Mobile is not the problem.
Belief in increasing learning through school digitization has declined significantly recently. An increasing number of people are calling for a ban on mobile phones in schools, most recently by Kawa Rashidi in Aftenposten on February 15.
We're so happy to have just one recommendation Schools must now ban cell phones throughout the school day. At the Humanistic School, we do not have a ban on mobile phones, and we will explain why.
Embarrassed to raise your hand
When the teacher is speaking, students do not use cell phones. But they take out their mobile phones when the teacher wants to get feedback on whether the students have understood the topic or not.
Although it can be embarrassing to raise your hand in front of the entire class when you don't understand, it's quick and easy to provide anonymous feedback on your mobile phone.
In teaching, mobile phones are being used in ways that contribute to creating a more diverse and practical everyday school life, which has been a policy goal for decades. De-digitizing the school will mean that pupils are not adequately prepared for future studies and work.
In teaching, the mobile phone is used in ways that contribute to a more diverse and practical daily school life
The mobile phone is seen as a good thing, and we use this to promote good efforts. Pupils who achieve a weekly effort average of at least 80 per cent are allowed to use mobile phones for non-academic purposes, and pupils feel this is a fair arrangement.
We believe that if students turn in good quality assignments (given their core requirements) and do well overall, it won't be a problem if they spend five minutes on their mobile phones during the school day or play music while they work.
Display his unit on the screen
We are skeptical about banning mobile phone use during free time. Some students, especially students who feel tired from too much social contact, need to relax in front of the screen. When they watch a series, they disconnect and recharge their energy to endure further cooperation after the break.
If mobile phones were banned during recess, this would also be a much bigger problem for pupils who are at the bottom of the popularity scale. It is not that students who have only a few friends suddenly gain many friends when a mobile phone ban is imposed. Rather, it is for these students to become more visible and their unity to be displayed.
Some students, especially students who feel tired from too much social contact, need to relax in front of the screen
With us, all teachers' phone numbers of students are saved. We are concerned that they can send an SMS at any time during the school day if something is difficult. Since no one else can see that they've asked for help, they're more likely to talk about it.
The phone is not the problem
Student survey results are now available. The numbers of bullying incidents have increased, although four out of five schools already have a ban on mobile phone use.
Obviously the problem is not with the mobile phone. Much more important is working to create a safe and good school environment.
At our school, bullying numbers are very low. The School of Humanities scores highest in the country for student democracy and engagement, assessment of learning, learning culture and support from teachers. These factors are perhaps more important to bullying numbers than the number of cell phones in bags, purses or desks.
If Education Minister Carrie Nessa Nordton (AFP), Rashidi or others want some new ideas about mobile phone use in school, they are very welcome to come to us.
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