Principals Want Students to Have Mobile Phones in Schools
Indimuli Kahi, the chairperson of the Secondary School Principals Association, has sparked a controversial debate about allowing students to have access to mobile phones in schools.
Kahi believes that the changing trends in the digital economy necessitate a rethinking of policies on the use of mobile phones in schools. He argues that technology is the way forward and that it should apply to education as well.
Speaking at an event where the Female Teachers Association launched digital products for members, Kahi explained that during the Covid-19 pandemic, most classes were taken online, and students logged in using their own or their parents’ laptops and mobile phones.
However, when schools reopened, phones were banned. Kahi believes that the Ministry of Education should introduce gadgets that have guarded sites, allowing students to access only educational sites and approved content.
This, he says, will ensure that learning continues even during educational shocks that may necessitate school closures. Kahi acknowledges that access to phones should be well-guarded by teachers, but he believes that denying students access to mobile phones is not the solution.
Kahi’s argument is grounded in the reality of the digital economy, where technology is increasingly becoming an essential aspect of life. Students today are more tech-savvy than ever before, and denying them access to mobile phones may hinder their ability to learn and adapt to the changing technological landscape. By allowing students access to mobile phones, schools can leverage technology to enhance the learning experience and provide a more dynamic and interactive education.
However, Kahi’s argument is not without its challenges. Some argue that allowing students to have mobile phones in schools may distract them from learning and encourage bad behavior, such as cyberbullying and cheating.
Moreover, ensuring that students only access educational content on their phones may be difficult, as there are countless distractions and potential dangers online.
Despite these challenges, Kahi’s proposal is a step towards recognizing the changing needs of students in the digital age.
While ensuring that students use mobile phones responsibly in schools will require careful planning and implementation, it is a step towards leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for the digital future.
Principals Want Students to Have Mobile Phones in Schools