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Let's start by understanding how cellphones became such a hot topic in education. Did you know that in 2010, only 12% of students had smartphones? Now, about 88% of teens have access to cellphones! This dramatic increase has led schools across the country to develop various policies about phone use in classrooms.

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Class, consider this: cellphones can be crucial during emergencies. They allow students to quickly contact parents or emergency services if needed. During recent school emergencies, many students were able to stay in touch with their families thanks to their phones.

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Imagine having a calculator, dictionary, research tool, and educational apps all in one device! Many teachers have found creative ways to use phones for interactive polls, research projects, and educational games.

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Russell Stannard (Teacher Training Videos)

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3 Apps to get your students interacting in class.

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In our modern world, learning to use technology responsibly is as important as learning to write! Having phones in school helps students develop crucial digital literacy skills they'll need for their future careers.

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Importance of Digital Literacy Skills for Students | Learning.com

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As technology continues to become more ingrained in daily life, the importance of digital literacy skills is becoming increasingly apparent.

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Studies show that students check their phones up to 11 times during a typical school day, even when they're supposed to be paying attention. This can seriously impact learning!

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Research alert! 🚨 A study from the University of Texas found that students who had their phones in another room performed significantly better on tests than those who had their phones on their desks - even when the phones were turned off!

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Studies on the impact of cellphones on academics

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A compilation of research and studies related to phones in the clasroom and school. Students ofte…

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Unfortunately, having phones in school can make it easier for cyberbullying to occur during school hours. Plus, excessive phone use can lead to reduced face-to-face social interactions, which are crucial for developing social skills.

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Cell Phones at School_ Should They Be Allowed

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Alanis Morissette once said, 'isn't it ironic!' (Ask your parents). After years of struggle between teachers and students and the use of smartphones in school, new educational trends are actually encouraging the use of these devices.

The mobile, cellphone or smartphone is not just used for WhatsApp, Snapchat or RoBlox, it can be used in a multitude of ways from an educational perspective. Don't believe us? Keep reading. In this article we bring together 40 uses for smartphones in school.

Before we continue, it is worth remembering that this does not mean we should suddenly change the way in which we teach, or allow the use of the smartphones without control. The purpose of this article is simply to remove some of the negative connotations around smartphones and to consider new possibilities which we have at our disposal. In order for students to use smartphones in school responsibly, it is important that we set limits and rules beforehand.

A revolution in the classroom:

1. Check facts: probably the most common use of all. Both students and teachers can now find facts within seconds. This can be very useful when explaining and debating topics.

2. Take photos: mobile phones can be used as cameras to illustrate work and presentations.

3. Carry out tests: this is probably one of the most interesting and revolutionary uses of the mobile phone in the classroom. Students can now take quizzes and tests on their mobile phone that were created earlier by their teacher. In this way, teachers can gain valuable real-time insight into the knowledge of their students and the effectiveness of their teaching. To implement this technique now, download the ExamTime Mobile App for iOS or Android.

4. Dictionary: there are a multitude of dictionary applications that allow you to check the meaning of a word instantly.

5. Translator: again, this can help with meaning and explanation of a foreign word just like the dictionary application.

6. Calendar: no more forgetfulness or confusion about exam dates or submission deadlines. Now you have applications that allow you to synchronize calendars.

7. Listen to music: we have spoken before at length about how music helps us to study. Additionally, you do not need to store your songs if you use services such as Spotify or Soundcloud.

8. Images: as you well know, a picture is worth a thousand words. For this reason, in many cases, students find it easier to understand material when there is an image related to an explanation. Mind Maps are a good example of a tool that helps in this regard.

9. Review: smartphones allows you to access resources and material quickly before an exam. Don't forget to sign up with ExamTime online and then download the official app for Android or iOS.

10. Stopwatch/timer: classes, exercises and presentations often come with time limits. Practice your time management by using your mobile phone's stopwatch.

11. Read eBooks: when learning, applying for a job position or going to University, reading PDFs and manuals can be mandatory. For this reason, applications like Kindle allow us to read books and manuals from anywhere.

12. Discover related subject material: among many other functions, the ExamTime App lets you search through more than one million study resources created by other ExamTime users.

13. Document scanner: although it does not offer the same quality as a traditional scanner, the camera of a mobile phone can serve as a scanner. Some teachers even support the delivery of class work through photos (for example, Math exercises).

14. Calculator: there are numerous applications that enable you to perform all the operations of a scientific calculator. This helps reduce the amount of items students must carry in their bags.

15. Edit videos: not only can we make videos, but we can also edit them, add text, filters, effects and more.

16. Edit pictures: the same can be done with images as with videos.

17. Publish in the class blog: class blogs are an increasingly common exercise these days and help develop writing skills. Thanks to your mobile phone, you can write and post articles at any time.

