Most writers ensure that they convince their target audience to agree with their ideas as the right conceptions. They use different appeals such as logical, ethical, and emotional appeals to drive their point home. Through such appeals, the target audience better understands the intentions of the authors and assumes the latter’s position, thereby agreeing or conflicting the given information. An appeal to logos (logical) uses reasoning to convince the target audience. On the other hand, pathos (emotional) persuades the readers through appealing to their emotions. An appeal to ethos however convinces these audiences through the author’s character or personal experience.
In the article, “schools should embrace cell phones as learning tools instead of banning them,” A. J. Dean appeals to logos, pathos and ethos to ensure that his target audience, which includes school administrators in the United States, embraces cell phones as learning tools in high schools and other learning institutions. Dean indicates that with the increasing ownership of cell phones in high schools, estimated at about 80 percent of the learners possess cell phones. He also indicates that decades ago, when cell phones had just been introduced, the first individuals to reach emergency personnel during the Columbine catastrophe called from a cell phone (Dean, p. 2). Dean uses this example to appeal to the parents that they need to contact their children while at school using cell phone to eliminate uncertainties that might occur during school hours. He further mentions that with the increased technological advancements such as GPS features, which allow parents to locate their children while away from home, cell phones will be efficient tools in monitoring lifelines.
In the opening paragraph, the author uses the phrase “one bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch.” He also compares this example with a personal experience as a youngster when he attended school. He indicates that teachers always warned them to be careful with scissors. Through this appeal to ethos, the author acknowledges that some students in high schools and other learning institutions misuse cell phones. However, these form just a few of the users. Most of the students with cell phones can properly use their cell phones if the teachers instruct them on the best ways to use these cell phones for educational purposes.
On further appeals to logos, the author indicates that many parents, educators, and learners have misunderstood that cell phones can cause distractions in classrooms. However, he argues that even the sitting arrangements in classrooms, where learners sit side-by-side; distractions are possible from desk mates. Even further, he argues that moving towards single-student classrooms, which is impractical, would be the only way to reduce distractions. Additionally, the author indicates that the current repairs in schools would be reduced through allowing cell phones in schools. These cell phones use separate networks to access the internet, wireless networks will therefore be spared the strain all school wireless networks undergo (Dean, p. 2). This reduced strain will not only save the schools resources for the repairs, but also relieve the Information Technology staffs at these schools.
In addition, the author argues that not all students can afford computers, and that these cell phones can serve as mini computers. Therefore, parents should consider buying their children cell phones in place of mini computers comparing their prices. In appeals to ethos, the author again cites the example of some schools such as Harrisburg Academy, where teachers and coaches use text messaging to communicate important information to the students such as meeting and practice times. This, the author believes could encourage communication in schools. He indicates that the teachers in the United States can send homework alerts and project directions via text messages. Students can also keep themselves organized by taking advantage of calendar and organizer applications on their cell phone devices.
In conclusion, the author restates his phrase through asking a question that, why should we let the few bad apples who misuse this new technology spoil for the whole bunch? While indicating towards the end of the article that the old methods of learning such as the blackboard and chalk should be replaced with new technologies, the author ensures that all the education stakeholders answer the question above. Through reading over this article, the reader’s decision will have been influenced through the appeals to logic, ethics, and emotions. The author will have ensured that all the audiences weigh their options wile choosing to vote for or against the proposal. The parents will have to weigh the costs of buying mini computers against that of buying cell phones. They will also consider the safety of their children as well as communication during school hours. The school administrations also weigh the costs of maintaining wireless networks against allowing students to use their cell phones to access wireless networks. Additionally students and the educators also consider keeping contact between each other and planning using the features of the cell phones. Additionally, the latter will share important information using cell phones.
Work Cited:
Dean A. J. Schools Should Embrace Cell Phones as Learning Tools Instead of Banning Them. Patriot-News Op-Ed. (October 10, 2009).
