Negotiation

Allowing Cell Phones in Schools – Pro

5 September 2015

PROC 5840 – Negotiation

Objective: In today’s classrooms technology is incorporated in lesson plans throughout the world. Many students use cell phones daily to communicate with family and friends through the use of text messages, video calls, social media and other communication applications. Also smart-phones have several applications for everyday use, for instances: calculators, clocks, GPS, calendars, etc. There are benefits for bringing the technology of smart-phones in the classroom:

1. Students learn in ways that are comfortable

2. Setting reminders for assignments and exams

3. Access to educational apps

4. Video and audio access allows students to connect with other students globally

5. Ability to alert authorities in emergency situations

(Smartphones as Learning Tools, August 11, 2015)

Furthermore, several schools throughout the country do not have proper school funding to afford computers for each student to access during class. Also, during emergency situations students are able to contact authorities for assistance.

Goal: To allow students the use of smart-phones in the classroom for educational and emergency purposes. Demonstrate how smart-phones are useful and not a complete distraction to the classroom.

Approach: Integrated Negotiation – Win/Win outcome. This is a complex topic in today’s school system. Willing to work with lines of communication open by allowing the other side to express their concerns and keeping an open-mind.

Concessions: No access to cell phones during exams.

BATNA:

1. Consider during exams students must leave cell phones with the teacher. Cells phones are returned at the end of class. This will reduce cheating.

2. Restricted access to particular social media sites such as: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. while connected to the schools Internet.

References:

1. 5 Benefits of Using Cell Phones In School:...