Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly -- An online companion to the weekly television news program
Keyword Search
Topic Index Stories by Week
Home
Current Stories
Headlines
Election Coverage
Special Issues
TV Schedule
Calendar
Newsletter
Subscribe or unsubscribe to the E-mail Newsletter, or edit your preferences.
The Series
About the Series
Funding
Biographies
Awards
Credits
For Teachers
Overview
Lesson Plan List
Tips
Teacher Resources
Resources
Viewer's Guides
Featured Sites
Calendar
Feedback
Contact Us
Story Suggestions

For Teachers: LESSON PLAN
Read This Week's October 3, 2008
Go
Overview Lesson Plan List Tips Teacher Resources

Ethical Issues Around Cell Phone Use by Erin Audia Back to Lesson Plan List

Level: High School
Background Procedures for Teachers Organizers for Students Print this lesson plan

Background

Overview

Whether we're on the road, in a restaurant, or roaming the halls of a high school, it is inevitable that we will find a handful of people talking away on their cell phones, tapping out text messages, or even using their phone to take photos or video. Some cell phone users are very discreet, while others feel comfortable sharing the details of their conversation with everyone around them. While cell phones are very convenient, they can also be rather obnoxious. In fact, many people argue that cell phone usage can be a blatant violation of privacy.

In this lesson, students will consider the ways they use cell phones at school, in public, and in their private life, and they will complete activities that allow them to discover how cell phone usage affects those around them. Students will identify the general feelings of their peers regarding cell phones at school and in public. They will consider whether digital photo and video features of cell phones compromise the privacy of others, and they will discuss the possibility of banning or restricting cell phones from at school.


Grade Level:

Grades 9-12


Time Allotment:

4-5 45-minute class periods


Subject Matter:

Behavioral Studies, Ethics, Language Arts, Privacy Issues, Sociology, Technology

Learning Objectives

Tell a friend: Email this page
Let us know what you think of these lesson plans
Students will:
  • Determine appropriate and inappropriate use of cell phones in school and in other public venues.

  • Discuss how the features of cell phones might be used in invasive and unethical manners.

  • Examine the ways cell phones might violate the privacy of others.

  • Consider the etiquette that should be exercised by all cell phone users.

  • Consider the benefits of multi-featured cell phones.

Standards

This lesson was prepared by: Erin Audia

What do you think of this lesson plan? We want to know!

Good teaching gets better, and becomes more exciting, when people share ideas. If you've used this or any of R&E's lesson plans, please take a moment to e-mail us to describe what worked best for you, what you might have wanted done differently, or anything else you feel would make our lesson plans better.

Contact David Streight  |  Ask a question  |  Make a suggestion

R&E's Master Teacher David Streight

Background Procedures for Teachers Organizers for Students
Choose another lesson plan

Visit PBS TeacherSource Top