As soon as the bell rings to change classes, Henrico County students do the one thing they have been dying to do for the past hour-and-a-half: check their cell phones.
A new technology policy limits cell phone use to non-instructional time, which is a beneficial change for students and teachers.
According to a survey of 100 students, 98 percent regularly bring their phones with them to school. Throughout the day, students want to check their phones to keep up-to-date with “the outside world.” The technology policy allows students to check their phone during class transitions or lunch without teachers or administrators confiscating their electronic devices.
The policy helps students prepare for life in the work force. At a job, employees do not use their cell phones in the middle of a meeting. They wait until they are dismissed from it. Even though they cannot use their phones during the meeting, they are allowed to bring their cell phones and electronics to work. The technology policy allows students to have cell phones with them, but it doesn’t allow them to use them during the class period. Students can think of class time like an important meeting.
It is true that some students will continue to use their cell phones during instructional time; however, teachers may be quicker to confiscate cell phones used during class since the policy permits their use at other times. The punishment for having a cell phone out during class is confiscation for 24 hours with pick-up from the office the next day by a parent or guardian.
Andy Jenks, the Director of Communications and Public Relations for Henrico County Public Schools, said the new policy is more flexible and beneficial for both students and staff working and learning in Henrico County.
Teachers report less cell phone use during classes than in previous years. Many students are adhering to the technology policy. If all students adhere to the policy, they will ensure that cell phone privileges will not be taken away.
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