CELLPHONES AS LEARNING TOOLS

More schools use cellphones as learning tools

Josh Higgins, USA TODAY2:38 p.m. EDT August 7, 2013

Although schools have traditionally banned or limited cell phones in the classroom, 73% of Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers said their students use phones in the classroom or to complete assignments, according to a Pew Research Center study.

Students, Emme McCleary, 13, and Brenna Toshner, 13, use iPhones and an HP Notebook computer for a class assignment in their language arts class at Willis Junior High in Chandler, Ariz.
(Photo: Michael Schennum, The Arizona Republic)

• Security and educational use are giving school administrators reason to allow cellphones at school
• Cellphones are also creating concern over misuse and access inequities
• While many schools still ban phones, the number of schools allowing them is quickly rising

Cellphones in class