Should We Allow Students to Use Cellular Phones in Class?

張貼日期：Jul 09, 2013 10:24:43 AM

Huang An

In modern world, because of the fast-speed development of technology, we are able to do many things by using the cellular phones instead of computers. For instance, through the cell phones or the smart phones, we can play games, search words from the dictionaries, use maps, and chat with friends. Now, a cellular phone is not just a phone, but a technological device that we cannot live without. However, in school, there are some contentions about students’ using cellular phones in class. My view is not a clear-cut division but tends to weigh both sides of possibilities. First, I regard it acceptable to use cellular phones in class for emergency due to the reason that students sometimes need to contact their parents immediately. The emergency is unpredictable; therefore, students should be allowed to keep their cell phones handy but use them only in urgent need. Second, cellular phones are very convenient. For example, when I want to know the definition of a word, I can use the cellular phone to look it up. Also, I can use a cell phone to record things I may forget, and then it will remind me. Third, the disturbance of students’ attention is the most important thing that teachers care about. Because of the convenience of cellular phones, students are able to do many things at will such as playing games, surfing the Internet, taking pictures, etc. It will decrease students’ desire to pay attention to the teacher and they may get lower grades. Under such a condition, I agree that we should persuade students not to use the cell phones in class and reserve using them only after the class. In sum, it is not easy to identify whether we should allow students to use cellular phones in class. But one point that is very important for students to bear in mind is that they should be aware of not using the cellular phones in class if they would show respect for the teachers and for academic excellence. Under that condition, then, I believe, both students and teachers can enjoy the delightful moments in class and in learning.