Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Personal Digital Devices at School

Some adults are worried that when kids bring their cell phones, I- Touches, computers, etc. to class, they won't pay attention. Are you worried about this? If you are worried, why? If you are not worried, why are people worried about this?

108 comments:

  1. I bring my laptops to classes all the time. The techers don't really mind. A lot of times when I'm done with my work early, I use the laptops to do other work. Such as typing paper or researching. but sometimes when i have free time i play on it also. I know that the technology can be abused, but it can also help many kids to use their time wisely. I believe that it is all up to the individuals. I think that cell phones and ipods should be allowed in schools,such as lunch and free times, but not in the classrooms when they need to be working. The solutions would be just taking them up if they are used in the class period.

    Seokhwan Jin (student at SWHS)

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  2. Thanks for the comment! I tend to agree with you. I think this is like anything else we have done in the past-- computers in the classroom, internet usage, etc. Everyone get adjusted and it becomes like everything else. I think maybe the key is laying out the expectations and consequences (maybe teaching, beforehand, appropriate and inappropriate usage??). I would like to think most of our students will do the right thing and use the technology appropriately. Thanks!

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  3. Technology can be used for multiple things including work and games. I think students should be able to use phones and other devices as long as they are doing their work and have a high enough grade. If the device is abused, then the teacher should take the device away. They should be able to use them mostly during their free time, like lunch. Music can be used as a teaching method and can help some students learn and focus better. While on the other hand it can also be a distraction to many. It all depends on the individual.

    ~Jonathan LaTony (SWHS Student)~

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  4. Cell phone makes school pass by sooner. It reliefs stress and allows student to interact with the student body. There is only 5 min. between classes so there is not much time to spend with friends so cell phone make it convient for student to talk during school. when you restrict cell phone it cause more problem and distraction then allowing it. 1. when restricted student are distracted because they have to put effort into hidding the phone and see if the teacher is around. If they are allow to have cell phone in class then the will text then would return back to work. it makes work easyer. Studies have shown that worker are more productive if they enjoy their work. If student enjoy school then they would be more productive.
    That is why japan is so productive.

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  5. Very interesting! Would any of you agree that kids are doing this anyway- just not getting caught????

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  6. I think it is okay if students use digital devices in class, but if a teacher is teaching a lesson it should be switched off. I think that it is fine if students use them when there work is finished.

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  7. I agree with the suggestion that cellphones and other electronic devices should be able to be used during lunch/free time.

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  8. i just think that restrictions cause abuse. You tell kids to put up there ipods and cell phones but does that really stop them? No that just make them want to do it more so I just think that if you let them have some time to themselves to talk with their friends or search the web during class that they would more likely pay attention

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  9. I'm not really concerned about it, but I don't think that having your cell phone out in class will help you in any way. Cell phones distract kids, but they're also useful as watches.

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  10. I believe its okay for us students to have these devices at school because we need them in case of an emergency or if something comes up and we need to be notified about we will have that contact information. Also devices such as i pods and laptops are very convient when used for things such as projects and presentations. They can be very helpful.

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  11. I believe that if a student can focus and pay attention in class there is nothing wrong with using devices. But we all know that isn't possible, student should not have devices out in class that is very disrespectful. It should be allowed during lunch though.

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  12. Good discussion-- does anybody think that if teachers taught a few lessons on "acceptable use" within the class they are teaching, that it would guide appropriate use by students and not be a distraction??

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  13. Maybe, but sometimes more trouble making students might not listen.

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  14. NO I DOT AGRDE BECUSE STUDENT CAN USE THE ELECTRONIC.BECUSE THEY CAN UISE IT WEN THEY ARE IN LUCH SOMTHING WEN YOU ARE EATING THEY WHANT TO LISEN TO MUSIC. AND WENT THEY LIKE HAVE SOME FRRE TIME THEY CAN USE IT

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  15. HELLO!!! FOR THE COMMENTS

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  16. It sounds like a few of you think that everyone shouldn't be punished for some people that might not follow the rules....

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  17. I'm Erica. I am worried because having the Digital Devices are not good to have in class, because kids will be texting and they wont pay attention to the teacher; they will be in their own conversation. Then sometimes the sound of the phone will go off and disturb the class, and no will learn anything.

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  18. I am not worried about this because kilds can just turn it off . Teachers are worried because they wont pay attention they can just turn it off !!

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  19. Yes. I am worried because students should be smart enogh to turn off or leave them in theur lockers. But still,They may need it for emergencys. But when their phones go off,they'll have to take it away,and they can't call their loves ones. So I say that we should turn off devices and leave them alone!

