusion, mobile phones have both advantages and disadvantages for students. On one hand, they can be used as a tool for learning, such as using educational apps and accessing online resources, which can be beneficial for students.

They can also be used for communication and organization, allowing students to stay in touch with their peers and teachers and keep track of their schedules, offering clear advantages of using mobile phones in school.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the disadvantages of mobile phones to students as well.

Mobile phones can also be a source of distraction and disruption in the classroom, negatively impacting academic performance and life satisfaction.

Therefore, it is important for schools to establish clear guidelines and policies regarding the use of mobile phones in order to maximize their benefits and minimize their drawbacks, effectively addressing the disadvantages of using mobile phones in school.

Relevant Resources:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones on Health
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phone Games
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones in Family
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones in Business

Ahmad Ali (Author)

Ahmad Ali has been a technology enthusiast and writer for the past 5 years having vast knowledge of technology.

Rehmat Ullah (Content Reviewer)

Rehmat Ullah is a software engineer and CEO of Softhat IT Solutions. He is an expert technologist, entrepreneur, and educationist.

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3 Minute Speech on Mobile Phone in English for Students

Good Morning everyone, Today I am going to share my views on the topic of “Mobile phone”.

A mobile phone makes our lives easier. It is used for work, business purposes, attending online classes, entertainment, or just talking with friends and family members. Modern smartphones have many useful features.

Mobile phones are also a cause of spoiling the lives of teenagers. Teenagers are using it for multiple purposes. More use of mobile phones become a cause of distortion of their study.

It Could both be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how it is used by the prospective user. It should be used only when needed. When it is used beyond a certain limit or for a totally different purpose for which it intended to, it is definitely a disadvantage.

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The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better Essay

Introduction.

It is undeniable that today’s world revolves around technology due to its growth over the past decades. Mobile phones as a part of technology have become increasingly common in modern society. Today, it is impossible to imagine an adolescent or an adult without a cell phone. Students have started to use mobile phones in classrooms, which has raised many concerns among teachers, schools’ authorities, and parents. While there are several disadvantages of the utilization of technology during classes, the advantages of it prevail.

The benefits of technology for students are evident. First, mobile phones can substitute textbooks and notebooks, which may have a positive impact on individuals’ health as they do not have to carry heavy bags to schools. Students can download learning materials in electronic form and use them during classes. Moreover, they can find the information faster and save time to perform other important tasks. Second, with the help of mobile phones, students can have access to their textbooks, lectures, and notes anywhere and at any time. They can read on the bus on their way to school, which may increase the time they dedicate to the analysis of the learning materials and help them to reflect on the topics of discussions.

Furthermore, students can use mobile phones as dictionaries in language classes. It may save their time and ensure that the long learning process does not discourage them. Also, they can download applications that are designed to assist in acquiring new language skills.

It is necessary to mention that students can use mobile phones as organizational or planning tools. They can plan their time based on the deadlines, arrange their activities and track their grades and performance in class. While many students use notebooks for such purposes, the utilization of mobile phones allows for having all the information in one place and ensuring that no important data is lost. Moreover, teachers can be involved in the organizational process too by sharing the necessary information about due dates and requirements via applications. It may improve teacher-student relationships and increase individuals’ performance in class.

There are several drawbacks associated with the use of mobile phones in the classroom. The primary one is that they can distract students from learning, as they may prefer to play games or use social networks. Moreover, individuals can become aggressive if the teachers or school authorities try to forbid the use of technology in class. To eliminate the possible negative outcomes, it is necessary for students to learn how to avoid distraction while working with mobile phones.

For example, they can delete unnecessary applications or restrict their use during classes. Apart from that, students can improve their performance by studying the factors that can cause distraction and avoiding them. Teachers and schools’ authorities should also consider investigating the benefits of the technology to prevent the establishment of unnecessary policies related to its use in the classroom.

