OPINION
How Phones Can Help Students be Productive in School
As many of you know, Ohio has increased the restrictions on phones, but have they ever thought about the people that actually use phones educationally?
How do phones help students in school?
Phones are devices that you can carry in your pocket for everyday use and communication, entertainment, and helpful information. In school, phones can be used for learning purposes like texting your parents and friends, taking photos or using a feature like the calculator for a class assignment. Students use phones to access apps like Schoology, Gmail, and other places to stay updated on their schoolwork. Phones can also give quick access to calculators, Google, and the Notes app to keep track of school-related things.
Some teachers support using phones as learning tools when the rules are followed, They believe phones can enhance learning instead of harming it.
Why do people see phones as non-productive?
Many believe that phones hurt productivity because students can get distracted easily. Social media, texting, and games can pull attention away from lessons. While this is true, like I mentioned above, phones can also be used for good reasons instead of these, it really depends on the student. Which is why Students should be allowed to freely use their phones during study hall and lunch, so that they do not use it during important moments of class.
How can phones help students be productive?
When phones are used responsibly, they can help students manage their schoolwork better, using apps like the calendar, notes, and also studying apps like quizlet, all of these can help students be reminded of their tests, assignments, and more. Phones also allow students to quickly look up information if they are confused about a topic. Apps and searching browsers like google and Quizlet can help students understand a topic better and save time. According to engagethebrain.org, students who use digital planners to organize their schoolwork are more likely to turn in assignments on time.
Who benefits the most from using phones?
College students, high school students, and middle school students would benefit from phones mostly because they are expected to be more independent, since they are maturing. Phones can help them be more organized and responsible for their work while also communicating with teachers and classmates more. Students who also struggle with organization or memory can especially benefit from reminders and notes stored on their phones.
When phones are used responsibly, they can help students manage their schoolwork better, using apps like the calendar, notes, and also studying apps like Quizlet
What do teachers and officials say?
Some teachers support using phones as learning tools when the rules are followed. They believe phones can enhance learning instead of harming it. According to graduateprogram.org, instead of fighting the use of cell phones, embracing the use of them can help students learn what makes a source credible or not, increasing engagement and time management in the future. However, teachers and officials also say that boundaries are important, which they are. Phones should only be used for educational purposes during school.
So, are phones really a problem?
Phones are not always a distraction, it depends on how they are used. While they can be misused, they can also be powerful learning tools that can be used productively. When students use phones correctly, they can stay organized and prepared. Phones are not the problem in education, with the right boundaries and rules, phones can help students succeed in school.