This was exactly my thought. Every student with access to a smartphone has almost the entirety of human knowledge in their pocket. Yet our education system is still using printed books and standardized tests written by for profit corporations. US students spend more time taking standardized tests than they do actually learning subjects and engaging with their teachers.

Our entire education system, like many current systems in place in our society, are antiquated and in dire need to be reimagined/redesigned for the 21st century. Trying to make school more about babysitting and less about education is not the way to go.

I agree completely.

We are already in an age where much menial work can be automated and AI seems to be well on the way to automating a lot of menial information work too. We need to focus on creating a growth mindset and a sense of wonder and curiosity that will serve the children whatever the future may hold - not just creating a holding pen so their parents can go to work.

I’m of the opinion that if something is distracting a student, they shouldn’t use it in class (without a very good reason). Which means if a student brings their phone into class, they better make sure it won’t distract them. If they play with it when they shouldn’t be or it rings, by all means, punish them just like you would punish talking in class.

But stuff like using it right up until the teacher actually starts teaching? That’s not a problem. Or if it rings for a legit emergency (do not disturb mode can allow this), that’s totally fine. If some assignment actually benefits from a phone, great! If you finished an assignment early, go ahead and use it so long as you aren’t disruptive.