2008 Woodie Awards
Cellphones: Only a nuisance in the classroom
Ryan Bulfin
Issue date: 3/17/05 Section: Opinions
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Every class is filled with some distraction, whether just looking at the clock and waiting for class to come to an end or people having a conversation. None of these really take away from the class or bother anybody, however there is one distraction that never fails to grab everyone's attention: a cell phone.
Just like almost every other student at Lewis, I have a cell phone. I don't bring it to class though because I don't see the need. I mind people who carry their cell phones with them at all times, but it's a different story when someone leaves it on and it rings in the classroom. It seems that this happens at least once a week. Class is in session, and somebody's cell phone goes off. Suddenly everyone turns around and looks to see who is reaching into their pocket to turn off their phone. Then comes the look of embarrassment or the "sorry." Can't this be avoided?
Classes are early in morning or in the afternoon. What could possibly be so important at that time of the day that you need to have your phone on? Is it really that hard to remember to turn off your phone before you walk into class? Call me rude or a whiner if you want, but I wonder how many students actually think they have a legitimate reason to have their phones on in class. Perhaps I am too old-fashioned, and being courteous is no longer what the cool kids do. Maybe there is another reason why I hear these loud ring tones in class. Are you a therapist who has clients that need to contact you at any time if they are having a problem? Do you have a kid who gets in trouble at school and has to call you? Are you a stockbroker? Do you work for a Counter Terrorist Unit like Jack Bauer on the TV show "24?" I'm certain you have answered no to all those questions. If you're still not convinced that cell phones should be turned off before class, just take a look at the statisitics located above in the bar graph.
As you can clearly see, theese statistics don't support having a cell phone on in class. So when the cell phone goes off, what happens to those rude individuals? (also see bar graph above)
Just like almost every other student at Lewis, I have a cell phone. I don't bring it to class though because I don't see the need. I mind people who carry their cell phones with them at all times, but it's a different story when someone leaves it on and it rings in the classroom. It seems that this happens at least once a week. Class is in session, and somebody's cell phone goes off. Suddenly everyone turns around and looks to see who is reaching into their pocket to turn off their phone. Then comes the look of embarrassment or the "sorry." Can't this be avoided?
Classes are early in morning or in the afternoon. What could possibly be so important at that time of the day that you need to have your phone on? Is it really that hard to remember to turn off your phone before you walk into class? Call me rude or a whiner if you want, but I wonder how many students actually think they have a legitimate reason to have their phones on in class. Perhaps I am too old-fashioned, and being courteous is no longer what the cool kids do. Maybe there is another reason why I hear these loud ring tones in class. Are you a therapist who has clients that need to contact you at any time if they are having a problem? Do you have a kid who gets in trouble at school and has to call you? Are you a stockbroker? Do you work for a Counter Terrorist Unit like Jack Bauer on the TV show "24?" I'm certain you have answered no to all those questions. If you're still not convinced that cell phones should be turned off before class, just take a look at the statisitics located above in the bar graph.
As you can clearly see, theese statistics don't support having a cell phone on in class. So when the cell phone goes off, what happens to those rude individuals? (also see bar graph above)
