I think the hour long study hall is a big waste of time personally.
I believe that any communication device or electronic device is not only a distraction but are not necessary for the learning process and only invites trouble.
My problem with I-pods would not be an issue for you.
Maybe I should desensitize my view and expect that since they are using the language at home and with friends that a little Gangsta Rap isnt going to be hurtful to anyone.
I believe that certain music could foster good attitudes, and other types of music foster bad attitudes.
Besides, music players aren't clear cut anymore, so some double as phones, internet browsers and the such.
I can handle being a stick in the mud about the issue, but it doesn't take much of an imagination to see how the use of these personal devices can go awry.
Fights can more easily be promoted, people are harassed through these devices.
I think to see it in practice one problem after another would manifest itself.
I don't believe it's a good idea to open students up to ipods unless it's verifiable what's on each unit that's in the school. Why should our schools carelessly allow students to listen to music that is explicit or that encourages violence, mistreatment of women, or podcasts that do the same on their time?
In all of this - who is going to be adult and help these kids prepare for adulthood? Not all work places allow for music on the job, and if they do, mostly it's not of the taste of the worker but for the environment of the client.
take down the four walls of the classroom - break free of the chains of an industrial age education, and let children explore the world in constructive ways.
Well they tried to do that in the 70's...that school became the K of C Hall out on Old Alton Road.
This catering to the child approach sounds wonderful, but it only makes the reality check of the world that much more difficult. Because in the job market, there are no entitlements for large paychecks and the days one wants off, one might not get off.
People can say that all generations go after the younger generation unfairly. But talk to some people in charge of hiring, and see what happens when some new hires find out they actually have to work. It rocks their world when they find out there are no entitlements.
You can take down the four walls of the class room, but the real world does have boundaries and walls, and the boss doesn't give a damn about human flourishing. Employees that want to flourish can do so on their time.
I didn't say I like this system, but hey, people can choose to prepare for it - or it will rock their worlds later.
I believe that students can live without these devices as they have since forever.