Case Study Week 8 Cell Phones: A tool for Cheating?

1) I defenitly would have handled the situation similiar as the Teacher in the scenario. Before every Exam I would move tables apart and leave a big space between every student. Cheating by talking or looking over someones shoulder are prevented.  Because of the increased use of technologies and the danger of potential cheating through those I would have a basket on my desk and make every student put any electronic device  they have with them in it. After the exam everybody is welcome to take cell phones, iPods etc. back. If there are students who will protest and will not give their electronic device away I would pay extra close attention to their movement and behavior. Also, students who tend to hide in the background are more likleyto cheat, they are hiding something. In my opinion it is a good method to let everybody sit down and then say: "Everybody in the back comes and sits in the 1st and 2nd row and people who sit in the front can sit in the back and middle of the room." I know that a lot of my peers in High School got "screwed over" (excuse my language) that way!!!
2) I would not ban all cell phones. Pretty much everybody owns a cell phone and carries one with them 24 hours a day. Certainly that would be the case in your classroom and if you would ban cellphones, where should students put their cell phone during that time? I think the rule would get broken any day. Therefore, I would just make sure that certain rules are followed. For example, have you phone on "quiet mode", have it in your backpack, don't text during class. If students will not obey these rules and I would see someone text during class I would take the phone for the day and give it to the principle. The students can get it the next day with a note to the parents.
3)  I think that Laura and Jessica deserve a 0. But everybody does those mistakes. I was not an angel in High School! So I believe that warning them and giving them a bad grade is punishment enough. If they are motivated and engaged students this was their first and last time cheating. For the next couple exams I would pay close attention to them and if nothing seems superstitious I let them off the hook!
4) Cell phones should not be prohibited in school. Too much protest and arguments would occur. Most parents want their child to be able to call them if there is an emergency. Strong rules in each classroom must exist and followed. Also, the school boared should provide information on cell phone policies to the parents. If someone does not follow the rules no one can complain due to proper information that the school provided on this matter. If there are incidents after incidents I would recomend to have policies about electronic devices written out on a piece of paper and have parents sign them. The policy could for example be: Every electronic device must be handed in to the teacher before class and can get collected back after class. No ones personal things will be taken out of their sight and robbery accuses or inappropriate use/handeling of the device are avoided (accuse of the teacher).