Advantages

One of the advantages of allowing cell phones into a classroom was never more evident till soon after the shooting at Columbine High School on April 20th 1999. The first phone calls to 911 came from students in the school using their cell phones (St. Gerard, 2006, p.44). This leads to perhaps one of the main arguments parents have allowing cell phone use in schools. Cell phones are the best way and sometimes the only way to reach students especially older children (Fischman, 2007, para 12). Parents want the ability to contact their children and have children reach their parents and 911 in the case of an emergency (Honawar, 2008, p. 33). In addition to emergency situations, busy parents enjoy the convenience of being notified and notifying children of family schedules (St. Gerard, 2006, p. 44) after school clubs, and detentions instead of leaving messages with a school secretary (NEA Today, 2001, p. 11).
Camera capabilities can have a positive impact on students and their school work. With cameras and video tools on cell phones students can capture pictures or record school notes if on a school field trip or in class. These videos and pictures can be used to enhance school assignments and learning potential (Obringer, 2007, p. 41).