For our educational technology presentation, my group recorded a podcast-style audio, where we discussed cellphone usage in the classroom. Here is our podcast:

Podcast audio by Julie Growno, Jennifer Walters, Camryn Sweeny, and Jane Kohlman

Here is the podcast transcript:

 EDCI 336:  EdTech Transcript  

Our question: What is the role of cell phones in schools? 

Camryn – What is the relationship of your topic to teaching and learning?

The relation between the role of cell phones in classrooms and to teaching and learning is significant. Cell phones can both support and impede learning and teaching. When used properly, cell phones can be a tool for quick access to information, educational apps and communication tools which can enrich the learning environment and help students learn more independently. They also allow for  communication, allowing students and teachers to easily share updates, assignments, and resources. Additionally, cell phones and technology can be used to help students who require extra support by offering tools that adapt to individual learning needs and provide assistance beyond what traditional methods can offer. This means students with different learning needs can greatly benefit from the use of cell phones in a class. These benefits allow cell phones to enrich learning and teaching, creating a positive learning environment. Finally, cell phones can allow students to learn certain material and take notes at their own pace, benefiting further the learning environment.

However, there are many ways cell phones can contribute poorly to the learning environment and to teaching in general. Phones can be a major distraction and used for non-academic purposes. Social media, gaming, and texting can interfere greatly in the classroom. These distractions reduce attention, participation and academic performance which surely affects the learning and teaching environment. For these reasons, cell phones can also impact learning and teaching in the classroom. Because of these reasons, the relationship between cell phones and teaching and learning depends greatly on how they are managed and integrated into classroom activities and instructions. Overall, when used appropriately, cell phones can positively affect learning and teaching; when unmanaged, they can disrupt it.

Julie – Pros, Cons and Risks 

Allowing phones in school has its own benefits, drawbacks, and potential risks. For the pros, they can be used as a tool, such as educational apps and resources; for example, Duolingo or math game websites. It can be of benefit for research or as a dictionary/thesaurus. Another example of why phones can be positive in education is for communication or safety. The device is a very important tool if the student needs contact with parents or guardians in an emergency. Accompanying academic resources, phones can also be used as a translation tool for students learning a new language. However, phones can be a huge distraction to students, which can often lead to a decrease in engagement and academic outcomes, which in turn can lead to cheating or academic dishonesty, which creates a reliance on technology for the students. Finally, there are some major risks, such as cyberbullying or mental and physical declines for young students. With extensive screen time it can diminish physical activity, which can affect overall health. Overall, even though I do believe that phones can have a positive effect on students in school, the outcomes many students face are not worth the academic resource due to causing serious change in overall health. 

Jennifer – What are the policies and research around this? What is my policy? 

Over the last decade, cell phones have become a huge part of everyday life — not just for adults, but for kids and teenagers too. As their use has grown, so has the conversation about how they fit into schools. In 2024, the Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct in B.C. required public school boards to include rules about restricting personal digital devices (like phones and tablets) in their student codes of conduct. The goal behind this policy is to reduce distractions in class, promote online safety, and make sure there’s a consistent approach to how schools handle technology use.

I’ve noticed this debate has really picked up in recent years. Some schools have banned phones altogether, while others try to find a balance by allowing them only at certain times. Phones can definitely be useful for quick research or keeping in touch with family, but in my experience, they’re often more of a distraction than a help. It’s easy to lose focus on what’s happening in class or miss out on real conversations with people around you.

Personally, I agree with the idea of limiting phone use during school hours. I think it helps students stay engaged with what they’re learning and be more present with their peers. I don’t believe phones need to be banned completely — instead, schools should focus on teaching students how to use them responsibly. After all, learning to manage technology has become an important life skill, and school is the perfect place to start building that balance — a balance students can carry forward into the future.

Jane – What are some of the strategies, best practices, and tips regarding your inquiry findings?

Having rules around cellphones in the classroom is crucial for teachers to maintain classroom management and student engagement, but it is also important to foster an environment where students feel that their own needs and autonomy are respected. Here are some strategies to use in the classroom:

Start with an open conversation:

• To establish what boundaries will be set in the classroom surrounding cellphone usage, begin by having an open communication as a class. Allow students to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs, and communicate to them why boundaries are necessary. Also be open to having students speak with you one-on-one about any concerns they might have if they are uncomfortable voicing them in front of the class.

Teach students how to use technology as a tool, and how to have a healthy relationship with it:

• Cellphones in the classroom can be a major distraction, as well as cause many other issues (e.g. social health, mental health, exposure to unhealthy content). They can also be a fantastic learning resource! Include lessons on how to use technology responsibly and foster digital literacy. Also have conversations with your students about how to use technology and cellphones in a healthy, responsible way. 
• Make sure your students are able to recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy habits. E.g. needing to use your phone to contact your parents about something important, vs scrolling on social media during class.

Ideas for boundaries to foster healthy cellphone usage in the classroom:

• Depending on the age, cellphones may be a useful learning tool. Have clear boundaries and expectations about when and how students can use their cellphones in the classroom. This may mean having times during the class where they are able to use their phones, and times when their phones are to be put away. 
• Aside from time boundaries, space boundaries can also be put into place. You might use “technology free” and “technology friendly” zones in the classroom.
• Visual aids and reminders can also be helpful to have up in the classroom (e.g. posters, signs)
• Positive reinforcement is very helpful in encouraging students to respect the boundaries that you have set in the classroom. An example of this could be setting goals as a classroom, such as a “social media cleanse”, and having class rewards.