Banning cellphone use in the classroom is still common because
of the disruptions the devices may cause. Now, the Wireless Reach Initiative
has shown that when smartphones are given to low-income students, standardized
test scores go up, according to a report from Mashable.
In fact, a program funded by Qualcomm Inc. showed an
improvement of 30% on math test scores by freshmen who were issued smartphones
at several schools in North Carolina taking part in the Project K-Nect
initiative.
Project K-Nect was designed to increase math skills in at-risk secondary students through the
use of smartphones. The program has been expanded to students in grades 8-12 in
North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio.
“Not everyone has a TV, a PC, or electricity, but we’re
approaching the point where everyone can have [Internet] access,” said Peggy
Johnson, executive vice president of Qualcomm, which provided funds for the
project. “The umbrella coverage of these wireless networks has really reached
the four corners of the world.”
