Academic Discussion · Set 5

Your professor is teaching a class on technology and society. Write a post responding to the professor's question. Contribute your own opinion and reasons, and add to the discussion.

Professor Lin: Many schools are debating whether students should be allowed to use smartphones in the classroom. Some argue phones are useful learning tools; others say they are a distraction. In your view, should smartphones be allowed in class? Why or why not?

Student (Ana): I think phones should be allowed because they give quick access to dictionaries, research, and educational apps that make lessons more interactive. For example, in my last class, we used a phone app to look up unfamiliar vocabulary instantly instead of waiting to ask the teacher.

Student (Tom): I disagree. Even when phones are meant for learning, students end up checking messages and social media. The distraction outweighs the benefits. For example, I've seen classmates scrolling through social media during a lecture, completely missing what the professor explained.

Write a response of at least 100 words. State your own position clearly, give reasons and an example, and refer to a classmate's point where relevant.