Observing

During Spring break I had the opportunity to observe a teacher that I had the privilege of having during my own high school career.  In fact she was one of the main reasons that I decided to go into education.  She is just one of those teachers that truly inspires those around her and pushes you to do better than ever thought possible.  My high school recently instated a policy that allows students to have their cell phones out during class in order to look things up that are pertinent to the class.  This was rarely the case.  Some of the students were extremely disrespectful and would blatantly text during class discussion or lecture; this really bothered me.  I asked the teacher that I observed along with another member of the English department what they thought of the new rule and they both disliked it.  They have observed that especially in the lower preforming classes that the students when they don't understand something they resort to playing on their phone instead of actively trying to learn.  In lowest the level of the classes I observed she had made her own rule going against the administrations policy and forcing students to put their phones away.  This is an instance where technology in the classroom is harmful is disruptive.