IPods banned from the Classroom
Much attention has been given to the iPod lately. Since you can store voice messages and text on an iPod, it has been discovered the new gadget is being used by students as a way to cheat on tests and exams. As a result, there has been much emphasis placed on getting these “toys” placed on the “banned” list from public schools. Kids have been imaginative when it comes to finding ways to cheat on tests, and this is not new. Everything from passing notes in class, to writing the answers to questions under the brim of a baseball hat, our kids have been creative, for sure. So it should come as no surprise to learn that kids are beginning to utilize the technology to their advantage these days. Many schools have already banned cell phones, realizing answers could be text messaged to a buddy. Now, we have run across the same scenario with the iPod. An iPod has incredible memory or storage availability on the unit, and classrooms have discovered kids using them to refer to text or voice messages. With an ear bud in the ear, the teacher doesn’t know if they are listening to soothing music, or something to encourage them in their studies. Come to find out, many students are using the technology as a method of deceit. As a result, schools are now looking at ways to ban the device from schools. What do you think?
Reference: Schools to ban iPods
Reference: IPods banned in hopes of curbing cheating!
Reference: IPods contributing to cheating?
May 8th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
As a teacher, this needs to happen. Kids do not need any more distractions anyways. They can have their ipods, cel phones, walkmans, etc., when school is over!
May 9th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Absolutely! I never understood the concept of “studying with music.” Some of the music these kies listen to is far from relaxing, so how can it be possible? I, too, see it as an unneccessary distraction, and we have a hard enough time keeping them on task.