Cell Phones in the Classroom - Teachers’ Plan of Action

As a teacher who grew up during the onset and rise of the cell phone I can understand the fascination and need for children to be ‘connected’.  Information is now truly in the palm of our hand and this can be extremely liberating and debilitating at the same time.

Throughout my teaching career I have witnessed the insurgence of cell phones into education.  The initial reaction was complete disgust and banishment of cell phones from the classroom.  As student safety and the connection to parents became more of a necessity in our society, the cell phone became more of a student’s right than a novelty.  As the years have passed, the cell phone has become more accepted by teachers, and has actually been utilized as a tool within the classroom.  

This has led to the dilemma that we face today; students using their cell phones inappropriately within the classroom setting and taking away from their educational experience, creating new avenues for bullying, and opportunities for sexually inappropriate behavior for students (sexting).  

Recent stories in the news related to student behavior and the adult responses to these student disruptions inspired me to take action and share some more positive solutions.  I have compiled some simple yet effective changes a teacher can implement in their classroom that will help promote student engagement and loosen the grip that cell phones have on the attention of many students.

What can an educator do to stave off the insurgence of cell phone related distractions in their classroom?  

Below you will find ideas to incorporate into your classroom to help manage cell phone abuse.  Each teacher has their own style so I have presented solutions based on how you, as an educator, like to approach challenges in your classroom and fits your personal style the best.

Leading By Example - This fact is important.  None of the proceeding examples or solutions will be effective if you do not respect classroom time yourself.  As a teacher you must abstain from using your cell phone or having it visible when students are present.  Simply put, you must lead by example.  Most schools have a policy prohibiting personal cell phone use during instruction time, so respect your school, classroom, and students’ education and silence your cell phone and keep it locked in a drawer or cabinet.  This also keeps your cell phone secure. Many teachers have had their cell phone stolen while it has been sitting on a cluttered desk, only to notice it gone hours/periods later and the culprits are now numerous.

The LOCK OUT (No Fuss Method) -  This is a clever, hard and fast solution to a cell phone being used in your classroom.  Most cell phones have a feature that will lock the phone after multiple failed passcode entry attempts.  Some teachers will seize the phone temporarily and input an incorrect passcode until the phone is disabled.  This keeps the student from using it for the next hour or more and deters other students from using their cell phone out of fear of meeting the same fate as their ‘Locked Out’ classmate.

Set Bail - Some more flexible teachers find it beneficial to reward students for not using their cell phones during class.  Teachers set up a check-in system where students deposit their cell phones into a converted door shoe rack and take a number.  Students who can abstain from checking in on their phone during class are reward with extra points on a test or a homework pass.  It also works the other way, having students lose class credits or be lowered in a daily grade when they are found using their cell phone.  Teachers are training students to not be so heavily reliant on their cell phones.  Many adults could use this lesson in being detached from their technology as well!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T  - The diplomatic teacher will provide students structured time to use their phones to listen to music or take a short brain break.  These teachers choose to meet their students half way and allow specified times for cell phone activity.  This provides the teacher more leverage with their classroom when it is time to learn and cell phones are not to be seen or heard.  If you choose this method you must be consistent with your expectations. If students see the teacher waiver on their position they will take advantage of the teacher’s kindness.

Brown Bag It - This lighter way to deal with a student who cannot leave their phone untouched during class is clear and simple.  After a single warning the teacher will give the student the option of handing their phone over for the remainder of class or keeping their phone at their desk, but in a brown paper bag.  Most students will choose to have their phone with them and will choose the paper bag.  While the teacher is giving the student the option to choose, this ends up being a win/win situation for the teacher, as either outcome results in the student being separated from their cell phone for the remainder of class.  While the cell phone is in the brown paper bag and in the students possession, they have no access to it.  The cell phone is stapled inside the paper bag and any attempt to reach it will result in an audible, ‘crunch’ in the classroom.

Put 'em to Work - The expression, “If you can’t beat them, join them,” can be heard from the classrooms of many ‘new age’ teachers.  These teachers find it easier to utilize the technology that students bring with them.  Teachers design lessons that require students to use their cell phones for research/educational purposes while in the classroom.  This feeds the students’ desire to be on their phone and allows the teacher the freedom to focus on teaching and not the struggle of students using their phones against their wishes.  This method does require some active monitoring so that students do not stray off task while utilizing their phones for a lesson. 

If you find these solutions to be helpful, spark a new idea, or you have a solution to add, please share.  We would love to hear your voice! Also share my blog with friends and family.  Knowledge is Empowering - you never know who could use it. Visit hopkinseducationservices.com to contact Corey Hopkins and learn more about how to take education to an elevated level.