With the continuing advancement of technology, the debate on cell phone and WiFi usage in class is a hot topic throughout schools.

At Mayfield High School, teachers and administrators are attempting to identify whether or not cell phone use is proper at this time. The current cell phone policy allows for use in the hallways and during lunch and study hall, but must be put away during class time, unless directed otherwise.

Principal Jeffrey Legan explained how the IT Department has completed the infrastructure for Wi-Fi throughout the school, in which students would be able to connect and ultimately use technology.  One can expect that the cell phone policy will see a change as they can now be connected to internet throughout the school day.

Legan said, “The policy will definitely change. Our IT Department has finished the infrastructure within our school building for Wi-Fi capacity. Now, the Board of Education is developing a policy for the technology. Unfortunately, there are some sites we cannot use, such as Gmail, but it’s for the protections that currently aren’t in place.”

With technology can come negatives.  Eric Frei, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Grades 9-10, discussed that if Wi-Fi isn’t place then it would be hard to see cell phones being used consistently.

Frei said, “Kids can’t access the network because we don’t have the bandwidth for them to access Wi-Fi. Most students wouldn’t be able to use their phones due to data purposes. Unless every student could have usage, it’s hard to see them being used for classroom purposes consistently.”

Legan took a different approach to the negatives of technology, as he went in depth on how it could affect students on a more personal level, and the conflicts they could potentially encounter with other students.

He said, “There is lots of drama on social media and texting. Kids may be posting something on Instagram and Twitter that could be harmful to other students. In addition, these students may be missing important information in class.”

Currently in her twenty-fifth year teaching, science teacher Polly Canfield shared her opinion of cell phone usage throughout the school.

Canfield said, “I don’t think cell phone usage in class is necessary. One, not everyone has a phone. Two, I think it would be a big distraction to students because it is hard not to check a phone when you know you just received a text from someone.”

Mayfield teacher Michael Reinhard, currently in his second year teaching, said, “There’s a time and place for cell phone usage; it depends on the situation. Obviously in class I don’t think there’s a place for it, but it depends. For some reasons, such as calling a parent, it’s appropriate. But using phones for gaming and other apps during class isn’t necessary.”