The technology kids want, versus what they need

Computers, cellphones, iPods: What do children require to thrive at school?

from the August 29, 2007 edition

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But many teachers despise cellphones. My brother, who teaches at a high school in Nova Scotia, gives high praise to the Internet and what it has allowed his students to learn, but he rails against cellphones.

"Kids don't need 'em," he says. "They're disruptive. You ought to hear some of the ringtones they have. Some kids even think they can have a conversation during a class. They text each other, take photos. I won't let them in my classes."

Texting also raises issues of cheating. Several articles I read while researching this topic mentioned that more schools are banning cellphones for this reason.

But if the safety issue is still a concern, you have a couple of options: A simple cellphone can be programmed only to call home or a relative's number. And you don't even need a plan for true emergencies: Any cellphone that still has a working battery can dial 911.

Some schools seem to be trying to find a way around the possible cheating problem and be more open to cellphones because of the safety issue. In Montgomery County, Md., administrators announced recently that middle-school students may carry cellphones, as long as they do not use them in school. (The decision wasn't driven solely by safety concerns: Parents wanted to be able to call children about pick-up times.)

Then there is the "coolness" factor. Many kids see iPods as an integral part of their "ensemble." ("Everybody else has one, why can't I?" is a common refrain.) iPods are great for music, but do they do anything for your child's education?

Maybe they do. That's the opinion of Doug Johnson, an educator for 30 years and the Mankato, Minn., District Technology Coordinator. Mr. Johnson is the author of several books on technology and students. He also writes "The Blue skunk Blog" at http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/

Johnson says that educators should be open all new forms of technology in the classroom, including iPods.

"It's not like it used to be," he says. "Kids these days are social users and multitaskers. They learn in different ways that we don't."

Johnson also believes that if we really want our children to develop the skills needed in the 21st century, we need to be open to the way that they use technology, be it cellphones or iPods.

"Some do more with their cellphones than we can do with our laptops," he jokes. "I don't think we should be afraid. And the truth is that it's easier to change the way we teach, rather than trying to change the technology habits of an entire generation"

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