A need for revision

The Department of Education (DepEd) continuously reminds parents and teachers

on the responsible use of phone inside the schools especially in the classrooms,
during class hours.
However, while distraction may hinder learning, technology doesn’t always have to
lead to distraction.

As stated, DepEd Order 83 series of 2003 prohibits students in both elementary and
secondary schools from using cellphones during classes.

Teachers of Mamplasan NHS were alarmed with the number of students’ records in
the guidance office who were caught using their mobile phones during class hours
without the teacher’s permission, worse is that some have taken live videos while
the teacher is discussing.

In a survey conducted among random grades 7-10 students of Mamplasan NHS on

the use of gadgets inside the classroom, 60% agreed to allow the use of mobile
phones as it helps them understand the lesson better, 20 % disagreed and 10%
says it depends on the situation.
The guidance coordinator of the school urges teachers and parents to “devise ways
to educate students on the responsible use of cellphones to prevent them from
engaging in misguided and immoral activities.”

The striking thing about many computer games is that while they often involve
quite monotonous tasks, they still prove incredibly addictive.

While the intentions of the department are good, it is simply outdated. The year it
was released and even its title -- “Prohibiting Students of Elementary and
Secondary Schools from Using Cellular Phones and Pagers During Class Hours” --
call for the immediate updating of the rule.

With the fast changing technology, schools are coming up with their own respective
rules on mobile devices limiting students from using it during class hours.

Many teachers have started incorporating the use of technology in their lessons,
especially when it comes to personalized learning. For example, if there is a student
that is struggling with a math problem, there might be a calculation game on the
iPad that could help them understand faster.

There is a possibility that when you visit some schools, their policies on mobile
devices may vary depending on how they perceive things.