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  20. I'm Joyce,"Yes, I am worried because students don't pay attention enough as it is. So if kids bring these things to school,and have them on,then they will be distracted. if they are allowed to bring it then they should it off, but then what is the point in bringing it in the first place.

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  21. iam not worried because they can still pay attention. just because they might be texting or other stuff,but that does'nt mean that they do not hear or see what the teacher is doing . so that is why i am not worried.

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  22. Yes, I am worried about this because, if they can't pay attention in class, then how about when they have a job? Will they pay attention or will they lose there job? Because they where discrated by there DIGITAL DEVICES.

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  23. I`m worried, because of the level of focus is less than when they don`t have a digital device. Not only won`t students pay attention in school, but some times at home too. That is when someting serius can happen when they use it too much and are addicted to it and use it all the time.

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  24. Yes, I am worried about this because they are wasting their time just playing around, they should start learning more than just playing around. It is because learning is very important than just playing around, if I were you, I would learn to get a degree, so I can go to College and so I can graduate and get my Diploma. People are worried about this especially their parents because they want their children to learn and not to fool around.

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  25. iam worried because then the students wont pay attention and they woll not know what the teachers are talking about, and thre grades will go down.

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  26. I'm not worried about personal digital devices because we should be worried not our parents.
    Some people are worried because somebody might have something personal about them that my embarrising that they don't want no body to know about.

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  27. I am not worried about if kids bring electronics beacuse some kids won't pay attention and some will, but I am not worried beacuse is not me and not my friends. But sometimes you will need it to contact with someone and if is inportant, so I would be worried sometimes, but not always.

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  28. Well the teacher would be worried because.. We are not going to put attention and we can fail the class or make bad grades.. Im not worried because Im the one whos using them ..But at the same time. I'm worried because if they take it away.

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  29. I am not worried because students should pay attention and if the don't pay attention then the privilages would be taken away.

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  30. I'm not worried because if you don't have any personal digital devices at school you can't get intouch with other people.
    For example if there's like a fire you can call someone on your cell phone quick.
    I think the students will still pay attention because they can still listen to the teacher and be in other conversations.

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  31. Hi Anonymous! I hope you are doing well!!!

    Does anyone think that if students were allowed to bring their own laptop or other devices to school (and the school loaned a device to kids who don't have one) AND if the teacher used the devices like textbooks that kids would listen? The IPOD, Laptop or any smart phone would take the place of the textbook or other worksheets.

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  32. I'm not worried because some of those things are good for us. And some poeple are worried because some them don't whant to waste thier money.
    Oscar
    6 grade
    Northbrook Middle School

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  33. jesse

    I'm not worried, but other people are because they might think they will fail. Talking on your phone can distract you while the teacher is talking. The itouch can disturb you and others while taking a test.

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  34. I am not worried about kids takin there iTouch and texting during class becouse some kids can pay attention and listen to music or text at the same time.

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  35. I'm not worried about this because, i dont bring thouse kinds of devices to school. Some people may be bacause students don't pay attention in class just for using them.

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  36. Some people are worried they will get caught and teachers will take them away.Other people might be worried because they might not get enough education because they're busy listening to music or playing with them.

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  37. Im not worried about thus because i think is not a problem in school and i think kids can not consentrate by using those digital things.

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  38. People worry about it because the kids could low grades or fail.They worry,too because if the phones ring it also distracts other kids.

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  39. no i don't think this is a problom. why would kids bring things and use it in front of everyone? other people are probably scared because they think that classwork will stop. also some kids leave them on and thats why they get in trouble and stop working. so i think they should just not use them just to be safe. i don't think it's a problom though, they should just turn them off

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  40. i think they shuld trust us more. i noe i would pay attention if i had a phone in class...kinda

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  41. I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE PSP,S AND ZUNES THEY CAN HELP ALOT THINK ABOUT IN THE STUDENTS EYE

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  42. I am not worried because i take really care of my stuff. People are probably worried because some people steal from others, the owners can lose it, or it can break.

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  43. People probaly worry because they think we will mess withthem during class, but we are smater than that. We only listen to them after school. We likke our stuff to much to have a teacher take our stuff away.

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  44. I think people get worried because they are afraid that students wont learn what their supposed to. Some students use these digital devices during school which distracts them from the teacher and what they're suppoesed to be learning.

