Social Media isn’t the
only area in which New York City is paving the way. As announced
in the NY Daily News, the New York City Department of
Education will lift the ban on cell phones and other digital devices in March.
Instead of banning
devices, schools will have options including:
- Store mobile devices in backpacks or a designated location during
the school day.
- Allow mobile devices to be used during lunch or in designated areas
only.
- Allow mobile devices for instructional purposes in some or all classrooms.
While
there have been teachers, schools, and districts who have given students the
freedom to bring cell phones and other technology to school, New York City is
the largest. This will set the trend and help move others to open the doors for
student devices in school.
This comes with some
good and bad news.
Some Bad News
- For the
million dollar cell phone storage business that’s been profiting off inner
city children. Their services are no longer required.
- As reported in the New York Times some principals are
concerned students will use phones to organize and record fights. That
said, students have these devices whether or not they bring them to
school. Schools can play an important role in addressing inappropriate
behavior and helping to keep students safe.
- The Times also shared that some feared students would be distracted. This however, is where professional development plays a role in teaching staff how they can use student devices as tools of engagement.
Some Good News
- For parents who want to ensure their children are safe
when they are away from the home.
- For
students and parents who will no longer be required to pay a daily rate to
store phones. A saving of about $180 a year according to Chancellor Carmen
Farina.
- For innovative educators who’ve been eager to integrate
student devices into learning. The Chancellor explains in the NY Daily News educational benefits such
as their ability to help overcome language barriers in
multilingual classrooms, encourage class participation and capture
students’ understanding of key concepts.
- Students like the idea. See what they said by
watching the video at the end of the story that
appeared in Chalkbeat's coverage of the story or NY 1's interviews with students.
The research is clear. Students learn best
when they have access to mobile devices. The NYCDOE has been supporting staff
in digital literacy, cybersafety, social media, and mobile learning for several
years supported by guidelines created with students, staff, and
parents. Teachers also have professional learning opportunities and online
learning communities to provide ongoing support. Now more students will have
access to the resources they need to be successful both inside and outside the
classroom.
You can read press release on the topic here.
