Cell phones in the classroom

By: Hannah Moffatt

A popular topic discussed by many in today’s modern academic society is if cell phones can be used as educational tools.  One can argue very easily for this idea from an environmental perspective because of the paperless nature of using technology. The idea of e-textbooks and online resources are two examples of already established advancements that are environmentally friendly.

While professors and students at McMaster also agree that carrying around a cell phone is a lot more convenient compared to a text or reading book, there remains hesitation to allow these in the classroom.

Technology has advanced so immensely in the 21st century that now more than ever, smartphone companies are accommodating educational needs, creating necessary and helpful shortcuts for students’ learning. This includes apps such as the map of McMaster University campus, calculators, language translators, dictionaries, calendars, notepads, reminders and of course, unlimited access to online resources such as Google and YouTube. With this new version of accessibility, students are encouraged to use their cell phones for educational purposes.

Classrooms can also enhance by creating virtual online discussions and homework blogs – some courses on Avenue do a good job of both of these. Videography and photography classes such as Studio Art and Theatre and Film classes at McMaster can also benefit from cell phone usage as the average smartphone company now promises a high quality camera for all your photography and videography needs. This concept is important to learn about and discuss because of the digital society that is currently growing around us, and the exposure to new tech.

A study done by the International Data Cooperation for Canada in 2013 shows that 79 per cent of smartphone users ages 18-44 have their phones on them 22 hours of every day. Since university students are learning approximately 240 days out of the year, we might as well make use out of the numerous educational applications that enables growth in knowledge. Advancing the tools students use also comes with a revolution of communication between learners and teachers. For group projects, students can create a group chat to share and compare their work and continue to do so even after the school day has ended.

If a student cannot attend their class, one can easily communicate with other students to access missed work or notes as well as connect with their teachers. That’s not to say that McMaster does not currently allow this to happen, but professors embracing technology more than as just a place to upload lecture slides and deal with MSAFs should be improved.

However, this is not a perfect system. Professors using textbooks not available online or outright banning cell phones in class due to the fear of distractions limits the options available, and stifles the ability to learn the material through ways that are comfortable for each student.

Overall, one should care about the issue of cell phones being used as educational tools because of the beneficial knowledge gained from studying these topics, and attempt to apply it to your everyday life. Not only do McMaster students benefit from using their phone cell as just another component of their school supplies, but this also allows the advancement of their tech knowledge ­— a necessity in modern times.