The use of mobile phones in the classroom can improve student’s performance and help them to have better learning outcomes. It can save their time, prevent them from carrying heavy bags with textbooks and notebooks and increase the accessibility of course materials. The possible drawbacks of the use of technology in class are individuals’ distraction and aggression. However, students can eliminate the disadvantages of the utilization of mobile phones by avoiding the factors that can cause negative learning outcomes.

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IvyPanda. (2021, July 18). The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/

"The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." IvyPanda , 18 July 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better'. 18 July.

IvyPanda . 2021. "The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." July 18, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." July 18, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Use of Mobile Phones in the Classroom Can Help Students Learn Better." July 18, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-use-of-mobile-phones-in-the-classroom-can-help-students-learn-better/.

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• B2 speaking

Pros and cons of mobile phones

Gemma is sick of being ignored while Sam is on his phone. They discuss the pros and cons of being constantly connected.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and follow the instructions to practise your speaking.

Preparation

Gemma: What are we like?! Sam: What do you mean, ‘what are we like’? Gemma: I mean … look at us! We’re here, we’ve met for coffee and a ‘chat’ and we’re not even talking to each other. Sam: Hang on … What did you say? Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Gemma: ‘What did you say? Sorry, I didn’t catch that.’ Er … maybe that’s because you’re not listening to me! Sam: Yeah, yeah, sorry. I was just sending a message. I was multitasking! I’m with you now. Gemma: Yeah, but I don’t think you can send messages and talk to someone in real life at the same time! That’s my point. The real-life person should come first. Don’t you think? Sam: Er … yeah, but sometimes you just need to send a quick message. I don’t think it’s rude. In fact, I think it’s rude to ignore messages, actually. Gemma: Yeah, I suppose so. You’re right in some ways … but for me, the biggest disadvantage of having a mobile phone is that we’re constantly being distracted from what’s happening in the real world! Sam: Yeah ... but in a good way. You can carry on what you’re doing, and you can keep up with your friends at the same time. Gemma: Yeah, there are a lot of advantages … but when you’ve got one of your best mates sitting right in front of you, maybe it’s time to switch off? Sam: You mean … actually switching off our phones right now? Gemma: Shall we? What do you think? Sam: Er, OK. It’ll give me something to post on Facebook later. Gemma: Yeah, come on! Honestly, we haven’t had a good chat in real life for ages. Sam: All right – you’re absolutely right. Gemma: OK! Brilliant. On three then! Gemma and Sam: One … two … three … off!  Sam: Wow! We did it. Gemma: That didn’t hurt too much! Sam: Not yet. Gemma: I’ve got a plan! Let’s just leave them off until we finish our drinks. Sam: Yeah, that might be a good idea. Gemma: We’ve just got to focus on the advantages! It feels so weird knowing no one can contact me. Sam: Yeah, it does … but I like this feeling of freedom. I’m going to keep mine off all day. Gemma: Wow. Really? Now that is something to post on Facebook. ‘Sam survives a whole day without his phone!’ … Gemma: What are we like?! Sam: What do you mean, ‘what are we like’? Gemma: I m___ … look a__ us! We’re here, we’ve met for a coffee and a ‘chat’ and we’re not even talking to e___ o____. Sam: Hang on … What did you say? Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Gemma: ‘What d__ y__ say? Sorry, I d____ c____ t___.’ Err … maybe that’s because you’re n__ listening t__ m__! Sam: Yeah, yeah, OK, sorry. I was just sending a message. I was multitasking! I’m with you now. Gemma: Yeah, but I don’t think you can send messages and talk to someone in real life at the s____ t____! T____ my point. The real-life person should come first. D____ you t____? Sam: Err … yeah, but sometimes you need to send a quick message. I don’t think it’s rude. In fact, I think it’s rude to ignore messages, actually. Gemma: Yeah, I suppose so. You’re r____ in some ways … but for me, the b______ disadvantage o__ having a mobile phone is that we’re constantly being distracted from w____ happening in the real world! Sam: Yeah ... but in a good way. You can carry on what you’re doing, but you can keep up with all your friends at the same time. Gemma: Yeah, there are a lot of a_________ … but when you’ve got one of your best mates sitting right i__ f____ o__ you, maybe it’s time to switch off?! Sam: You mean … actually switching off our phones right now? Gemma: Shall we? What d__ y__ t____? Sam: Er, OK. It’ll give me something to post on Facebook later. Gemma: Yeah, come o__! Honestly, we haven’t had a good chat i__ r___ l___ for ages. Sam: All right – you’re absolutely right. Gemma: O__! Brilliant. On three then! Gemma and Sam: One … two … three … Sam: Wow! We did it. Gemma: That d____ hurt t__ m___! Sam: Not yet. Gemma: I__ g__ a plan! Let’s just leave them off until we finish our drinks. Sam: Yeah, that might be a good idea. Gemma: We’ve just got to focus o__ the advantages! It f____ s__ weird knowing no one can contact me. Sam: Yeah it does … but I like this feeling of freedom. I’m going to keep mine off all day. Gemma: Wow. Really? Now that is s________ to p___ on Facebook. ‘Sam survives a whole day without his phone!’

