Electronic Policy

I have mixed feelings about my districts Electronic Policy. In February 2006, voters approved a four-year, $10 million levy to purchase technology tools, provide staff training and hire technology support staff. A statement on the district website reads, “The challenge before us is to select technology that will enhance student learning. From the research that has been assembled by four school district committees, it is clear that there are many options from which to choose. It is also clear that the options are constantly changing as technology improves and we learn more about how to manage it to provide learning opportunities for students. Tahoma is launching the next step of an evolving approach to educating young people for 21st Century learning. We call it Classroom 10. Instead of relying on more traditional classroom teaching styles, Classroom 10 is where students not only learn facts but find ways to use what they learn to expand their thinking, solve problems and be creative. Students will use 21st Century skills to access digital information and tools that will help them reach their goals.”
My district incorporates a ton of technology but cell phones are forbidden at every level. Teachers are told by administrators to write up any student with a cell phone. Students are allowed to carry phones, but are only allowed to use them for emergency use only. A part of me thinks we should incorporate cell phones into our curriculum because there are so many cool educational things kids can do using a cell phone. However, the use of cell phones in the classroom can and will l lead to many problems. The biggest problem, texting. I believe there are many benefits to using cell phones, but the negatives outweigh the positives at this point.