Cell Phones in the Classroom

I was recently observing at a school where one teacher was scolded for allowing a student to have their cellphone out during class.  The teacher understood the complaint but was frustrated at the reprimand, as just weeks prior, the administration encouraged teachers to use more technology in the classroom, including allowing students to use their cellphones.

So goes the issue of cell phone use in the classroom.  On one hand it is another way to make school more dynamic for students.  On the other, it is an added to distraction for our students.  To me, there is no wrong or right answer as to whether or not students should be allowed to have their cell phone in the classroom.  I think it depends on the school, the students, and your style as a teacher.

I will allow students to keep their cell phones on in the classroom, but require them to put it away during class.  Based on my anecdotal experience, it is not too challenging to determine when that rule is being broken and if a student is using their cell phone during class, it will be taken away (assuming that school rules allow this of course).  At the same time, I do not think you want to completely restrict cell phones from the classroom because there are ways to utilize them as an education tool.  Often that comes with something as simple as looking up the answer to a question online, but more advanced methods can be used such as conducted an poll online where students can text in their answers via a website, polleverywhere.com.