Case Analysis: Before getting into the specifics of what to do to solve this case, let’s take another look at the dilemma. Mr. Smith, our Western High School history teacher, has a student, Amanda, who is using their internet-connected device for a purpose other than classwork and note-taking. This issue was brought to his attention by another student, Jimmy, who claims to be distracted by Amanda’s improper use of technology. Amanda’s use of her laptop in class makes it a tool for distraction, not a tool for learning. However, without the solid proof of her misuse of technology, Mr. Smith is currently unable to handle the situation and give Jimmy any sort of consolation. If we take another look at the policy, we know that the school allows students to bring their own devices or borrow one from the school. Teachers have the choice on whether or not to make use of the policy, but Mr. Smith seemed eager and very willing to participate. The problem is that no one student can be singled out and refused the right to use technology, for reasons such as equal educational opportunities. So we know that Mr. Smith is unable to confront Amanda and tell her that she, alone, is no longer allowed to use technology. That would be against the school’s new rule. There are a few options that can …show more content…
Smith’s ending scenario of banning laptops for all students in the classroom. First of all, some kind of personal connection is lost when students are focusing on their screens and trying to type everything the teacher says (Gross, 2014). “Class is supposed to be a conversation, not an exercise in dictation” (2014). The classroom can be a place to share ideas and listen to one another. However, researchers are seeing a trend in the decline of intellectual students who actually speak with each other and laptops are the issue. If this happens to be the case, then use of laptops in the classroom would definitely cause more harm to Mr. Smith’s class than