Many of today’s high school students may look the same as the high schools of 40 years ago, but their learning environments have changed dramatically. Many classrooms use T.V’s instead of a whiteboard/chalkboard. Many teachers use Web-based e-books instead of heavy paper textbooks. And many students no longer used notepads and pencils; they use laptops and smartphones.
While technologies of past generations have not completely disappeared, and the content of what students learn has not necessarily changed, the formats of communication and learning have been altered significantly. One question remains: Will today’s parents and educators adapt to new technologies and enable students to use them in the best ways possible?
Because of new technologies, the world has opened up to students at an amazing pace. Instead of having to search for books in the library, students can surf the internet to find research sources, information about almost any topic, and many more edit aids. New technologies have also changed the way students communicate with one another. Social media and smartphones have become almost essential in social lives of the modern American student. So how can educators balance the opportunities of new technologies with the distractions and diversions that they inevitably bring? Should students be allowed to carry their cell phones with them to class? Their tablets? Their laptops? The answer is yes.
Instead of blocking off new technologies, educators should embrace them. According to a nationwide survey, 51 percent of high school study are already bringing their smartphones to school. Educators should take advantage of these tools. Many education-friendly apps and resources boost students learning. By allowing students full access to their handheld devices, teachers can instruct students on proper and polite technology use while enabling the to tap in powerful resources. There is little difference between a student who is daydreaming or doodling in his notebook and a student who is off-task and fiddling with her phone. By requiring phones to be easily visible, teachers can monitor their appropriate use. Educators cannot control every aspect of the student’s environment; they can only teach them the best learning methods and study habits they know and hope they become motivated to apply them. Smartphones can actually increase organization and productivity. Students are becoming accustomed text-message reminders and apps that help them manage their time and schedules. Ken Halla, a U.S. history teacher, said he was “stunned by how many more kids started doing the homework” after he introduced them to the app Remind101. With this app, students can snap a picture of the day’s homework or take a short video from class lecture for later reference. Smartphones may be tools that extend the hours of learning beyond time in school building.
Finally, ownership of a smartphone has become a matter of safety and well-being. Students use smartphones not only to communicate with each other but to also communicate with their families and others in cases of emergencies or necessity. Online social engagement is important to the overall emotional development of students today. Teachers simply cannot ask students to be separated from their main mode of communication. Just as a talented and engaging teacher of 40 years ago inspired students to pay attention to their learning goals, a similar teacher of today encourages students to use technology to enhance their education
