Some HRM high schools are now allowing the use of "pocket technology" in the classroom as a "resource". What happened to good old fashioned textbooks, dictionaries, and computers?

I watch kids everyday waste classroom time texting and playing games, claiming that they are doing "research". They don't do their work, they don't pay attention in class and the teacher can't take away their phones. They complain that they have too much homework and that the teacher didn't explain any of the notions so that they can do the homework. (How can you remember if the teacher explained anything if you are too engrossed in your "pocket technology"?)

It has gotten so bad that when guest speakers come into the class, half of the students are on their phones texting/playing games while they speak. Where is the respect? Where are manners? I fear we are creating a new society bent on instant gratification, no sense of responsibility/respect/manners, and one that has the attention span of a goldfish. —Teacher Afraid For Our Future