The Toronto District School Board banned students using cellphones and PDA’s in class in 2007 but today have come to their senses and lifted the ban. It was first thought these devices would be a disturbance but starting this September it’ll be seen as a valuable tool “to enhance student learning and support curriculum delivery”. Outside the classroom students will be able to do what they want with their devices, but inside the classroom it’ll be up to the “individual teachers to determine the use of personal electronic devices”.
“Trustees approved a motion clarifying the appropriate in-school use of PDAs, smart phones and similar electronic devices by students, recognizing the evolving nature of such technology, its value as a tool to enhance student learning and support curriculum delivery, as well as the growing role it plays in social communication. TDSB policies and procedures will be amended to allow individual teachers to determine the use of personal electronic devices during classroom teaching and learning. Their use by students outside the classroom will be permitted provided it does not distract from student learning or school activities. The changes will be implemented effective September 2011.”
School just got a bit better… Angry Birds all day now!
