Mr. McPherson and I joined all GK administrators at a technology workshop recently. One of the topics was students using Personal Electronic Devices (PED’s) in schools. The example was a school in a suburban district using iPod Touches. Knowing the advanced technological ability of our students and staff, I started thinking about several things.
While it initially sounds expensive, the scientific calculator function alone offsets some of the cost of an iPod Touch. Also to consider is the value of additional apps such as graphing calculator, Wi-Fi, dictionary, Webpage design, spreadsheet, and countless more that can be found at: http://www.apple.com/webapps/index.html
G-K schools will NOT be selling PED’s such as iPod Touch, Palm Pilots, and smart phones any time in the near future. However, many of our students do have such items already.
I have several questions. Can the educational process be better served by allowing students to use such devices in school? What benefits would students gain if our school was had accessible Wi-Fi for their PED’s? Would that aid in research projects? Would too many students be texting and calling others to a degree that it would interfere with their education?
I am looking forward to input from all members of our community. Opening up some of these opportunities seems within reach – but only worthwhile if students will benefit educationally. Let me know what you think.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
i think that if we have peds here we should use them when the teacher isnt teaching and texting we shoould keep it on vibrate and only when the teacher is done teaching we should be able to text but no answer to ur friends
ReplyDeleteWe should not have electronics in classes because if someone is calling or communicating with
ReplyDeletesomeone it may be distracting!
well i feel that it is apropriat to have electronic devises in school so we can stay in contact with our friends/family
ReplyDeleteAs a parents perspective, you are always looking to help your kids get a better education but I feel that using the PED's in class would be a distraction because of the texting etc. I personally know of kids who text during class time now and the teachers aren't able to monitor it. There is also the problem of stealing/losing/distruction of the students PED's which is another headache that would start. Those kind of electronics are expensive to replace.
ReplyDeletei think it would be an excellent idea to allow the use of PED's. however only allow PED's that cannot have cellular capabilities (ex. an iphone its the same thing as a ipod touch but has cellular capabilities. but i wouldn't worry too much about that as most parents won't let their children have an iphone due to its availability (AT&T) and the fact its $450). some cons to this could be that students will abuse the Wi-Fi capabilities and browse the internet on social networks (ex. MySpace, facebook, and email). and also get applications that could distract them and/or learning. some pro's would be, it will eliminate the use of agenda books (nobody likes them to be honest =/...) they can use the calendar feature, calculator, graphs, and a plethora of other apps. theres my contributions...
ReplyDeleteI think there is nothing wrong with useing peds BEFORE and AFTER school. Me, my cousin and our friends (not to be a snitch) love to play DS before school in the bleachers, but they are notheing but a distraction in class! I think they should be aloud while wating in the bleachers,outside, E.T.C.
ReplyDeleteSome people may not be able to afford the specific devices, especially if their child is irresponsible and loses it. Replacement fees and whatnot aren't an acceptable thing. And in the end, it wouldn't be effective, because I don't believe that middle schoolers have the capability to use the PED's responsibly.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, I know that many students abuse the privileges of having cell phones and/or Ipods in class. It is difficult for teachers to watch every student in class and still be able to teach. Making it literally impossible to totally stop cell phone use and texting. So, why not just allow it! Set the rules for students so they know cell phones shouldn't be out during class--especially during test taking (in college you automatically fail the exam if you use your cell phone during testing--so there should be no exceptions during testing). If cell phones are used during class they should be confiscated -- no exception -- be firm. If the rules are set out and broken, teachers should follow through. Many students are so focused on texting during the day right now they are not focused on studies. If you allow cell phones at school and rules are set up - students would learn to use them during passing periods. They would also learn quickly that if used in class, they would be confiscated per the rule.
ReplyDeleteIn 7th grade math students were encouraged to use calculators. Unfortunately in 8th grade math, they are not allowed to use calculators even though on the 8th grade supply list a scientific calculator is MANDATORY. It's pretty frustrating to those of us who purchased one for our student when they are told they are NOT allowed to use them in class. Either the policy should be changed, or the supply list should be changed to reflect this. I see no reason why students shouldn't be allowed calculators. By now they know basic math functions and multiplication tables. Why make them go through the motions when we as adults use calculators on a daily basis. If students want to use an Ipod Touch with scientific calc. app., I don't have a problem with this. However, they are taking a risk just as they would with anything valuable brought to school. Hopefully they would be responsible if they bring them to school. If not, there would be consequences and it might turn into a life lesson for them.
