While there are ways that cellphone use in a classroom environment can be quite disruptive, I truly believe there is a way to utilize cell phones in class that most teachers at AHS have yet to integrate into their curriculum. Undoubtedly, glancing at Snapchat while learning about syntax in Siddartha or DNA replication in Biology hinders a student’s ability to absorb material. Most importantly, this kind of casual cellphone usage during class is disrespectful to teachers. However, for many students, including myself, cellphones can be a useful tool in the classroom and in school. My phone is my note taking device in Science, my pocket dictionary in English, an encyclopedia in History, a calculator in Math, and my homework planner throughout the day. I would be lost without my cellphone, and I rely on it as I navigate my way through each school day.

  I venture to say that my cell phone makes me a more efficient, successful student. Phones are a constant part of our lives and are only becoming more pervasive in everyday activities. The pressing issue is not how schools can abolish phone use in the classroom, but how to design a curriculum that harnesses the power of phones effectively.

  So, I suggest creating schoolwide cellphone guidelines that distinguish distracting cellphone behavior from respectful use in the classroom. The most important guideline is the immediate decision to say no to Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and the ping of texts coming in all day long. The easiest way to enforce this is by turning on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ setting before walking into class. This setting ensures that your phone will not vibrate or sound a notification. The next guideline is acknowledging that the classroom is a space where everyone is treated with respect, especially the teacher. Don’t listen to music in class. Students must come to class prepared to listen, learn and engage in constructive conversation.

  I believe there should be a cellphone honor code at AHS that is as important as the honor code that governs cheating and dishonesty. Perhaps this a statement that every student must sign at the beginning of the school year. It would state that students are required to leave their phones in their backpacks when there is a classroom discussion. This honor code would promise that a student turns on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ setting and only uses mutually agreed upon research and note taking functions. For example, during times when a student is working independently in class, they would be able to look up helpful information, such as a math tutorial that explains a particularly difficult concept. While reading a chapter in a required book in class, a student would be permitted to use their phone as a dictionary or a personal encyclopedia to find out more about the author. To help enforce the rules, teachers would take points off students’ participation grades for cellphone infractions.

  It might be a tall order to expect all students at AHS to adhere to a cellphone honor code. Yet completely abolishing cellphones in the school setting is an entirely unrealistic goal. So why not give this proposed strategy a chance to work? It would empower students to be responsible and still have access to the technology they depend on.