T E C H N O L O G Y P O L I C Y
B Y E M M A W O O T A N
A T
Ever since cell phones and mobile devices started
becoming easier to obtain, schools have had to try
and keep control of their student’s academic
environment while incorporating this new social and
academic device. Experts from all over the world are
debating whether a strict or lenient technology policy
is better for students. At Shanghai Livingston
American School (SLAS) there is a strict policy in place
to prevent students from misusing cell phones on
campus.
Before discussing pros and cons of using technology
at school, the technology that is already being
provided to students as a resource must be looked
at. In an interview Mr. Mark O’Gorman, the Director
of IT, briefly laid out the current technology at the
school, “We have two computer labs, one for primary
and one for middle and high school. Both labs have
stand alone computers connected to a master VPN
that allows students free search. Eight ipads and nine
laptops are available for daily loan.” SLAS does have
technology available for students, which balances
with their policy that cell phones should never be
used in classrooms, not even as a resource.
S L A S
reduce textbook costs.” While this strategy worked
out in Mays classroom it is impossible to tell whether
the results could be replicated in classrooms globally.
Here at SLAS, students can have conflicting opinions
about the policy. In an interview James Chiang, a
senior at SLAS, says he does not agree with the
technology policy, “because it depends on the
teacher. We are allowed to use other technology like
computers and ipads so there is no difference.” When
asked if he thought the school would ever changes
their policy he said, “no, they are too traditional.”
There are many concerns about allowing students
free reign over their cell phone use. The EPA is
especially concerned about the harmful effects that
come from wireless devices and computer screens.
The internet can also be dangerous as it contains
inappropriate material and can be a distraction from
school. Students can also be exposed to cyber bullying
on the internet. One of the main reasons that schools
don’t allow cell phones is that they can also be used
for cheating. Tinder and Bahlander surveyed 269
college students from 21 academic majors and found
that 95% of the students bring their phone to class
everyday, 92% of the students use their phones to
Many schools are now allowing students to use their text during class and 10% of the students admitted
cell phones on a variety of levels. They argue that the to texting during an exam.
benefits of utilizing cell phones as a resource far
outweigh the potential risks. Cell phones can be used It is difficult to find a balance between staying up to
as emergency tools, reminders, access to the internet date on progress and staying with traditions that have
and communication. James May, a professor at worked in the past. It is up to the administration of
Valencia College, tested these benefits out in his own every school to listen to the students and teachers
classroom, “I have employed a variety of Web 2.0 and and then make decisions that are best for their specific
smart device technologies and strategies in my school. There will probably never be a clear answer
classroom. The approach has allowed me to model on the effects of technology, at least not for some
transitive thinking and learning, employ brain based time. Until then, decisions have to be made using
learning practices, better engage my students and discretion.
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