It's Electric

"Put away that iPod!" "No more computer usage!" "Is that a cell phone?!"
Are these phrases you hear daily from your cranky teacher, unappreciative of the power of electronics. Teachers do have a right to confiscate these, but SHOULD they use that right? Can electronics be a positive influence on a student's experience in the classroom?
The short answer: Yes. It's certainly possible.
The catch: It's also very possible for them to be a negative influence.
Here's a great example: If children are allowed iTouches in class, they can use it as a calculator, dictionary, and units converter all in one. A very positive use. However, if they download game apps and pretend to use the vital functions while secretly gaming during class, it's a negative influence.
Here's the answer to our dilemma. The teachers should let kids use electronics in class. If they misuse them in class, then they'll just have more homework that they should have done in class. The teachers can just sit back and relax.