INSTITUTO DE ESTUDIOS

UNIVERSITARIOS
ONLINE

Name: Oscar Rey Ladrón de Guevara Díaz

Student number: 105066

Group: LH32

Subject: English II

Teacher: Mtra. Guadalupe Rivera González

Activity No. 1

April 7th 2019

USING THE CELLPHONE IN THE CLASSROOM

The cellphone is an electronic device for personal

telecommunications with a wireless net. Thanks to the creation of
these electronic devices we can communicate with people
everywhere, through calls, video, messages and even emojis.
Cellphones have become a highly important element of our daily
lives, since we find in them functions that have replaced computers,
books, calculators, calendars, CDs, DVDs, radio and TV among
many others. In addition, we can search for information through the
Web about anything.

Even though this technology is extremely useful for several things,

we are not using it enough for what it’s really meaningful (like
acquiring valuable knowledge or abilities). Instead, we have locked
ourselves within social networks, giving too much priority to those,
to the point that our lives revolve around them. (I’m not saying that
they are harmful, but it certainly is, using them most of our time.

Cellphones have caused a revolution in the way people

communicate. Half a century ago, it was unthinkable that, through
a small screen fitting in the palm of your hand you’d be able to
transmit live a phone-call. In the age of globalization, the use of
these devices is steadily spreading and, with it, some voices have
risen, pointing at the consequences of spending too much time on
them.
Would it become necessary to forbid using cellphones in schools?
This measure has been thoroughly debated in the educational
environment. It is clear that cellphones can become a distraction to
students; however, it remains unverified if not using will improve
students’ performance in class.

Usage of cellphones can be regarded as a learning tool, if enough

control over them (and over students) is enforced. All excesses are
bad and technological devices are no exception. It is required that
we learn to administrate our time so that we do not become
dependent (more than we are now) on them.

STUDYING ONLINE
Nowadays, several universities in Mexico, such as UNAM, UNITED,
IPN, ITEMS and IEU -as well as worldwide- have adapted their
courses to be taught online, in a virtual manner, “at a distance” or
“via Internet”.
What are the advantages of this new way to study?
- First, it is not full-time. Education online is ideal for individuals that
have responsibilities such as jobs, family, children and therefore
find the physical presence in an institution a complicated task.
Students have a desire to improve professionally.
- A lower cost: Studying a major, bachelor or masters online is
cheaper than doing it by being physically in the classroom. Classes
taught online have the advantage of reducing costs of materials,
books and transportation.
- Variety: Options regarding universities and programs are diverse;
there are thousands of levels and courses, which means that
students are free to choose those that fit better with their profile and
needs.
- Boundary-free: Studying online offers the advantage of inexistent
geographical borders, which makes it easier to study a career that
does not exist in your country, and access to countless universities
far from your city/country.
- 100% virtual: All materials are downloaded from the Web.
Assessments, tutoring, group chats, discussions and even
delivering final projects and exams, all these are done via the Net.
Most Universities that offer online courses have a system of
helpdesk 24/7, where a specialist can tutor students in any doubt
that they have.
- Better time management: Students do not have to go to a
particular building to study, since studying is done online. Fitting a
specific schedule is not a requirement either. Students manage
their own time, according to activities and commitments that they
have and this allows them to better choose their time, moment and
place to study. Besides, classes can be retaken as many times as
a student needs, if a topic isn’t understood the first time.
- It’s about the competences: Studying online helps students
develop certain competences, like: time management, working with
virtual resources, self-criticism and research abilities, among other
advantages.
- We don’t get behind: “The teacher didn’t come to class” or “no
classroom was available” or “the projector did not work”. Such
excuses are not possible when it comes to online education.
Another advantage is the lack of characters like the guy who can’t
stop interrupting the teacher or the show-off with self-serving
comments.
- Technology: Courses are designed to be dynamic and helpful to
the learning process. The platforms used (like Blackboard) allow
students to upload content and administer their studying sessions.
- Acknowledged and validated: Currently there’s no curricular
difference between a physical and an online class. Most masters
and bachelors have the official recognition of SEP.

It is not for you if…

…you think that studying online will be easier. As Raul Cicero (VP
in Laureate Mexico Online Education) said “Online education offers
opportunities for you to study. It does not mean it will be any easier”.
…you do not have organizational skills and/or established studying
habits, aka, if you think you’ll be able to study in your “free” or
“spare” time. You will need to dedicate three or four hours every day
in average.
…if you need behind you a tyrant of a teacher, forcing you to do
homework. Or, on the contrary, if you want some teacher figure to
give you a sticker every time you participate in class or deliver a
nice homework.
…if you’re someone who gets discouraged quickly and who loves
to procrastinate.
…if presential interaction is important for you, and “seeing
classmates and the teacher” is something you need.