In the groove

It's been a few weeks since I've written because it always takes some time to get back into the groove of being in school and the whole routine. The students are now adjusting to coming to class on time, turning off their cell phones, and leaving their gum at home. It's amazing how much trouble those things can be for middle school students.

Cell phones continue to be a big issue in schools. Since 9/11 parents want to be able to reach their children at any time, which is totally understandable but the school rule is that cell phones should be turned off and out of sight during school. This means that after school kids can use them to call parents if they need to but they won't disrupt the school day. Still there are kids who are texting each other during the day or some whose phone will ring during class. How can we reach a middle ground on this issue? In connections class there will be times when we will use our cell phones during a class lesson and many of us feel that texting is a form of writing. Some kids use their iphones to take notes or research online. Cell phones could possibly become one of the most useful school tools in the future but is that appropriate?

This year my classes will be completing a unit called "Digital footprint" and they will answer these questions about cell phones. A recent article in the NY Times discussed this same issue with Blackberrys (or is it Blackberries??) in the office. Adults use their Blackberrys all day long but is it appropriate to be on it during a meeting? How does the boss know that you are taking notes and not playing solitaire? These technological questions are confusing at best and it seems that it might take years to iron all this out.

To cell phone or not to cell phone? That is the question.