In the essay Michael Bugeja essay he points out how the use of modern technology is affecting students. Online communities and the use of cell phones and Ipods are disturbing today’s college students according to
1 Should cell phones be allowed in school? Cell phones have been argued to improve academics and education, but they introduce and create more problems as well. Students can abuse the allowance of cell phones, as they have done before, such instances in bullying, bomb threats, and use of features distracting to learning. They may also even utilize cell phones for cheating, an already large problem in academics. Cellphones have many capabilities which cannot be controlled, and not all students may be able to afford a cell phone.
Cell phone usage and texting while driving is growing tremendously in the United States. When it comes to driving, we have to be very careful because not only can we harm our lives but others as well. Texting has become a new rave to teenagers. Every time a teenager has a bit of free time, they start texting to find out about the latest gossip. This includes when driving as well.
One problem the internet caused stated in the documentary is, it is very hard for parents and authorities to regulate what kids do on the computer. Since the internet is so easy to access via new technologies, authoritative figures just cannot be present with the kids all the time. Another issue the internet has caused reported by the documentary is by it being so addictive, it has taken time away from studying, school work and activities such as reading. This is a problem because education is almost a must in today’s society. However, the documentary fails to acknowledge how the internet has helped kids by providing ways to find answers and acquire research and knowledge.
School systems nowadays do not want their students using mobile devices, such as the iPad, in the classroom in fear of them cheating or being too distracted to want to learn. Another reason for keeping iPads out of the classroom is the costly price of them. According to Hedge, “Tablets can be prohibitively expensive for graduate students. Some schools may provide a tech budget for students” (50). Many college students do not have extra money lying around to pay for luxury items such as an iPad or tablet.
It also shows how other competitors try to compete in price and coverage of phones to make a sell and other services, which they are in competition with. Threat to Verizon is their competitors and the services, which they might provide. Another threat to Verizon is satellite must cellphones companies are offering great satellite with the company providers. They are trying to beat the local cable companies in their price and shows, which they may obtain on TV. Opportunities with Verizon are people, which are in school and have a second job they would work around their schedule.
Sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have become the place to go on the Internet. It does not take a scientist to know that generally a college student devotes more time to social networking sites than research. College students spend ridiculous amounts of time checking up on other people’s lives than focusing on more important things like studying and research. Missing friends from home is difficult, especially for a college freshman who is going through the culture shock of living away from home. However, college students need to understand that using social networking sites religiously is not just an issue about the amount of time devoted towards schoolwork, but that it can literally change how they think.
In the essay, Turkle explains that the internet and BlackBerry phones are absorbing all of our time and attention. She says these media devices reduce our natural ability to form relationships and be social with one another. When people are together, they now divide their attention between the person they are with and their Blackberry or mobile device.Turkle stresses that the growing trend of constantly carrying a cell phone can have a negative impact on children. They no longer have to experience being completely alone or finding their way because parents are on speed dial to help them in an instant. The reading Me Against the Media, by Naomi Rockler-Gladen, addresses the issue of naturalized consumerism.
The blaring ring tones and rippling vibrations make both teaching and learning difficult. Teachers try to prevent students from texting under desks and behind books, because students tend to pay more attention to their cell phones than lessons. However, people should also realize that a cell phone can be the next thing that can save life. Schools keep an outward appearance of being a safe environment, but you never know when student’s lives can be endangered by other kids or adults. Phones can always be turned off to prevent distractions.
The outcome of such actions may not turn to their favor, it may cause complications in the cases of their grades. Which brings us to the topic of cellular phones, technology as we know it has grown to be apart of our daily lives, but this particular device is of great significance for students and not always in a good way, take Professor Dianna Van Blerkom word. In class, I ask my students to turn off their cellphones. Some do; some turn them to mute. Like most instructors, I don’t want ringing cellphones to interrupt the class.