I initially thought this piece would go in a different direction, and point out the dangers of banning a device that has become the first place one would go to broadcast (via text message) an urgent bulletin. It's morbid to even consider, but when I learned about the ban on cell phones in NYC public schools the first thing that came to mind was: what if (god forbid) something like Columbine or Virginia Tech happened? I want our schools to make use of the simplest, clearest means to convey information to people - information that should be coming from a legitimate, informed source. But, as far as I know, there is no such system in place or even in development.
The core of that idea comes through in this article - let's plan the messages (the content) of what is being delivered, instead of trying to control the devices. The devices are going to change and morph a million times, and they are useful conduits, but it's the message that is truly important.
