Too Much Cell Phone Use in the Classroom

Webquest

Colleen Spring

West Middle School

springc@binghamtonschools.org

Introduction:

The administrators believe that there is too much cell phone use in the class room that is leading to an increase in class disruptions. As a result, the school has instituted a no cell phone use in school. There have many complaints among students and parents regarding the new policy. Your group has been asked to examine the current cell phone policy and determine if changes are needed.

Task: Following the Public Policy Analyst, you are to:

· State the cell phone policy at West Middle School.

· Research the cell phone policy of TWO school districts nearby.

· What are the benefits of allowing students to use their cell phones during school?

· What are the drawbacks of using cell phones during class?

· Complete the seven handouts.

· The goal of your group is to research the use of cell phones in schools and determine if a new policy is working at West Middle School or should the policy should be amended.

· Give an oral presentation on your research and findings.

Process:

Complete TIPS PPA worksheets 1-6.

Define the Problem: Handout #1

Gather Evidence of the Problem:

v Create a survey on cell phone use. Use Handout #2.

Identify Causes of the Problem: Handout #3

Evaluate a Policy: Handout #4

Develop Your Own Solutions:

v Research TWO different school district’s cell phone use policy. Fill out Handout #5.

v Create at least THREE new cell phone use policies. Use Handout #6

Select the Best Solution: Handout #7

Give an oral presentation to the class that includes the following:

v West Middle School’s cell phone policy.

v A summary of your bar graph.

v Cell phone policies of two schools.

v The cell phone policy you developed and why you think West Middle School should adapt this policy.

Resources:

http://www.gazette.net/stories/06242010/prinnew162203_32548.php

Board of Education bans cell phone use.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cell-phones-in-school-pros-and-cons.html

Pros and Cons of Cell phone use.

http://www.suite101.com/reference/cell_phone_use_in_school

Articles on the use of cell phones in schools.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues270.shtml

Cell phones in school.

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/19044.php

Cell phones in school.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/29/national/29cellphone.html?_r=1&ei=5090&en=6b53e30d57

Relaxing cell phone bans.

http://www.helium.com/knowledge/134630-why-cell-phones-should-be-banned-in-the-classroom

Why should cell phones be banned.

http://www.eagletribune.com/opinion/x794086436/Editorial-Cell-phones-in-school-are-distracting?keyword=secondarystory

Cell phones are distracting in the classroom

http://www.hotchalk.com/mydesk/index.php/editorial/121-classroom-best-practices/656-cell-phones-as-an-elearning-tool

Cell phones as an educational tool.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13507_3-9769656-18.html

Schools ban cell phones

Evaluation:

Handouts 1-7 10 Points each

Group Evaluation Rubric 10 points

Oral Presentation Rubric 20 points

Click here for the Grading Handout

Conclusion:

Congratulations!!! You have completed the Webquest. You have also researched cell phone use policies and created the cell phone policy you would like West Middle School to adopt. Go to a Student Government meeting, get support for your new policy and set up an appointment with Mr. Holly to get the policy changed. Good Luck!!!!

Learning Standards:

English Language Arts:

v Standard 1: Students will read, write and speak for information.

v Standard 3: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.

v Standard 4: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.

Math:

Students will create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas.

v Use physical objects, drawings, charts, tables, graphs, symbols, equations, or objects created using technology as representations