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  45. J.B, I'm not worried about people bringing their IPods, or laptops, etc. because people can sometimes listen to their teachers while they are doing something else. (Multi-Taskers)
    Other people, however, are worried because, if this one person is your friend, and he isn't paying attention at all, then there is a big chance that he will fail, which means you won't see him him/her next year.

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  46. I'm not worried of bringing my digital devices.
    Other people are worried because the devices might been stolen, broken, or forgoten.

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  47. No,I am not worried about it.I think people souldn't bring any devicesto school in the first place.I think its better to not take a chance than to take it.If students bring some degital device then i would recomend the to not bring it ore to put it in his locker.

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  48. hi missssssssss

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  49. I can understand the comment about multi-taskers. I cannot sit in a meeting (this is like you sitting in class) without something else to do. I get bored easily and then get off task. So, I certainly get that point!

    Do any of you agree that kids learn differently now then the way teachers or parents used to learn? Maybe this is why kids would want to bring their digital devices to school????

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  50. well...we kuld use them 4 klass kuz they kan help us nd some ppl kan use dem 4 researching...k

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  51. Hi , I am in elementrary school.I hope we can bring cell phones and nintendo d.s to school so we can have more fun at recess !I hope you can change the school rules.Please visit my blog purplehearts112 . the username is housmanlibrary and the password is books106.Its nice to meet you

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  52. yes,becues What if an axedent hapend or you need to e-mail someone realy quiq.I think evry one shoud have a computer .plaes post me back at jrarguello09@yahoo.com

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  53. Hello Jrarguello09! I think everyone should have a computer too-- there are so many fun projects we could do if everyone had a computer.

    I cannot wait to visit purplehearts112 blog- I will be sure to do that. So, do you think recess is the only place that we could use cell phones? Could we use cell phone for learning in class?

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  54. Yes I think thet we should bring only cell phone's cuase we could get in danger at school.Like a big wild fire.I I'm a elementry kid.

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  55. I think we should bring cell phones to school for emergencies or in case we have to contact our mother. I also think we should bring ipods and MP3 players to entertain ourselves at recess.
    I am in elementary school.

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  56. I am woried. Even though I do not have a phone but I am aboout to have one. We should not use a phone IN CLASS. But maybe at recess or at free time. Not in class because when the TAKS test is coming up then if a lot of kids are focused on text messaging and mjusic and stuff like that then when it is time for the TAKS then they will have no clue on what the question even means. But if it happens when they are not supposed to listen and learn (free time or recess) then they could listen to songs or have fun with friends that they could get in touch with from far away. Or get in touch with family members from far away that you miss for some time. But not during class. Or what teachers could do is collect all of the digital devices after they come from outside and before they go in thier classroom. Then you could give it back to them before going outside or back home. But do not let children use thier devices during class or they will have to face the consequeses.

    Jessica Sandovl
    Housman Elementry
    5th grade
    Ms.Supples

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  57. Well I think it's good to bring a phone, and I don't think it is good. First of all what if your parents are super over protective and they want you to call or text them so they know you're at school. But the bad thing is if you show your phone off then people might want to steal it. One time in kindergarden this kid talked a whole lot about his new gameboy (game system)and when he was on the bus to play with it, he didn't find it. I've never brought anything to school. But I will have to bring my phone to my new middle school (Sydney Lanier Middle School) because my mom works in the school I'm in ( Housman Elementary School) and I'll have to go to a HISD school because of where I live. Bye!

    Love,
    Alexandra

    P.S. Can you check out my blog?
    http://greenearthgal.blogspot.com/

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  58. Go to my blog. www.americangirl15.blogspot.com

    Jessica Sandoval
    Housman

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  59. Wow! A wildfire, huh? I think a cell phone would be very important- I agree!

    It sounds like you all think that cell phones or other digital devices should be used for having fun, but not instruction. I am wondering it you could use a cell phone or other kind of device to learn???

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  60. my friend says calculator

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  61. Iwish you could and talk to us at our career day. It's at Housman on May 22.

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  62. Maybe just a little because then if don't listen then we will fail.

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  63. Hello Housman! I would love to come to your career day. I think your principal, Ms. Davalos sent me an invitation and I have a meeting at the same time. Can you tell me what time it starts? Maybe I could stop by for a few minutes.

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  64. I think if your done with your work for the day you should be more then welcome to use your devices!

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  65. Could you use those devices for learning? Or, should you just use them when you are done with your work?