18. Track blog visits: the implementation of Google Analytics allows you to check the progress of your class blog from anywhere.

19. Make presentations: instead of having to carry around external hard drives and USB sticks, store the material in your mobile phone and connect it directly to the projector. Have you tried 'play mode' using the ExamTime Mind Map tool?

20. Remote control: whether switching from one slide to another during a presentation or stopping and playing a video, there are applications that enable you to use our smartphone as a remote control.

21. Communicate: the PA system is a thing of the past. If a student must go to the secretary or principal's office, you can communicate with them through a text message.

22. Updates: Remind is an app designed to send notifications to parents and/or students without knowing their phone number. This means that the boundaries between privacy and the classroom can be maintained while communication is not hampered.

23. Locate points on the map: during class location based apps can help when introducing students to a region of country. Applications such as Google Maps help us to locate ourselves and are great in History and Geography classes.

24. Tweet: Twitter is a social network that has many educational uses. The mobile phone is probably the best way to access it to read and write Tweets about education. Don't forget to follow ExamTime on Twitter.

25. Study Vocabulary: in foreign language classes, vocabulary is crucial. Quite often students don't pay enough attention and can get left behind. Flashcards are one of the resources that provide better results when viewing from mobile phones and are super easy to digest.

26. Control Attendance: there are many applications that can help keep track of the attendance of students direct from our mobile phone.

27. Assess Students: mobile phones can be used to monitor and keep track of a student's course work and exam results. In this way, teachers have access at all times to a particular student and can see if that student is making progress or not.

28. Clock: studies have shown that more people are reaching for their mobile phone to check the time rather than checking their wristwatch. Why not check the weather on your mobile device too?

29. Inspire: originality is one of the best ways to keep students interested. However, sometimes students simply get bored. The mobile phone provides a window to the world where you can discover topics and ideas that are otherwise limited by traditional books and encyclopaedias.

30. Share Notes: many teachers tend to distribute material at the beginning or at the end of the class. Instead photocopying large amounts of paper and handing them out, your mobile phone allows you to easily perform this function. Again, the ExamTime App can help with that!

31. Weather: for those teachers who like to move the lesson outdoors, weather apps can come in very useful to see the forecast. These apps can also serve specific lessons in explaining the climatic conditions in other regions/countries.

32. Play: there is much talk of the gamification of the educational process, i.e. the need to transform learning into a game as much as possible. There are literally hundreds of educational apps that can make learning more enjoyable and easier on the students.

These 40 uses of Smartphones in School are just the beginning. The teaching and learning process can be enriched by embracing these ideas. Provided they are monitored and conducted in the safest manner, smartphone use in school is going to be the next big thing in 2015/ 2016.
Don't forget to download the brand new ExamTime iOS and Android app today.
About the GoConqr Blog

Our blog is part of GoConqr, a Free Learning Platform for Creating, Sharing & Discovering Learning Resources that help students and teachers achieve their learning objectives. Click here to start creating Mind Maps, Flashcards, Notes, Quizzes, Slides Flowcharts & Courses now!

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40 Uses For Smartphones in School | ExamTime

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Alanis Morissette once said, 'isn't it ironic!' (Ask your parents). After years of struggle between teachers and students and the use of smartphones in school, new educational trends are actually encouraging the use of these devices. The mobile, cellphone or smartphone is not just used for WhatsApp, Snapchat or RoBlox, it can be used in a multitude of ways from an educational perspective.

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More Schools are Allowing Phones, so teachers use them for education

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How young is too young for cellphones in school?

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Where Should Students Be Allowed to Use Cellphones_ Here’s What Educators Say

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Check out this research-based article about how phones can interrupt learning. It includes some pretty surprising statistics about how often students check their phones - great evidence for your counter-argument!

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that she will introduce legislation to ban smartphones in schools during her state's 2025 legislative session. She cited the impact that social media and technology can have on youth, including leaving them "cut off from human connection, social interaction and normal classroom activity."

Hochul's legislative push comes as K-12 teachers in the United States face challenges around students' cellphone use, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in fall 2023. One-third of public K-12 teachers say students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom, and another 20% say it's a minor problem.

High school teachers are especially likely to see cellphones as problematic. About seven-in-ten (72%) say that students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom, compared with 33% of middle school teachers and 6% of elementary school teachers.

Many schools and districts have tried to address this challenge by implementing cellphone policies, such as requiring students to turn off their phones during class or give them to administrators during the school day.

Overall, 82% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. say their school or district has a cellphone policy of some kind. Middle school teachers (94%) are especially likely to say this, followed by elementary (84%) and high school (71%) teachers.

However, 30% of teachers whose schools or districts have cellphone policies say they are very or somewhat difficult to enforce. High school teachers are more likely than their peers to report that enforcing these policies is difficult. Six-in-ten high school teachers in places with a cellphone policy say this, compared with 30% of middle school teachers and 12% of elementary school teachers.

