Written by: Matt Dehart
Are No Phone Policies At School Working
Everyone knows how schools have been cracking down on phone usage in the classroom, but have these actually increased productivity? People have been known to break rules, and use their phone anyways when they are not allowed. But, with the phone in your pocket having a faster processor than the laptops the school gives us, is it useful? Phones could be a much faster and efficient way to do research, with how fast people text, but we lose that efficiency when we aren’t allowed to use phones or use them wrong. Some teachers are afraid of implementing phones into class because they don’t know enough about them to use phones effectively (KQED). We lose out on so much efficiency in our work because teachers are afraid we will text, and not creating more interactive lessons using mobile devices. Overall, we could greatly improve our efficiency in class if teachers use phones to get us students involved, and not wanting to text friends or check Twitter.
Works Cited
Watters, Audrey. “To Ban or Not to Ban: Schools Weigh Cell Phone Policies.” MindShift, ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/08/22/to-ban-or-not-to-ban-schools-must-decide-cell-phone-policies/.
Earl, Robert. “Do Cell Phones Belong in the Classroom?” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 18 May 2012, www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/05/do-cell-phones-belong-in-the-classroom/257325/.
Although not having phones in class reduces some efficiency, it also reduces distractions. But how would this effect the market for cell phones? If the no-phone rule spread throughout all high schools, would people switch to cheaper, less high tech cell phones? Will the demand for smart phones decrease? While phones can be used for research, there are other ways of using the internet to find information. Computers and cell phones, in this sense, could be considered substitutes, and if the demand for cell phones decreases, the demand for computers may increase, as it is a more acceptable source of information. Although, with this sudden change is societal, there will likely be a surplus of smart phones supplied. The suppliers will likely not be able to sell all of the smart phones if the preferences in society change so drastically. The phone industry could also be considered an oligopoly. There are few major firms, such as Apple and Samsung, and advertising is extremely beneficial. They are interdependent, and if the demand for smart phones decreases as high schoolers switch to lower tech phones, businesses like Apple and Samsung may not have such a large role in the industry
ReplyDeleteI know personally that a lot of people do use their phone inefficiently in class and I do think that this policy has been a generally good thing for students. The only reason why I am upset about the policy is because I am not able to listen to music while I work. For a lot of people these days they find comfort in just having their phones on them, even if they're not in use, but while considering the positives that this policy has brought on (less texting, snapchatting, etc) I think it's a good thing that we put this no phone thing in place.
ReplyDeleteThe phone policies have been on ongoing issue between schools and students ever since cell phones became a norm. Before the caddies teachers already had strict policies that cracked down on and prohibited phone use during class time. Many students say that listening to music while they study helps them focus, but I don't believe all of them are listening to Mozart's peaceful music. Additionally I don't believe 21 Savage's explicit verses are increasing productivity. Other than music, having a cell phone only allows there to be temptation that takes your mind off studying. Phone use and studying are not meant to be mixed.
ReplyDeleteI think an interesting consequence of the no-phone rule might be an increase in the demand for smart watches. Overall, smart watches have not been popular; however, students may find these watches as a way to get around the no-phone rule, since notifications still appear on smart watches. Soon, smart watches might become a full complement to smart phones in order to access the internet at all times.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous comment that the possibility of phones being limited in their use might lead to the increase in demand of other products like smart watches. However, I don't think that it will affect it to the extent of where there will be a substantial shift in the overall market demand for the corresponding products. If there was to be a more economical alternative to phones that were easier and more convenient to use I could see the phenomenon happening but as of right now I doubt it will happen in the foreseeable future.
ReplyDelete