ChalkFace has been following the global debates taking place about the use of smartphones and tablet computers in schools, therefore it was with some interest our attention was drawn to this recent article.
Smartphones and other devices have long been maligned as distractions in university classrooms. But when employed strategically, many educators find them useful.
The debate is well shown by this comment from Karen Huxtable-Jester, who teaches in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. “In years past, I was fully on board with the idea of banning technology use in my classes,” she said, making exceptions for students with disabilities who needed help. Over time, though, she became more flexible: “Every now and then, I could say, ‘Can we look something up?’”.
She goes on to say “People develop very strong opinions. The dividing line is everyone wants to do what is right, but no one knows what that is.”
Many professors and education professionals are discovering that rather than distract, strategically applied devices increase engagement with students, especially those with learning disabilities, who are on the autism spectrum and for whom English is a second language.
So what do you think? Should smart phones and tablets be banned or allowed in schools?
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