Eton College introduces restrictions on smartphone use, replacing them with simple Nokia feature phones , following the global trend to minimize distractions in the educational process.
Smartphones in schools
New rules at Eton
Curious if students will now have to learn to type using the T9 system?
The famous Eton College, which educated such outstanding personalities as Princes William and Harry, writer Ian Fleming and actor Tom Hiddleston, has decided to radically change its policy on the use of mobile devices among students. Starting in the fall, freshmen will be required to leave their modern gadgets at home, replacing them with simple Nokia push-button phones.
Reasons for Innovation
Eton's move is based on recommendations of the British government, giving educational leaders the right to introduce a ban on the use of smartphones during classes. Students will be allowed to transfer their SIM cards to simple mobile devices whose functionality is limited to making calls and sending text messages. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the number of distractions and increase students' concentration on the learning process.
Global trend
The trend to limit the use of smartphones in educational institutions is gaining popularity not only in the UK, but also in the United States . According to Govspend, at least one school district in 41 states has implemented a policy requiring students to keep their smartphones in lockable Yondr cases throughout the school day.
In Los Angeles, a school district passed a blanket ban on student phone use, prompting California Gov. Gavin Newsom to advocate for implementation similar law at the statewide level. In New York, public schools Chancellor David Banks is planning a phone ban in the near future, and Gov. Kathy Hochul is working on bills that would allow students to carry only phones without internet access.
The situation in Ukraine
While the UK is tightening rules on the use of smartphones in schools, the opposite trend is observed in Ukraine. The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine announced the start of beta testing of the educational application "Mriya". According to representatives of the department, Mriya will provide schoolchildren with the opportunity to study using modern methods, will help parents better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their children, and will help teachers concentrate on the development of students and their own professional growth.
Glossary
- Eton College is a prestigious private educational institution in the UK, famous for its outstanding graduates
- Nokia - Finnish company, manufacturer of telecommunications equipment and mobile phones
- T9 - predictive text input system for mobile phones with digital keyboard
- Yondr - a company that produces special cases for blocking access to mobile devices
- Mriya - an educational application developed by the Ministry of Digital transformation of Ukraine
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Answers to questions
What changes is Eton College making regarding smartphone use?
How are other countries reacting to the problem of using smartphones in schools?
What position does Ukraine take regarding the use of smartphones in education?
What benefits are expected from the implementation of the Mriya application in Ukrainian schools?
Which famous people are graduates of Eton College?
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Discussion of the topic – Eton College is replacing smartphones with Nokia push-buttons: going back to basics
Prestigious Eton College has banned first-year students from using smartphones and given them Nokia feature phones instead, in a move back to simpler technology in an attempt to improve students' concentration.
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Isabella
Interesting initiative from Eton! Maybe this will help students be less distracted and learn better. Although, of course, it will be unusual without the Internet 🤔
Hans
Isabella, I agree, this could be useful. But I don’t think a complete ban is the best solution. Maybe we should teach children how to use technology correctly? 🤷♂️
Francois
Guys, what about the fact that children will not be able to quickly contact their parents if something happens? I am for a balance between safety and concentration on studies 🧐
Sofia
Francois, good question! But they will still be able to call and write SMS. Just without access to social networks and games. I think this is a reasonable compromise 📱✉️
Grzegorz
Ha, these kids these days don't even know what T9 is! Maybe it will teach them to appreciate simple things. I remember how we used to communicate without any frills, and nothing, we lived somehow 👴
Isabella
Grzegorz, you're right, but times are changing. I wonder how this will affect their communication and learning. Maybe they'll even start talking more in person? 😄
Olena
But in Ukraine, on the contrary, they are introducing the educational application Mriya. I wonder which approach will be more effective? 🇺🇦📚
Hans
Olena, this is a great example of how technology can help in education! Maybe the golden mean is to use smartphones for study, but limit entertainment? 🤓📱