TP #7: Portable devices in school

To begin with I think that teachers have the right to complain about the use of electronic devices in the classroom. Nobody can deny that they cause distraction. On the other hand, there needs to be consistency in the application of the rule or approved usage in certain classes. For example, students in an art class may be given the right to listen to music. They may not use portable devices to make phone calls or engage in text messaging. Other classes are definitely non-mobile or non-iPod where complete attention is required to follow the class. It is therefore the school's responsibility to make clear rules as to where these electronic devices could be used and in case a student infringes the rules, pertinent sanctions are carried forward.

The following are rules for the use of electronic devices in Markham College, Lima-Peru where I used to work. I think it is a pretty good set of rules in a school that enforces discipline and respect. The main highlights of the school manual express that:

- Students are permitted to bring mobile phones, iPods, MP3 players or similar devices to school but the school will not take any responsibility for the loss of any of these devices. These items must be kept in the student’s locker during the school day.
- Students are not encouraged to bring any of these items and their use is restricted.
- As a general rule students are not allowed to use iPods and other music players in school at any time. Students are only allowed to bring them because the school accepts that they may wish to use them on their way to school or on returning home. Exceptions to this rule are lessons where their use is permitted or required by subject teachers, for instance when considered to be integral to particular courses of study (e.g. Music), or encourages work (e.g. Art, Computer Science) or used as information retrieval devices under the direction of Heads of Department (e.g Science, History). As iPhones are mobile telephones they may not be used in class as music devices.
- In the case of mobile phones, if a student needs to make a phone call during the day, it may only be done during a break time when it may be done adjacent to their locker. At the end of a student’s school day (after lessons or after activities as the case may be), their mobile phone may be used in school. Mobile phones and other communication devices are absolutely forbidden in or around any area where examinations are scheduled at any time of the day which may be after school hours.
- Apart from the above exceptions, phones, iPods, MP3 players and other devices will be confiscated if they are not in the locker during the school day. Earphones will also be confiscated. Students are not permitted to walk around the school with earphones at any time.
- When a mobile phone, music player, or other item to which these rules applies is confiscated, it is taken to Reception and an automated message is sent to a parent advising them that the item in question may be collected in two weeks time. This message is also recorded on the pupil’s file. A school sanction will be given the second time an item is confiscated.

The document that I used to support the governance of electronic devices is the Sample Medium-Sized Rural District Policy one. The second topic of Access Rights and Privileges refers to the use of cell phones, mp3 players, and other technological devices used in class during times different from direct instruction time, assessments or when it simply distracts others. I am not in favor of this open measure. I would rather be more restrictive than give students the possibility to play with the rules.

The bottom line of all this issue is to reduce distractions in the class and maximize student participation and engagement with the teachers and their peers. They obviously can't do that wearing ear phones and listening to music. Giving them the right to use them is fine but as long as it abides by the rules set by the school.