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  66. I think audlts don't want personal digital divies in class because they beleave that, the more time kids spind on the computer and phone the more brian cells they are loseing. If it was me makeing the dietssection it would be to let them because technology is a verey good tool to use because the teacher can see what they are doing and what the are lerning. there are some comments some pepole may say that can go agent’s my comment but they are wrong. Technology is a fun easy way to learn

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  67. yes i bribg my phone to school and the teachers dont mind

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  68. Are you allowed to use your phone during the school day?

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  69. We think they should be allowed at school, but turn them on after school or during free time and not during teaching.

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  70. If they are allowed the teacher needs to pay more attention I have afriend who does that and I do not want him/her to get in trouble! It is just lke taking advantage of his or her teacher it makes me so mad!!!!

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  71. Tm not worried because I seen only students using them when they are finished working.

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  72. Actually I am wirried because,i've been in that position and yes i get distracted.All parents worry a lot about this issue and they have the right to.Some kids are just so concentrated in texting or listening to music that they dont know what subject the're on or what they learned that day.

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  73. No, im not worried about kids taking out their digital devices, because kids know when it's time to focus & learn, & when it's ok to mess with their phone.

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  74. Im not worried, but I think people are worried because they think kids will get in trouble and not pay attention in class. Me, I think kids take phones for communication or emergencies. The Ipods and phones etc, are used for after school,before and on the bus.

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  75. Some people are worried because if kids won't listen kids won't learn. People are worried because the more kids bring their devices to school the more kids will stop carring. Not carring about school is not hurting anybody but ourselfs. Mamy kids in school don't care adout their grade and they are just using their devices but when they startfaiiling in liffe will see who's gonna be careing about them.

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  76. I personally wouldn't be so much worried about it, kids should be responsible for themselves. They could use their phones & what not, but they also need to know when to put it up & focus in class. Unless they could multitask. I think others would be worried because they want tne best for the kids & if they're not paying attention, they wouldn't do they're best.

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  77. I'm not worried much about kids bringing their devices to school.People such as teachers are worried too much, because kids dont pay attention in class, because they're not focused on the subject in school.They're are all entertained with their music, chatting and browsing.Maybe because im a kid and i want to use devices such as Ipods im saying these, but maybe you can learn more by relaxing to the music your hearing from them.

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  78. Yes, I am worried about this because students usually bring their cellphones to text even though they know that if they get caught it will be taken away. Students text during class while the teacher is not looking even when they get out of school they still text. So I think they should make a rule to not allow cellphones during class. This will prevent people from using the cellphone at all and not get bad grades for not paying attention.

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  79. Yes I am worried about this because when people text in class or bring their Ipods to class, they get distracted, and also causes cheating. I'm also not worried because it could help studets relax sometimes, or think. I understand that adults worry because they want the students to do great in school by getting good grades, paying attention , and having a great attitude towards people.

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  80. Im not worried about this. I think teachers are overeacting about this. I think the teachers are worried because they think we might cheat or not pay attention in class and let our grades fall,but i dont thinkthis is such a big deal they should just let us use our ipods. In other schools they let the kids use their ipods so why cant all schools be that way.

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  81. I'm not that worried about kids bringing their cell phones because it doesn't affect me. People are worried about this because kids can cheat on test, get distracted really fast, and sometimes bully other students during school.

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  82. I am not worried about kids using their digital devices. The reason I think adults think that is not good is because some kids dont pay attention. In my opinion i dont think there bad because I know a lot of people who can do thier work while using digital devices.

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  83. Im not worried about it because alot of the students that do pay attention more are not easily distracted.Some do concentrate with the relaxing music and many other devices but it depends because cell phones do distract but not all students.

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  84. Sometimes teacher find their students with cell phone and just give them back to them at the end of the day but thats wrong because they should really give them to the police department so the students could take it serious.

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  85. well i think there should be some cell phones in classes cause it is ot most likely that we will txt we will only like see what time it is and id the student is not paying attenetion then the teacher would take it away.

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  86. Personally I'm not worried because i can multi- task. I can do my work and listen to music at the same time.Teachers and administrators are worried that students are going to get distracted or won't do there work. You can have your Ipod or cell phone as long aas you pay attention. Simply when the teacher is talking cut the music down low.

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  87. No I'm not worried because I know when I have to listen to the teacher and not use a personal digital device. I think other people are worried because they think we won't pay attention and won't know what to do in class. When we don't know ehat to do, we fail, and they don't want us to do that.

