Cell Phones Disrupt Nation's Classrooms -- Safety Minded Schools Seek Communications Alternative

Across the country, school districts are choosing to forbid students from using their cell phones during class time in order to minimize class disruptions. Without wired telephones or student cell phones as an option, parents are nervous about their children being out of reach, especially in emergency situations. However, according to Ben Guderian of SpectraLink, the leading manufacturer of K-12 on-campus wireless telephone systems, there is an attractive alternative.




Districts across the nation are providing their teachers with a campus- only wireless telephone that integrates directly with their school's telephone system. This option solves the need for improved communication without disrupting the classroom environment, doesn't incur any airtime charges, and puts the teachers and administrators in control of campus communication rather than losing control to students.



"Some believe that cell phones can provide an extra level of safety for students in an emergency, but this hasn't proven to be the case," said Mr. Guderian. "According to a recent survey by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), 70% of school security professionals believe that student use of cell phones in schools would detract from school safety in a crisis."

During a crisis, authorities need to have a primary point of contact that can be a reliable source of information. If multiple students are trying to reach appropriate authorities via their personal cell phones, emergency service numbers could be overrun. In addition, conflicting and confusing information from several sources could slow authorities.

On-campus wireless telephones, on the other hand, remain in the control of the teacher, ensuring that communications are streamlined and effective. While cell phone networks can be overrun and jammed during times of heavy use, on-campus wireless telephones operate over a school's existing phone system and can handle the burden of simultaneous call volume. Additionally, since these wireless telephones are integrated with the school's existing telephone system, teachers have access to features such as voicemail, call transferring, and three-way conferencing -- options that would not be available to them when using a cell phone.

"With an on-campus wireless telephone, teachers and administrators are always in touch no matter where they are on the school grounds," said Mr. Guderian. "While cell phones often have poor coverage in areas such as classrooms, cafeterias, and stairwells, on-campus wireless telephones ensure that there is 100% communication coverage."

In addition to concerns over crisis situations, the idea of cell phones in schools raises issues with their effect on the learning environment. Once a cell phone rings and is answered, the student's focus on the classroom discussion is lost. The attention in the classroom goes to the person on the phone, even if the phone is hung up immediately.

Another organization that opposes allowing students to carry cell phones is National School Safety and Security Services (NSSSS), a consulting firm that focuses on school safety and crisis preparedness. "The potential abuses and disruption outweigh the advantages," according to a statement by the NSSSS. "From an educational perspective, cell phones primarily present another disruption to the educational environment on a day-to-day basis."

The use of on-campus wireless telephones by teachers and administrators offers school districts a controlled solution to school communication issues. When each teacher has an on-campus wireless telephone, communication is controlled by an adult and used only when needed. Additionally, on-campus wireless telephones do not disturb the learning environment because vibration modes and text messaging can ensure that teachers don't have to interrupt the learning process to take non-critical calls. Teachers may also allow students to make or receive important calls, but by directly controlling the means of communication, they can ensure that students spend their time learning, creating an overall more effective and productive learning environment.

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