Cell Phones are a Distraction to the Learning Environment

 

Sherry Shaw

Ditmas I.S. 62

sshaw7@schools.nyc.gov

 

 

Introduction

Cell phones a distraction to the learning environment in public schools. Currently, since New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio lifted the ban on cell phones this has become a hot topic for debate.

School children and their parents have opposed the ban on cell phones in schools arguing that cell phones allow them to stay in touch with each other in case of an emergency.

However, many teachers have pointed out that cell phones are a distraction in schools. Instead of focusing on the educational instructions; students are more interested in text message, take pictures, listen to music, and go on social networking websites.

 

 

Task

Students will be broken up into groups of 5 to participate in Public Policy Analyst format. They will create a group presentation about the advantages and disadvantages to cell phone usages in school. Please include the following information listed below.

 

● Facts regarding the use of cell phones in NYC Public Schools

● Current rules and regulations regarding the use of cell phones in NYC Public Schools

● State the Technological benefits to the students and faculty

● List both advantage and disadvantages of using cell phones in public schools.

● Create a policy/solution that would provide benefit everyone. 

 

1)      After you completed your research, as a group create a two page typed report discussing your results.  Use the PPA format to organize your information.

 

2)      Using the findings from your report, create a 7-10-slide PowerPoint presentation.  This should include interesting visuals (graphs, pictures, cartoons) along with the major findings from your research. 

 

3)      Present your PowerPoint presentation to the class

 

 

Process

Complete PPA worksheets 1-6:

·         Step 1: Define the Problem: Are cell phones a distraction to the learning environment in public schools. Worksheet 1

·         Step 2: Gather Evidence of the Problem: find data that demonstrates that cell phones in school are a distraction. Worksheet 2

·         Step 3: Identify Causes of the Problem: The use of cellphones in today's society. Worksheet 3

·         Step 4: Evaluate a Policy: Examine the effectiveness of Mayor de Blasio's new cell phones policy in public schools.  Worksheet 4

·         Step 5: Develop Your Own Solutions: Brainstorm new ideas to reduce the problem. Worksheet 5

·         Step 6: Select the Best Solution: Worksheet 6

 

Collaboratively create your PSA with your group.

 

Possible Resources websites:

·         http://www.schoolsecurity.org/trends/cell_phones.html

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

·         http://teachingtechnology.suite101.com/article.cfm/fair_cell_phone_use_in_schools

·         http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/12/national/main1616330.shtml

 

 

Evaluation

 

 

Conclusion

Congratulations! You completed your WebQuest using the Public Policy Analyst format (PPA). Now you should have insight into the steps used to analyze a social problem and come up with a possible solution. Additionally, the hope is that you were able to understand both negative and positive aspects of students carrying cell phones in public school. 

 

 

Common Core ELA Standards

W6.1 - Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

W6.9 - Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

RL6.1 - Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

RL6.2 - Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

 

W.7.1- Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

a. Introduce claim(s) acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.

d. Establish and maintain a formal style.

e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

 

W.7.8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

 

L.7.2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.