1) A state is making laws banning devices which are not inherently dangerous. “Electronic devices” can be distracting and used inappropriately. However the potential improvement to the learning environment that any electronic devices (including things like cell phones & iPods) might effect seems to be enough reason to not pass this bill. Given the choice between a sharp pencil and a cell phone, I’d take the cell phone. Then I can at least call for help when someone stabs themselves with the sharp pencil.

2) The exemption waters down the bill so that it won’t matter whether it’s passed or not. Schools that are open to the learning possibilities cell phones allow will exempt cell phones because they fit into the “educational” category. Schools that aren’t open to that possibility will ban cell phones because they’re “distracting” to the students’ education. It’s another example of politicians “tackling the issues” without really addressing the big issue.

Frustrating stuff.

Ben Wildeboer’s last blog post..When frustration is a good thing