Téléphones cellulaires : quelle est la place du numérique en classe ?

Summary

The script discusses a new regulation in Manitoba schools banning the use of cell phones during class time, with some exceptions for high school students. Professor Florent Michelot highlights the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the need to question the necessity of cell phones in schools. While acknowledging the potential for technology to engage students, he stresses that the responsibility for managing technology should not fall solely on families. The conversation delves into the broader issue of integrating technology into education and whether it's truly beneficial in the long run.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Manitoba school division has implemented a new policy banning cell phones in schools, affecting all educational divisions across the province.
• 😀 The Franco-Manitobaine School Division had already introduced this ban last year, setting a precedent for other divisions.
• 😀 The provincial Minister of Education is now enforcing a restriction on cell phone use for students from kindergarten to eighth grade during class hours.
• 😀 High school students (grades 9-12) are allowed to use their phones only during lunch and breaks.
• 😀 The discussion on whether or not children need phones is complex, with varying opinions on their necessity in school settings.
• 😀 Teachers and education experts, like Professor Florent Michelot, suggest that the question should focus on whether phones are necessary specifically in the classroom.
• 😀 Research has shown that introducing new technologies can initially boost student motivation and engagement, though the effects might wear off over time.
• 😀 The impact of technology in education is not fully understood, as there is a lack of long-term studies exploring its effects over multiple years.
• 😀 A central issue raised is the responsibility of the community, taxpayers, and families in integrating technology into schools, questioning whether it should be a shared responsibility or primarily a family one.
• 😀 Some argue that the integration of technology into schools has been organic, with little oversight, leading to issues like students spending their entire break using phones without complaint.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, it’s suggested that schools can operate without the pervasive use of mobile phones, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of when and why technology should be used in education.

Q & A

What is the recent policy regarding cell phones in Manitoba schools?

The new policy prohibits the use of cell phones in all Manitoba schools, with exceptions for students in grades 9 to 12, who can use their phones during lunch and breaks.

Why did the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine implement this policy last year?

The Division scolaire franco-manitobaine was proactive in setting the tone for the cell phone policy, aiming to limit distractions and improve the learning environment.

What does Florent Michelot, an education professor, think about the necessity of cell phones for children in schools?

Florent Michelot acknowledges the complexity of the situation, stating that the need for a cell phone in school depends on the specific context, especially within the classroom.

Does Florent Michelot believe cell phones have any positive impact on students' learning?

Michelot notes that the introduction of new technologies, like cell phones, can initially increase motivation and engagement, but this effect may diminish over time.

What does Michelot suggest about the long-term effects of technology in schools?

He points out that while short-term effects like increased engagement can be observed, long-term studies on the integration of technology in education are scarce and difficult to conduct.

What is the main issue with the community's approach to cell phones in schools, according to Michelot?

Michelot criticizes the tendency to place the responsibility on families and individuals to manage technology in schools, rather than addressing it as a collective responsibility of society.

What does Michelot say about the natural adoption of technology in schools?

He explains that technology has been introduced into schools organically, with little regulation, leading to students spending significant time on their devices during breaks without much complaint.

Does Florent Michelot believe students can learn effectively without cell phones?

Yes, Michelot believes that students can still learn effectively without cell phones, and suggests that technology should be integrated carefully, only when it serves a specific purpose.

What approach does Michelot recommend for integrating technology into the classroom?

Michelot recommends a more thoughtful approach, where the use of technology is carefully considered for its educational value, rather than being used indiscriminately.

How does Michelot suggest addressing the challenges posed by everyday digital technology?

He suggests that to solve the problems related to digital technology in everyday life, there needs to be a focused effort on understanding how and when to use it in educational contexts, ensuring its effectiveness.