Dennis Land

In today's connected world, technology is both a blessing and a curse. As a high school teacher, I love the ability to deliver lessons digitally, and have students collaborate with peers throughout the lesson. At the same time, this instant gratification of seeking answers at the click of a button has created a generation of cell phone and social media dependent children (and adults).

Regardless of school policy or classroom management protocols, the issue of cell phones remains an uphill battle. With these donations, I would like to utilize a new low-tech option for cell phone management in my classroom; Yondr Cell Phone Pouches.

Yondr is a newer company that makes locking cell phone pouches for schools and other public facilities. They cost between $15 and $30 each depending on the number purchased.

The concept is simple; each student has a pouch and places their device inside the pouch when entering the room. The Yondr pouch then locks and the student remains in possession of their device, but cannot access it or view the screen. On the way out the door, students unlock their pouches with the magnetic release base and may now access their devices.

Numerous schools and students across the country have utilized this technology and report a decrease in anxiety to check and be connected to a phone and most importantly higher levels of engagement in the classroom setting. In today's connected world, technology is both a blessing and a curse. As a high school teacher, I love the ability to deliver lessons digitally, and have students collaborate with... read more