Speech Advocating Cell Phone Use in School

Who doesn’t have a cell phone these days? The amazing thing about cell phones is that they are no longer just used for calling or texting. They have become an indispensable multi-tool wonder. Today’s cell phone is cutting-edge technology at your fingertips. With this in mind, should students be permitted to use cell phones in school? I believe they should not just be permitted to use cell phones, they should be required to use them. Cell phones don’t just allow students to stay connected with family and friends, they are also an excellent learning resource, and they encourage the responsible use of technology.

Cell phones make it possible for students to stay in touch with family and friends. For example, A student can call home and ask a family member to bring them a forgotten assignment or lunch money or to come pick them up if they are sick. Also, cell phones allow parents to keep track of their children’s whereabouts before, during, and after school. And, of course, there’s always the possibility of a student needing to contact a parent because of a dangerous situation. Thus, having a cell phone is like having a guardian angel. Students can also connect with friends, but not just because it’s a fun thing to do; my teacher asks us to text or email our friends when they are absent to let them know what’s going on in class and to inform them of any homework. When used responsibly, a cell phone can be an excellent communication tool.

Also, cell phones, especially smart phones, are a fabulous learning resource. Students can use tools such as the calculator, the map finder, and the calendar. In many cases, teachers have granted us permission to use our phones during class. In the past teachers have allowed us to use or cell phones in school, for educational purposes that is. For example one time we used them to do a quick internet search to find the chemical breakdown of hydrogen, and another time we used it, actually to help us prepare for our previous speech contest, we recorded ourselves and played it back to help us perfect our presentation.

On all accounts of this, the cell phones have been used responsibly and effectively. Plus there are lots of great learning websites we can use to supplement the learning in class. We can use them to search the web, take notes, use educational apps and programs, and much more. Cell phones are a quick and easy way to incorporate technology in the classroom. Similar to the iPads the current 9th grade is using, cell phones could be used as a substitute, for all of the grades. Each student will have the same accessibility that we have, except the school doesn’t have to take money out of the budget to pay for each student to have one.

Finally, cell phones encourage the responsible use of technology. Students can learn when and how to use their cell phones to enhance their learning. They will become more independent in their work and more motivated to learn. Students like being allowed to make choices, and they understand consequences. If a student is texting when he/she should be paying attention to the teacher, the teacher should take the cell phone temporarily away. No big deal. Before a test, all cell phones should be placed on the teacher’s desk. Again, no big deal. By allowing the use of cell phones, students will feel like they are being treated like responsible young adults, and they will appreciate that. If teachers are patient, understanding, and consistent, students will surely become responsible users of technology.

In conclusion, some people who oppose the use of cell phones in school do it because of the disruptions and distractions cell phones can cause. But we must accept that we live in a world of technology, and with that said, cell phones are an important and very useful part of that world. We are missing out if we fail to take advantage of the educational power of the cell phone. All in all, cell phones improve communication, provide learning resources, and encourage appropriate use of technology. Teachers and administrators must find ways to incorporate this excellent multi-tool in our schools. It’s really not that difficult. Let’s make the most of the day and age we are living in!