The provincial government of Ontario recently announced that a cellphone ban would take effect in public high school classrooms, across the province, in the 2019-2020 school year.
The debate surrounding cellphone use in classrooms has been around since the creation of cellphones. Some argue that smartphones are a helpful learning tool for students, while others believe cellphones distract and hinder the overall quality of learning students receive while in school.
On one hand, this ban could have positive effects, if implemented correctly, such as through reducing distractions in school. However, several logistical issues need to be addressed alongside the implementation of this ban.
One of the main questions that comes to mind is how students will adjust to the technology-filled environment of post-secondary education, after being deprived of technological resources for a portion of their education?
It is unclear whether laptops and other electronic devices will also be prohibited as part of the ban, but, since laptops can also serve as a classroom distraction, this assumption is not unrealistic.
If schools are going to ban all personal devices, how would Ontario school boards deal with the large number of students needing computers? Most high schools do not have copious amounts of devices lying around for students to borrow for permitted in-class use.
Upon entering my first university class here at Carleton, it became increasingly apparent to me that modern technology—like smartphones and laptops—are an instrumental part of the typical lecture.
A study carried out by researchers at York University in 2011 showed that more than 90 per cent of post-secondary students owned laptops.
If students do not gain experience with using technology responsibly in the classroom at the high school level, post-secondary class time could pose a need for a fair amount of adjustment.
Another question that came to mind was the pressure this ban would exert on high school teachers. Are teachers now going to serve as classroom police officers, constantly patrolling and making sure no students are using their cellphones in class?
If a student is caught using a cellphone during class, is it the teacher’s responsibility to confiscate their device, and to chase down students at the end of the day to give them back their electronics?
It was mentioned in this announcement that exceptions will be made for students with special needs. However, it is unclear whether students with special needs would be allowed to use this technology as a learning resource or just in case of an emergency.
Also, it is unclear what conditions would make a student count as having special needs. Would students with learning disabilities fall into this category?
In Ontario, many students have what is called an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which allows eligible students to receive extra time to complete exams, receive help with homework and use laptops or other devices when required. How will a cellphone ban affect students with IEPs and IEP programs in general?
In a highly-technologized world, to just put a blanket ban over what has become instrumental to students’ learning is a step backwards—there needs to be more clarity soon.
Lisa Thompson, Ontario minister of education, said a formal announcement on this cellphone ban will be made soon, and logistics will be addressed to prepare for the ban to take effect in the upcoming school year.
Hopefully, this plan will address some of the concerns which myself and others have pertaining to the ban.
Otherwise, it will be one heck of a tumultuous year for Ontario teachers and students.