Our survey asked teachers about cellphones in general, whereas Hochul's plan would apply only to smartphones. Even so, nearly all U.S. teenagers ages 13 to 17 - 95% - say they have access to a smartphone, according to a separate Center survey from 2023.

Even as some policymakers and teachers see downsides to smartphones, teens tend to view the devices as a more positive than negative thing in their lives overall.

Seven-in-ten teens ages 13 to 17 say there are generally more benefits than harms to people their age using smartphones, while three-in-ten say the opposite. And 45% of teens say smartphones make it easier for people their age to do well in school, compared with 23% who say they make it harder. Another 30% say smartphones don't affect teens' success in school.

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72% of U.S. high school teachers say cellphone distraction is a major problem in the classroom

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Some 72% of high school teachers say that students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom.

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This balanced article discusses compromise solutions, like designated phone times or phone zones in schools. Great for showing you understand both sides of the argument!

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Banning Cell Phones in Schools Isn’t the Answer; Here Are Better Options

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My reaction: Would that it were that simple. Yes, students are struggling in schools and with mental wellness. Banning cell phones and eradicating social media isn’t the answer. We want students to…

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Here's a thought-provoking infographic about finding the right balance with technology in schools. It shows both benefits and drawbacks - perfect for a well-rounded argument!

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Here's an interesting piece about how constant phone access might affect face-to-face social skills. Perfect for discussing the importance of real-world interactions!

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Student Handbook: The Pilot / Impact of Cell Phones on Students and the Classroom

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Rationale and Research
The implementation of new, school-wide guidelines and expectations for cell phone usage at ETHS aims to address various concerns identified by the Cell Phone Working Group, including: Issue Impact Distraction Students using cell phones during class can be easily distracted, diverting their attention away from the lesson, teacher, or educational materials. Reduced focus and engagement in the learning process, potentially leading to lower academic performance. Loss of Learning Time Teachers spend instructional time dealing with cell phone-related disruptions. Frequent disruptions to classroom instruction and a loss of valuable instructional time. Academic Integrity Students may use their phones to cheat on exams, quizzes, or assignments, compromising the integrity of assessments. Undermines fair evaluation, academic dishonesty, and hinders the development of critical thinking skills Cyberbullying Cell phones can be a platform for cyberbullying, with students using social media or messaging apps to harass or intimidate their peers. Negative emotional and psychological effects on students, and a need for intervention. Privacy Concerns Recording or taking unauthorized photos of classmates, teachers, or classroom activities can raise privacy concerns. Violation of privacy, potential for misuse of recorded content, and discomfort among students and teachers. Safety Concerns Student cell phone usage in vocational classes may compromise their safety or the safety of their peers. Increased risk of accidents, injuries, or mishandling of materials or machinery. Harm to Teacher-Student Relationships Enforcement of cell phone policies by teachers can strain relationships with students and create an adversarial atmosphere. Reduced opportunities for mentorship, guidance, and a less supportive learning environment. Social Isolation Excessive use of cell phones during social situations, including classroom discussions, may hinder face-to-face interaction and communication skills. Impaired social skills, reduced ability to engage in meaningful conversations, reduced social interaction, and potential for increased social isolation. Health & Mental Health Concerns Excessive cell phone use can contribute to physical and mental health issues which affect a student’s overall wellbeing. Increased risk for various health concerns, such as anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased stress. Suggested Reading and Listening
This curated list contains articles, podcasts, and other resources that discuss the negative impact of cell phones on students in academic settings. By engaging these resources, staff can gain insights into the potential drawbacks of unrestricted cell phone access at school and make informed decisions about implementing practices to address these challenges. How Strengthening Enforcement of Cell Phone Policies Benefits Students The Negative Impact of Cell Phones on Student Achievement The Harmful Impact of Cell Phones on Student Mental Health How Cellphones Affect Students’ Communication Skills

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This fascinating video shows a study comparing test scores between students who had phones in class versus those who didn't. The results might surprise you!

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The Impact of Cell Phone Use in School (CESE)

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Check this out! Some schools have found creative compromises, like phone pouches or designated phone-use times. Here's how different districts balance the pros and cons.

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A Cell Phone Policy that Actually WORKS! — Mud and Ink Teaching

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Every school and every teacher has a different philosophy with student cell phones, but with classroom management as a whole.  Whether you are on the FORBIDDEN end of the spectrum or on the “do what you want, it’s your grade” end, I just might have a solution that will help in your classroo

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Listen up, everyone! This engaging panel discussion features teachers, administrators, parents, and students sharing their experiences with different phone policies.

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MOMCAST with Emma Jade | The debate about cell phones in schools