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  88. I think that people and teachers especially are worried about this because they think their children don't pay attention and fail their classes. I'm really not worried because if they would allow us to use it and we pay attention , it won't be bad. Sometimes students say that they concentrate better when they listen to music. That's why I'm not worried but think that they should only let us use iPods or Zune's.

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  89. No,because sometimes it relieves stress. I think it depends on the type of grades you get.If you make straight A's or A's & B's you can stand to slack off a bit.Teachers might think it's not a good idea because they'll feel as if they're talking to a brick wall.

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  90. I think that we should be allowed to use our devices afther getting permission from our teacher. For example I think we should use our Ipod when working on a project or paper to cocentrate.

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  91. No people just think that because some kids can't pay attention that all kids can't handle themselves. Not all teachers are like that. Some will let you use your electronics if you finish your work.

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  92. I'm not worried about this because people have their ways of studying and paying attention so maybe this is their way. The only problem is when the teacher is explaining. As for working it really shouldnt matter as long as they do the work.

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  93. No I am not worried,because adult think that just because,the stundents bring there things to ciass they won't pay attention. But they are wrong . When they bring there things that helps understand more because they pay more attention in that class.SoIam not worried about the promblem.

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  94. I think that its a bad idea because kids dont pay attention, and they are in the elelctronic world. Kids should leave them in their lockers or at home

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  95. I think people worry that kids don't pay attention if bring any personal digital Divices to school. That is because we are looking doun at the divice and that makes us not listen to what the teacher is saying.

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  96. Adults get pretty worried about stuff, don't they? I really think that is because they care so much about you guys learning. I think that you all are really thinking when you say that music, i-pods, computers, etc. could be used to help kids. I think I agree with you!

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  97. But sometimes digital devices can help improve a child's learning. I don't think parents will need to worry about this if it helps a child learn

    -Also 100th commenter? :D

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  98. I am working on my Masters degree in teaching and I am trying to approach this topic in my thesis! I would like to change our schools blanket policy that bans ipods/mp3 players in the classroom. As a teacher I think that kids focus more during individual work and tests when they can plug into their music. But there are conerns as well. Administrators are worried about cheating and other teachers are worried that you won't take them out when we need you to.
    What do you guys think? If a teacher allowed you to have your music in when you were doing quiet work would you turn them off and put them away when you were asked? (for lectures or debates)?

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  99. Hi Kelly,
    I think you are absolutely heading in the right direction. This is what I hear from lots of kids. I really think rules tend to be made for the few that don't follow them. Everyone then pays the price and we cannot get our thinking out of the box.
    Thanks for commenting!

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  100. Im not bothered cuz sumtimes phones and computers help you undestand what you r doin

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  101. i think that at least our cell fones should be allowed..it wouldnt be that much of a distraction-no im lying it really would be for me:)-but yeah i still think that!
    --sophia:)

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  102. people are to worried... a rule about electronics should be that we can use them but if we aren't paying attencion then they can take them way

    because even dogh they tell us not use them we do it anyways

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  103. Cell Phones:
    From what I've experienced throughout Middle School and High School, cell phones really don't have a proper place in the classroom. I can understand why other kids want to be able to use them during class, but honestly... they only serve as a distraction. I've watched kids texting during class... they are completely oblivious to what the teacher is saying.

    If anything, cell phones should NOT be allowed, simply for cheating reasons alone. Nowadays, most phones have internet access, and considering how small phones are, the possibilities for cheating are endless.

    MP3 Players (iPods etc):
    The only situation where I can see the use of these being practical would be if a student was doing individual work during class (homework for example). If people listen to their headphones loudly, it will be a disturbance to other kids trying to work. In reality, I can see most kids using this as a way of "escaping" from having to work.

    Probably the best way to handle this would be to allow these music devices temporarily, and if too many problems arise, go back to how it is now.

    Laptops:
    I bring mine to school almost every day. When teachers are lecturing, it's much easier for me to type notes than to write them down. I can simultaneously look at the teacher and type, so this is extremely beneficial to me.

    On the other hand, I've seen many kids using their laptops to play games while the teacher is instructing.

    I guess this whole issue revolves around how much freedom students should be given and most importantly, will they abuse these freedoms? I know that I wouldn't abuse them, but I'm fairly certain that I'm in the minority when it comes to this.

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  104. I like music during class because it helps me focus.

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  105. devices are not a big of a deal as long as the student does not mess with the responsibility and would care for other people, Electronics are our responsibility but that it should not be banned. cell phones are not a big of a deal people would be working so it would not be a big of a deal. Thank you fgor seeing my comment

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