Cell phones in the classroom

I will not include the use of cell phones as a tool for students in my classroom. I understand the potential of technology to enhance the education of students. Computers and the internet are the modern tools for information gathering and distribution, and cell phones have many of the capabilities for information gathering and storage that computers do. As Kolb describes in her article, "students
can interview each other, they can
create radio broadcasts or their own
“books on tape” with sound effects,
recite poetry, explain how they rationalize
a difficult
mathematical problem,
brainstorm ideas, work on
verbal language presentation
and communication skills, complete
class reflections, or journal scientific
research."
This application of technology makes sense, to be sure, but my perspective is that students should know how to accomplish these things without technology.
I firmly believe that students need to know how to write, analyze, remember and communicate without the use of technology. They should be given the tools to accomplish tasks using their own minds and imaginations without the help of devices beyond writing implements, books, mathematical implements such as protractors and rulers and concrete experimental supplies (science lab, for example). Students' understanding of material through actual experience will benefit them for their lifetime. It may seem archaic, but if students do not learn how to write on paper and analyze events based on hard data they research on their own they will be at a serious disadvantage because of their reliance on devices. As Allen states: "Nothing that you can do on
a cell phone will inspire students as
they make their way into the world.
I cannot think of a job where “cell
phone operation” was a skill. Employers
are much more concerned about
a student’s computing and critical
thinking skills than their phone skills."
This cuts to the heart of the issue. We need to instill some natural ability in our students. When asked a question a person should simply know to complete a task, it would be disgraceful as educators to produce an intellect that responds "Let me check my phone".
I may come across as a "tech Grinch". Actually, I am not. I believe there are numerous ways that technology of all kinds are beneficial to education. I am willing, however, to be the educator that teaches the "old school" method of learning, as I believe that students need a wide pantheon of skills to achieve to their highest potential. I trust that there are many teachers out there doing a marvelous job of educating using technology, and I feel that this is valuable for kids. I want my students to know how to use the greatest tool that they possess, however; their minds and bodies on their own. They will not have to buy a plan for service, and they will still function if their is no cell service or the power goes out.