The Wireless School Debate
Theme: Discovery
Grade: 7-9
Introduction
Wireless technologies have changed the way we work, teach, learn, communicate and exist in society. This activity will provide you with the opportunity to research the pros and cons of wireless technologies in order to defend your position to allow or ban wireless technologies in your own school.
Photo: PDphoto.org
Task
Your School Governing Body is considering a ban on all wireless electronics in your school. Members have received complaints that wireless products like cell phones and laptop computers distract learners in class. If wireless devices are banned, learners and teachers could not use cell phones at school. Laptop computers and wireless internet access wouldn’t be allowed even for educational purposes.
The Governing Body wants to hear from the public about this issue. Then they will vote on whether or not to approve the ban. You must take a stand and prepare a presentation for the School Governing Body to tell them what you think about the proposal to ban wireless devices.
To decide how to begin your research, answer the following questions:
1. What issues will you examine in your presentation to the Governing Body?
2. What type of research will you do as a team to support your beliefs?
3. How will banning or allowing wireless technologies affect learners and staff in your school?
4. How could wireless technologies assist learning and teaching in your school?
5. How could wireless technologies be misused in your school?
6. Is it fair to allow wireless technologies in schools if not everyone has access to them, or can afford them?
Your group will find information about wireless technologies to help you decide your position. Then you will create a PowerPoint presentation that explains the pros and cons of wireless technologies in schools to make your position clear to the Governing Body.
Process
For this assignment, you will work in teams of four and you will divide your task into roles as follows (click on each role for more information):
- Cellular Consultant
- Information Technology Manager
- School Student Council Representative
- Governing Body Representative
Resources (websites)
PowerPoint pointers
Information organiser
Conclusion
In this project you will have learnt to consider all sides of an issue - by balancing the viewpoints of consultants and managers as well as the more biased interest groups such as students and Governing Bodies. While synthesizing this information and developing your own informed viewpoint you will also have learnt something about emerging technologies and how these technologies can enhance your learning experience at school.
