From the invention of paper and the creation of the typewriter to modern-day marvels, technology has always had its flaws and drawbacks. A question that plagues the minds of students and staff is how to best educate students who have unlimited knowledge directly at their fingertips. Teachers agree that technology, such as computers and cell phones, are great resources to have available. However, many issues arise when technology is taken advantage of. Though teachers want to give students the freedom to use their phones, it can be difficult to do so when a large number of students use them to cheat on both classwork and tests, or simply misuse technology.

There are plenty of uses for technology in the classroom. Aside from the standard schoolwork, some teachers have students use phones for activities. They may be required to take pictures, scan QR codes, record videos and audio or even use Slack, an app that allows students to directly messages their teachers and classmates, as a means of communication. Some teachers allow students to use their phones for recreational purposes during downtime in class if they finish assignments early. The inappropriate use of phones leaves teachers with two options; take all phones and punish every student, or let students keep their phones at an increased risk of cheating.

 When students abuse their privilege of technology it forces teachers to take them away making the classroom a more dull and more paper-based environment that few students enjoy. 

This puts the power into the hands of the students. In order to gain increased phone usage and privileges in class, they must become more trustworthy and reliable as well as overall become better decision-makers. Students can easily become frustrated with one another. One student’s poor decision-making can cause an entire class to lose privileges and miss out on enjoyable activities.

Many teachers are out of options when trying to control cheating and plagiarizing. Before students complain about not being able to use phones in their classes, they need to take a second to reflect on the actions of their peers and themselves. Before simply googling answers, students should try asking for help. They can ask both the teacher and a classmate for clarification. There is also designated tutoring time for students to get help when they need it.

In order to make classrooms as enjoyable as possible while also maximizing student learning and growth, staff and students need to work together in order to use technology as a means of enrichment and not as a distraction or a means of cheating. The only way for students to get the result they desire is to hold both themselves and their friends accountable for their choices, as well as not let themselves be put into a position where they need to cheat. Students have to focus on keeping track of all assignments and getting help where it is needed in order to put their classmates and themselves in the best position for their future.