There should be a way that student's can have their phone's in school because what if it's an emergency and they parent's need to get in contact with them i know that some kid's use their phone for the wrong reason , but what about the good kid's that really need it for after school and going to do thing's with friend's because if you think that I'm going to school and then i got to go back home to get my cell phone or what people do now is go to the corner store and let the man in the store hold it but i don't trust them to hold my cell phone...
ReplyDeleteAs a parent of two teenagers I do not think that PDA's/cell phones should be allowed in school. I have overheard my teenager talking with friends about how they are texting eachother during class. Not acceptable!!!!! My younger student only has a pay as you go for emergencies, this way he is not able to get into any trouble during school hours but can phone me after school if needed to be picked up. Our district tends to give our children way too much freedom. Let's stick to calculators in the schools and PDA's/cell phones for after ACADEMIC times. Kids should be taught from day one that phones, etc. are not to leave their backpacks, and if they do the parents will be called to pick them up after school.
ReplyDeleteAs an educator, this is a challenging issue. There is always the possibility that students will abuse the privilege of using PEDs at school. Conversely,in reality, how many parents (and educators, for that matter) hand off their new phone, iPod, or other PED to their children to “teach them” how to use the device? This generation of students is techno-savvy, which is important to recognize because our world is ever-changing and technology allows us and our children to keep up with these changes. Will some abuse happen? Probably. That being said, there is an opportunity for school and district staff to develop and set in place a firm set of rules and guidelines for the approved use of such devices on school property and during school hours.
ReplyDeleteThese same devices can offer an infinite amount of resources and support to the GKMS student in his or her studies. There are the “perk” features: calculator, calendar, graphs, maps, etc. As an added bonus for struggling or low readers, many of the novels read in classes are available as an mp3 download from iTunes or other web-based distributors. I have noted that story comprehension improves dramatically for these students through the combined use of auditory and visual modalities during the course of a novel study. It empowers the low reader and enables them to participate more confidently in classroom discussions and activities regarding his or her reading.
In my opinion, the many benefits and the myriad of uses of PEDs far outweigh the drawbacks and I feel they should be used and encouraged in the classroom.
I think we should have electronics during school.
ReplyDeleteits an easier way to communicate with our friends.
if we could text in class, the kids who talk in class wouldnt blurt out to talk to there friends.
if we could have IPODS alot more kids would be able to concintrate.
i know many of my friends and i are able to get our work done faster, quiker, and more efishant.
=]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
What other lacksy daisy "technology" can we hand our kids so they can sit back, recline and we call this learning. Aren't kids lazy enough, don't we hand them enough, what about more and more children becoming overweight, diabetic We do everything for them, and what we as parents don't "Technology" does. Do kids know what a library really is for? Value of a book to research anything? Now days all they need to do is: "Go to Google and type in what they are searching for" and like I Dream of Jeannie, Poof, it appears. How many students of our district know what an Encyclopedia actually is? My kids don't, unfortunately. We don't even have the Internet at home for several reasons, and yet many times yes it could come in handy, but they must learn to put some EFFORT and not have everything handed to them. Responding to a previous comment, you would be apalled that there are MANY students who do not know their multiplication facts nor could they give you change back from $1.00. Hopefully they never go to work somewhere without a cash register, that tells a customer how much to get back. Yes, we need to move forward in our children's education, and I believe the DIstrict is heading in the right direction, however, we also need to go back to some Basics. We all must learn to walk before we can run, and that doesn't mean getting on a treadmill.
ReplyDeleteAnother side of this is peer pressure, we already have that where some students have phones and other ones don't. Now we want to add to that stigma, I have a PED or IPhone and you don't. For whatever parents reasons, some can't some choose not to, it is just more pressure on students and parents. So as a parent of GK students, I feel that it would not be in the best interest to our students, our teachers or our community.
