More On Cell Phone Bans

More on cell phone bans from David Warlick at the 2 Cents Worth blog. First he references some unenlightened thinking on technology:

Pagers, laser pointers, cell phones, or other electronic devices not part of the instructional program will not be allowed in school.

and a more forward-thinking initiative at

six schools in Brooklyn who have given cell phones to their students — a total of about 2,500. Each phone is preloaded with with 130 minutes of talk time. Students can be rewarded with additional minutes for good behavior, attendance, homework, and test scores.

Teachers are using the phones to send text messages about assignments and upcoming exams. All of this within a school district (New York City Department of Education) that has banned cell-phones and other personal ICTs from schools.