Check your understanding: multiple choice

Check your understanding: gap fill, worksheets and downloads.

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Do smartphones belong in classrooms? Four scholars weigh in

Associate Professor of Economics, Carleton University

Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University

Associate Professor of Social Studies Education, University of North Texas

Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Child Development, University of Staffordshire

Disclosure statement

Louis-Philippe Beland receives funding from SSHRC insight grant and SSHRC insight development grant.

Arnold Lewis Glass, Daniel G. Krutka, and Sarah Rose do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Carleton University provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA.

Carleton University provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA-FR.

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Should smartphones be allowed in classrooms? A new report from UNESCO , the education arm of the United Nations, raises questions about the practice. Though smartphones can be used for educational purposes, the report says the devices also disrupt classroom learning, expose students to cyberbullying and can compromise students’ privacy.

About 1 in 7 countries globally, such as the Netherlands and France , have banned the use of smartphones in school – and academic performance improved as a result, particularly for low-performing students, the report notes.

As school leaders in the U.S. wrestle with whether or not to ban smartphones , The Conversation has invited four scholars to weigh in on the issue.

Daniel G. Krutka: Use smartphones to encourage ‘technoskepticism’

While the issue of smartphone use in schools is complicated, evidence suggests that spending more time on smartphones is associated with young people being less happy and less satisfied with life .

Technology scholars have long argued that the key to living well with technology is in finding limits. However, in banning smartphones, I worry educators might be missing opportunities to use smartphones to encourage what I and other researchers refer to as technoskeptical thinking ; that is, questioning our relationship with technology.

For example, students might be encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of using navigational apps to travel from one place to another, as opposed to old-fashioned paper maps. Or, students might explore their social media feeds to critique what algorithms feed them, or how notifications get their attention.

In my research , I have looked at how teachers can encourage students to go on techno-fasts – that is, abstaining from the use of technology for a certain period of time. This, I argue, will give students time to reflect on the time they spend away from their devices .

Policy debates often focus on whether or not to put smartphones out of reach during the school day. But I believe educators might find it more beneficial to make the phones an object of inquiry.

Sarah Rose: Consult parents, teachers and students

While there is evidence that classroom phone usage can be a distraction , it can also promote engagement and learning . While research about the potential positive and negative consequences of classroom phones can be used to inform school phone policies, the views of those who are most directly impacted by the policies should also be taken into account.

The views of parents matter because their views may influence the extent to which their children follow the policy. The views of children matter because they are the ones being expected to follow the policy and to benefit from it. The views of teachers matter because they are often the ones that have to enforce the policies. Research shows that enforcing cellphone policies is not always a straightforward issue .

