Our View: Havre schools are right to embrace mobile technology

The administration at Havre Public Schools is considering a plan to let students use their own mobile devices for class work, a stark contrast to the days when use of a cellphone in schools was banned.

Personal use of devices would still be prohibited, and school officials are rightly going slow in opening up classes to personal smartphones. A few other Montana schools allow personal mobile devices in classes, but for the most part, Havre would be at the head of the curve.

The district will go slowly in figuring how best to meld technology with classes, and some teachers will definitely want to take their time in preparing classes based on mobile devices.

But the general trend toward more use of technology is most welcome and encouraging.

There is a definite generation gap in seeing the potential of technology in classes, but many teachers are learning new ways of getting information across.

Trustee Theresa Miller's fourth-grade daughter prepared a report on her recent trip to Disney World, and other trustees marveled at how professional the work was.

The younger generation is familiar with tech-speak, and they will be going into a world where business and personal relationships will be almost entirely on computers.

It will be easier and less costly for schools to teach on mobile devices, and it will be more valuable for students to learn that way.

There are problems with implementing such changes, but we hope the district moves forward with this plan.