Turning on the Lights

I do agree, at least in part, that 'powering down' can impede student learning. In an environment where collaboration and research is encouraged, the technology that students bring with them can both facilitate and enhance their learning. Of course it can also create distractions for them, although the same distractions exist in the home where they are still able (usually!) to complete homework assignments. Their grasp of the potential of what cell phones, mp3 players can allow them to accomplish creatively means that they have so many more options for how to demonstrate what they know and what they can do. They will still be thinking, they will still be wiriting, and they will still be learning. I think it's a little scary for teachers, especially older ones, because it feels like we're giving up control of the learning environment, but if that environment is broadened it is a risk well worth taking. They will have access to so much more knowledge than I or the average textbook are able to bring into the classroom if they have access to the whole digital world they understand and can manipulate.
I think there is a place for all the technologies identified, although the demands of standardized testing and AP curricula, among others, mean that there still has to be a place for non digital education as well. They are all tools that the majority of our students are comfortable with, even if the economic realities of a city like Portland mean that many students do not possess more than the most basic of devices. It's important to maintain an equitable environment, and also one where the technology does not do the thinking for the students.
At Deering students are provided with a Dell notebook, hardly a top class piece of hardware, although I believe they are allowed to use their own laptops if they so desire. Most choose not to do so. They are allowed to use cell phines in between classes and at lunch, and individual teachers have the discretion to allow them to research during class time - I have done so on occasion. There is a constant batttle to curb in-class texting - I do not know what would happen if students were allowed to freely use cell phones in class as an educational tool. I think that most would not abuse the privilege after the initial excitement and novelty had worn off. I think I would allow individual teachers greater discretion as to their personal policies as regards the use of personal technology, although that does create the possibility of students playing teachers off against each other. It does require quite a cultural shift, and I know some students would sbuse any greater freedom of sell phone use, for example, but Prensky does seem convinced that they need to be totally connected.
There is something of a balancing act in terms of the desire to keep up to date with what technology has to offer and the need to decide what is best suited for the students in the 21st century high school, but technology isn't going away and the more we restrict, the further behind we fall. American students live in a digital world outside of the classroom, and we cannot close the doors to that once they enter the classroom. We are doing them and the American economy of the future a disservice if  we do that.