Giving Compass' Take:

• After recent studies have shown that the use of technology lowers student retention and test scores, school districts across the state of Wisconsin have decided to ban the use of cell phones in the classroom, Education Dive reports.

• How can schools ensure that cellphones and other technology aren't a distraction for students? On the flipside, how does edtech affect student retention?

• Learn about the effects of digital devices in the classroom on long-term retention.

What to do about students and cell phones in the classroom is a question school leaders have been wrestling with for years now.  When the issue first started cropping up, many schools simply adopted a no-phone policy. When it became evident, though, that this was a losing battle (at least in part to parents, having grown used to being able to reach their children 24/7, wanting them to have their phone at school in case of emergency), schools turned to trying to put phones to good use, as was the case in Wisconsin.

Now, though, the pendulum seems to be swinging back the other way. Recent studies have shown that using cell phones in class, even for educational purposes like taking notes, can lower retention of material and test scores. Many teachers feel that phone use also takes a toll on students' mental and physical health. There is also the potential problem of cyberbullying.

Read the full article about cell phones in classrooms by Christina Vercelletto at Education Dive.