We're talking about Middle/High School student using electronic devices for education, What about this tidbit? A high school student must have a cell phone, if they are in extra curriculum activities, staying after school for extra help or whatever the reason, because if the student is their after office hours 3:30-4:00, THERE IS NO LAND LINE FOR A STUDENT TO CONTACT HIS/HER PARENTS or GOD FORBID some kind of emergency that would arise. Thereby forcing parents to provide a cell phone to such students. Luckily, at this time Middle School still provides one. What is wrong with this picture? > > A lady has changed her habit of how she lists her
> names on her mobile
> telephone after her handbag was stolen.
> > Her handbag, which contained her mobile telephone,
> credit card, purse,
> etc., was stolen.
> > Twenty minutes later she called her husband, from
> a pay telephone
> telling him what had happened.
> > Her husband said, 'I have just received your
> text asking about our
> pin number and I have replied a little while ago.'
> > When they rushed down to the bank, the staff told
> them all the money
> was already withdrawn.
> > The thief had actually used the stolen mobile
> telephone to text her
> husband in the contact list and got hold of the pin number.
>
> > Within twenty minutes he had withdrawn all the
> money from their bank
> account.
> >
> > Moral of the lesson:
> > Do not disclose the relationship between you and
> the people in your
> contact list.
> > Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby,
> Sweetheart, Mom, Dad, etc.,
>
> > And very importantly, when sensitive information
> is being asked for
> through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.
> > & nbsp; Also, when you are being text by friends
> or family to meet
> them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came
> from them.
>
> > If you do not reach them, be very careful about
> going places to meet
> 'family and friends' who text you.
> >
> >
> >
> > I never thought about THAT!
> > As of right now I no longer have 'home'
> named on my mobile
> telephone.
I understand that these devices can offer a multitude of resources to the students here in our district. I applaude educators who think outside of the box. With that said, in today's so called techo-savvy world I am still trying to understand why our elementary students were not able to watch the president being swarn in. Yet as an elementary student I was able to watch the first man walk on the moon.
ReplyDeleteShort and sweet, part of our district couldn't handle using the technology that we have today And as parents we are supposed to trust that these PEDS will be used in schools for education only? "Perk", I don't agree, I give technology in our district a failing grade. Hopefully you can prove me wrong.
I must say that I am a bit surprised and very pleased that so many have shared meaningful opinions on this topic. I appreciate so much valuable input. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I am sure of is that we will continue to face technology based questions like this and even more importance more and more in the future.
As usual with decisions that have an effect on kids and learning, there seem to be some great points on both sides of the issue. Thanks again.
i do not think PED's should be allowed in schools. i am a student at GKMS and i do not have a phone, ipod, or anything that applies to this. I do not expect to be getting any of this soon becuse they are so costly. If you allow PED's at school, it will give privlidges to students who can afford them and leave the others who cant out of the learning expirances. PED'S SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOL.
ReplyDeleteI think we should be able to have these things during class. students wouldnt be blurting out all the time and if they are distracted its there problem. its their learning. we should have a choice to text and listen to ipods even if that means just on fridays we can text all day. i would be happy with that!
ReplyDeleteThanks
I believe that students who have PEDS should be allowed during the day because students can sometimes concentrate more on their work when they are listening to music. I know that is the case for my child. Also, with iTouch and iPhone they cannot connect to internet without a network so if the school district has a secure network they are unable to connect to Internet. Texting is also an issue, what if there is a family emergancy? How am I to get in contact with my child? Texting should be allowed for 1 because the children should be responsible for their own learning education and if they are not paying attention it is their own fault.
ReplyDeleteThis is the 21st century ipods and other electronics are just part of student culture.We learn in school about the culture of other countries why not celebrate our own culture.In other words we should be allowed to us electronics in school.
ReplyDeleteThis is a comment for the parent who can't get in touch with their child unless they have an iTouch. If you have a family emergency, it's the parents responsibility to make sure they have the schools phone number, you are then to call the school to inform them of the emergency. The school is qualified to contact your child in class to come down to the office and wait for your arrival. These kids will have plenty of time to be responsible adults, it's been done for years and student's have not missed out on anything important yet.
ReplyDeleteI believe our society is relying too much on electronic devices to teach our children. We are raising a generation that needs a computer to tell them how much change to give back for purchase! NO! There should not be allowed PED's in school. It will only supply one more reason for students of more affluent parents to tease and degrade students whose parents cannot, or in my case WILL NOT allow (biologically) irresponsible teenagers such expensive devices. I feel children should not be allowed to even HAVE a cell phone in class but should be required to put them in a locker, (locked of course). Let's get back to more paper & pen learning.
