Today's Classrooms and Mobile Devices

After reading Judy's blog about mobile devices in the classroom, I found this article about Banning Mobile Devices in the Common Sense Media Blog.  I agree with the original concerns about censoring what children are viewing on the Internet. However the Internet is here to stay and children are viewing what is on the Internet on a regular basis without censorship.  Cyber bullying is an issue that must be addressed but the benefits of using digital technologies is also worth noting.  As mentioned in this blog post, having students use these devises in a controlled environment to promote digital attitudes and skills will help them in the future. 

This report makes five critical observations for state and local decision makers as they consider social media and mobile technology policy in K–12 schools.

1. Kids are going to use social media and mobile devices outside of school, regardless of whether they’re taught how to use them responsibly inside the classroom. However, more schools are beginning to change their policies to incorporate these technologies into their curriculum, rather than banning them entirely
2. There are substantial educational benefits of using mobile devices and social media in the classroom.
3. Federal, state and local school policies must be updated in order to respond to current realities.
4. These laws must address abuses such as texting and cyberbullying, and mandate schools to provide guidance on what information is OK to share online.
5. New policies on social media and mobile technologies must be equitable and impartial to all parties. 

Don't miss the figures about the numbers of teenagers using the Internet, social networking, and having cellphones!  Very interesting, I won't spoil it for you!!!

As a parent I often find myself telling my children to get off their phones (they are usually texting friends or playing some game on it).  But should I be changing the way I am thinking about using these devices at home?

What do you think?  Do you agree with mobile devices having a place in today's classrooms or at home?  How do you address concerns of parents with students these devices in the classroom?  As a parent of a 12, 17, and 20 year old should I be thinking differently about these devices?