WASHINGTON — Cellphones can be a tool or a distraction in the classroom — and this school year, their use varies in many D.C.-area school systems.
In most school districts, cellphone or tablet use is up to the school.
D.C.
In D.C., the use of electronics in the classroom comes down to school-by-school decisions.
“We have some schools that allow students to have cellphones for limited times during the day — say, over lunch — and schools that have cellphone lockers where students check their phones for the day. We’ve seen positives with both: It’s just what makes sense at that particular school,” said Michelle Lerner, with District of Columbia Public Schools.
For example, at Wilson High School, in Northwest, phones and tablets are permitted in the classroom, and the teacher can post a sign on the classroom door that says whether phones can be used for instruction that day. Otherwise, cellphones are expected to be turned off and stored, and students aren’t permitted to charge their phones in class.
However, at Ballou High School, in Southeast, students are not permitted to have cellphones, iPods, iPads or MP3 players in the building. They can check their electronics at the front door, but can’t have them in the classroom.
Maryland
Most school systems, such as Montgomery County, encourage the use of technology in the classroom, said schools spokesman Derek Turner.
“It’s not just the phone to call home or text. It’s the phone where you can look on the internet and find something for your classwork, or a teacher can take a poll and save the data electronically,” Turner said.
In Prince George’s County schools, cellphones can be used by students during lunch periods.
Virginia
As high school students in Fairfax County head back, the policy allows students to use their cellphones between classes and at lunch.
“FCPS has had a Bring Your Own Device program in place since 2011 that encourages parents to allow their students to bring in personally owned laptops, tablets and smartphones for instructional use in the classroom. The use of personal devices is at the discretion of the classroom teacher,” said school spokesperson John Torre in an email to WTOP.
Prince William County students can have electronics on them, but using them can be prohibited at certain times.