In my research, I have found that children – aged 10 and 11 years old – in collaboration with their parents, were able to come up with ideas for ideal policies and solutions to help enforce them. For example, one parent-child pair suggested mobile phone use in school could be banned but that a role of “telephone monitor” could be given to an older pupil. This “telephone monitor” would have a class mobile phone that children and parents could use to contact each other during the school day when necessary.

This recommendation reflected how parents and middle and high school students – whether from rural and urban areas – felt cellphones were important to keep in touch with each other during the school day. Beyond safety, children and parents also told us that phones were important for keeping in touch about changing plans and for emotional support during the school day.

I believe policies that simply ban phones in schools may be missing an opportunity to educate children about responsible mobile device use. When parents and children are involved in policy development, it has the potential to increase the extent to which these policies are followed and enforced.

Arnold L. Glass: Cellphone use in college lectures hurts performance in ways that are hard to see

The intrusion of internet-enabled electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets and cellphones, has transformed the modern college lecture. Students now divide their attention between the lecture and their devices. Classroom studies reveal that when college students use an electronic device for a nonacademic purpose during class, it hurts their performance on exams .

When attention is divided between an electronic device and the classroom lecture, it does not reduce comprehension of the lecture – at least, not when measured by within-class quizzes. Instead, divided attention reduces long-term retention of the classroom lecture, which hurts performance on unit exams and final exams.

When some students open electronic devices, it also negatively affects the performance of all the students around them . Research has shown that student performance on final exams was worse when electronic devices were permitted during classes that covered exam material versus when the devices were not.

Many students won’t think their divided attention is affecting their retention of new information. It may not be for the moment, but a couple of weeks later or down the line, research shows , it does.

Louis-Philippe Beland: Bans help low-achieving students the most

Numerous studies indicate that low-achieving students stand to benefit the most from the implementation of mobile phone bans in schools.

In a 2015 study, my co-author, Richard Murphy , and I examined the impact of banning mobile phones on student performance in high schools, using data from England. By comparing schools with phone bans to similar schools without the bans, we isolated the effect of mobile phones on performance. Our study found that banning mobile phones significantly increased test scores among 16-year-old students. The effect is equivalent to adding five days to the school year or an extra hour per week. Low-achieving students benefited more, while high-achieving students remained unaffected.

Similar studies in Spain and Norway using a similar approach demonstrated compelling evidence supporting the benefits of banning mobile phones. In Spain, grades improved and bullying incidents decreased. In Norway, the ban raised middle school students’ grade-point averages and their likelihood of attending academic high schools while reducing bullying. Evidence from Belgium suggests banning mobile phones can be beneficial for college student performance.

Psychological research sheds light on potential mechanisms behind the impact of mobile phones and technology on student performance. Multitasking, common with mobile phone use, has been found to hinder learning and task execution . Taking notes by hand has been shown to better enhance memory retention compared to typing on a computer.

In sum, banning mobile phones in schools can yield positive effects, improve academic performance and narrow the achievement gap between high- and low-achieving students. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that mobile phones and technology can also be valuable educational tools when used appropriately.

• Mobile phones
• Smartphones
• US education
• Technology in Education
• Global education
• Back to school
• Cellphone ban
• Student learning
• Tech in classroom
• technology in schools
• Cellphone use
• Higher ed attainment
• Mobile phones and young people

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Mobile phones in the classroom – what does the research say?

In a recent Teacher article, two schools discussed their differing policies on mobile phone use during school hours. Here, we look at a range of studies that have explored the positives and negatives of allowing mobile phones to be used in class.

As Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs become more widespread, questions are being raised about the benefits of allowing students to actively use mobile phones as learning devices in school. Over the past decade, several studies have taken a closer look at student and educator perspectives on the issue.

One comparative study was undertaken across two schools in England in 2012, and details how students from each school use their devices during class time. One school allows the use of mobile devices and one doesn't.