ReplyDeletei don't think we should bring ipods and other electronics to school because it is a really big distraction and the students won't learn as much because they think that texting and listening to music is more important the learning. these computers that we are in school are good to have but i don't think that it would be a good idea if you let the students go on them that much and they would have a certain ti me limit to be on.
ReplyDeleteMegan
We shouldn't have electronics in class because it may be distracting and you wouldn't pay attention in class!!!!=)
ReplyDeleteFrom Tracye
joe
ReplyDeletewe should have electerical devices in school
I think we should have PED's in school just incase anybody gets hurt and we should have cell phones in school!
ReplyDeletefrom green we should at least have cell phones in the gym because lot of people have one and we should not get in trouble for having them out.we should be able to text in the gym also that would be better for the kids:[
ReplyDeletei think it would be ok in AR and study hall because it is there own fault if they don't pass the grade and stay another year cause they will loose there friends and there friends will be a grade higher
ReplyDeleteLET US HAVE IPODS IN SCHOOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :]]]]]]]]]]]]
ReplyDeleteBlake
ReplyDeleteI think we should have PDAs in school because then
we can type in assignments we get and check them during study hall to make sure we didn't forget any assents or study for tests
why can't we listen to ipod ever day in lunch and ar ????????????????????????????????????????????
ReplyDeleteWHY ARNT WE ALLOWED TO BRING Ipods at lunch all the time.
ReplyDeleteps; weil be more quiet proubly.
I think we should have ipods and other technology at school because we wouldn't be that stupid to do other things besides listening to music and looking stuff up or even reading like they show on the ipod commercials. Its not bad. I think that we should open up to the new technology. Sometimes it may be a distraction but we have excellent teachers that could keep us on track.
ReplyDeleteWE SHOULD BE ABLE TO JAM MUSIC AND OR TEXT IN LUNCH STUDY HALL AND AR IF U HAVE DONE THE DEADLINE BECAUSE IF U THINK ABOUT IT READING HAS NO POINT AT ALL BECAUSE ALL YOUR DOING IS READING SOME LETTERS AND OR WORDS AND THATS NOT A BIG DEAL AT ALL ...
ReplyDeleteI think that Genoa-Kingston students should be allowed to have electronics in school like I-pods phones, etc. because it is no harm to student and also because students would love to text in class cause we can still pay attention and also still communicate with other students which is wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteI think Genoa Kingston Middle School should have electronic devices in school such as (cell phones i pod)because it is no harm to the students and also because a lot of students have electronics so while the teacher is teaching the kids could be communicating with other students but when we are taking a test we have to put them away and when we do we will always pay attention
ReplyDeletei think we shoud have ipods in skool cuz they entertain us in skool espacially in ar studyhall lunch n wen teachers let uz use them or wen we r in the hallz....☺☻
ReplyDeletemr lekkas i think it would be great if the schools would let us have peds in school because like cell phones we could take notes on them and like dses we could send notes to a friend that is not at school and back to the cell phones we could take a picture of the homwork and so they could do it and bring it back the day there back at school
ReplyDeleteYou don't need cell phones in school. Also why don't you use cell phone jammers? No texting! http://cellphone-jammers.com/osc/index.php?cPath=45
ReplyDeletei think using peds at school would be an excellent idea but the thoiguht of people being able to text ect. is bad because they will not learn anything while talking to others.
ReplyDeleteI don't think electronics chould be allowed because you would get distracted. Cellphones are fine if there off and ffor emergancy porpuses
ReplyDeleteall school should let us have it they get stolen the person wanted to bring it that bad i woudit bring for it to get stolen
ReplyDeleteI think that it is very disrespectful to the teachers to be listening to iPods in class. We may as well be missing a day at school with all we learn! Although some say that music helps kids learn, I think it doesn't. And people could text answers to their friends.
ReplyDeleteAt least let us have electronicts before and after school. It is sooooooo boring wating for the bus in the afternoon!! Now if I could bring electronics it would be a whole different story. I think I speak for all the 6-8th graders when i say PLEASE LET US HAVE ELECTRONICS AT SCHOOL!!!!
ReplyDelete