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EdSurge Podcast

How Are School Smartphone Bans Going?

Oct 21, 2024
Join Jenny Guimant, a math teacher from Indianapolis, Angela Fleck, a sixth-grade social studies teacher in Spokane, and Adam Swinyard, Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools, as they dive into the complexities of smartphone bans in schools. They share real classroom experiences, highlighting the improvements in student engagement and social interactions. The discussion also touches on the challenges teachers face with policy enforcement, the shift towards alternative technology for learning, and how to promote extracurricular activities as a healthy distraction from screens.
37:40

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The implementation of smartphone bans in classrooms has led to increased student engagement and a more focused learning environment.
  • Teachers are adapting their management strategies to facilitate better in-person communication and reduce the negative social impacts of social media.

Deep dives

Impact of Smartphone Distractions in Classrooms

Smartphones have become a significant source of distraction in classrooms, where students often focus more on their devices than on lessons. Teachers report that students engage in activities like scrolling social media, taking selfies, or watching videos instead of participating in class. This distraction not only hampers learning but also contributes to a chaotic classroom environment, making it difficult for teachers to maintain attention. The teachers described feelings of frustration as their efforts to teach were continuously interrupted by students' preoccupation with their phones.

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