program, texting and calling features are disabled and internet sites are filtered. phones are used for note taking and research. for 11-year-olds kiara, ryan and nya, learning is different now. when did you make a movie? during homeroom? >> this was actually in math. it was about debt decimals. you can sync it and the teachers can get it and grade it. >> reporter: it's helping reinforce the lessons. >> we're memorizining things easier. >> it's like you want to look at the screen, a mini tv, you want to look at it, you don't want to look at a piece of paper. >> reporter: the superintendent says dollar for dollar, buying phones is more efficient than new computers. there are some educators who just say, these should not be in school. what is your response to that? >> i think we're in the middle of a revolution. it's part of who they are today, and why not use something in a positive way that they're bringing with them? >> reporter: as for these fifth