Cellphones Belong in Classrooms “?”

According to an article in the New York Times education section, “smart phones belong in the classroom.” Apparently these cell phones can help students improve on their math skills, and their overall technological awareness. My question is, however, do kids these days really need to improve on their technological skills? From my experience, children over the age of 5, spend countless hours playing on computers, cell phones, and video games every single day. 

 As a future teacher, I think that having cell phones in the classroom is just another distraction, one that is hard to prevent. Promoting students usage of cell phones in the classroom may help in a few small ways, however, it is a slippery slope. Soon, student would be using their phones to text message, check facebook, and go online. 

 I am obviously as attached to my phone as everyone else, however I do understand the need for classrooms to be “cell phone free zones.”

 The cell phone companies are saying that cell phones are really just small computers, which now, is really true. However, most elementary/high schools don’t allow students to bring laptops, so why would they allow them to bring in mini laptops, cell phones? 

 I am all for taking advantage of technology, I believe that students should be provided with the highest technology possible, however inside the classroom, I think it is controversial to allow students the use of cell phones. 

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