The study titled “I don't think I would be where I am right now.” Pupil perspectives on using mobile devices for learning conducted student surveys. The results show that 43 per cent of students attending the school where devices are banned are still using them to help with learning despite the ban. Meanwhile, 74 per cent of students at the school which allow them, use the devices to aid learning.

Most respondents in this study say they use their device for Google and calendars during the school day. As for learning at home, most students also rely on their device.

‘A few days ago, my friend didn't understand one of the questions on the Science homework, so he Facetimed me, and I showed him my answer and I explained how I got that answer to him ...' one student says.

The research shows that students rely mostly on their devices to keep them organised. The calendar, alarms and camera (usually to take photos of a teacher's notes) are features constantly used by students, the report notes. ‘One pupil said his device was essential for “remembering things” and without he would “forget to take homework in a lot”.'

Overall, this study proposes that mobile devices are a suitable learning tool for the classroom.

‘There is clear evidence that many pupils feel that they are deriving educational benefit from the use of their devices,' the report says. ‘They are using many of the features of their devices and often finding creative ways to employ these features in their schoolwork, both at home and at school.'

Students with concerns

A study conducted in the US reveals concerns held by some students about the risks involved with allowing mobile phones to be used freely at school. The research, Hold the phone! High School Students' Perceptions of Mobile Phone Integration in the Classroom , which was published in 2016, found that although seven out of 10 of students interviewed think mobile phones support learning, serious concerns still exist among 30 per cent of respondents, who feel the negative effects of smartphones justifies a school-wide ban.

Across the 628 students surveyed, worries range from general distraction (for example, phones ringing during class) to fears about other students using smartphones to cheat, sext and cyberbully.

Despite this, the study also found that 90.7 per cent of the students surveyed were using their mobile phones for school-related work.

The authors of this study say that school policy makers should consider these findings and ‘develop clear policies on appropriate classroom mobile phone use as well as consequences for their misuse … expecting schools to completely eliminate the problems associated with mobile phone integration, however, is unrealistic; therefore, school stakeholders must carefully consider the benefits and barriers identified by students in determining policy.'

Mobile phone use – a teacher's perspective

As for what teachers think about including the use of mobile phones in their lessons, one US study looked at nine teachers' attempts to incorporate various technology devices in their lessons.

The study , Teaching and learning with mobile computing devices from 2015 details the experiences of one Mathematics teacher, Steven, who uses an iPhone in class.

‘Steve used his own iPhone to document students' work and attendance,' the study says. ‘He uploaded scanned tests, quizzes, assignments, and photographs into a web-based software application called Evernote. Each of his students [primarily 9th and 10th graders] had a file in this program … this was helpful to Steven when conducting formal and informal parent-teacher conferences and also when discussing with other teachers and administration.

‘Steven enjoyed the flexibility of mobile devices by holding class in locations other than his classroom, such as the auditorium and outside … [and] he could use his iPhone to “pull up every document [he's] ever scanned in and get a much bigger, much more accurate picture” of a student's progress.'

Although participants in this study say using a mobile device in the classroom involved the need for exploration and a lot of personal research, the authors suggest that with the growing trend of BYOD, schools should consider integrating mobile devices into lesson plans.

References:

Grant, M.M, Tamim, S., Brown, D.B., Sweeney, J.P., Ferguson, F.K., & Jones, L.B (2015). Teaching and learning with mobile computing devices: Case study in K-12 classrooms. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning , 59(4), 32-45. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11528-015-0869-3

Thomas, K, & Muñoz, MA. (2016) 'Hold the Phone! High School Students' Perceptions of Mobile Phone Integration in the Classroom', American Secondary Education, vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 19-37. https://www.ashland.edu/coe/about-college/american-secondary-education-journal

Walker, R. (2013) “I don't think I would be where I am right now". Pupil perspectives on using mobile devices for learning', Research in Learning Technology, vol. 21, pp. 1-12. DOI: 10.3402/rlt.v21i2.22116