Teachers are reevaluating the use of iPods in the classroom. 

Students could never have predicted a time like this would come. Teachers are voting on the use of iPods in classes and hallways during each passing period. On Oct. 16, art teacher Lisa Schieszer brought up the idea that the student’s use of iPods should be reevaluated during a site-based team meeting.

“In the site-based team, each department has one teacher. This group of teachers take ideas back to their department to vote on,” principal John Faulkenberry said.

The art department is more likely to change the current rules regarding iPod use in the classroom. “All of the art department thought kids should be allowed to use iPods, because some who are easily distracted can focus better. There is research to back it up so we brought it up again,” Schieszer said.

There are pros and cons to this possible new rule.

“There are some times, in certain classes, where it can stimulate creativity, help a student relax and focus on certain types of work,” Faulkenberry said.

Schieszer added another pro to the list, “A lot of talking can be distracting, but iPod use helps the students be quiet, focus, and shut everybody out,” Schieszer said.

There is one major con to this idea, “I don’t want students to feel it is a right,” Faulkenberry said

Freshman Jon Foley has another idea, “I think it’s stupid when you can’t listen to your iPods, especially when you’re sitting there doing nothing, and the teachers either want us to sleep or just sit there, but if you are taking notes, I know you are not supposed to then, but if your working on homework or a project, I think you should be able to listen to your iPod,” Foley said.

The site-based team did bring this topic up four years ago, but the teachers voted no. “The teachers recognize how important these devices are to students, and are trying best to find ways to use them in class, but will not let these devices tear down our academic environment,” Faulkenberry said.

The use of iPods in the classroom is becoming a more likely privilege for students.