More Hours, Less Homework?

In the last ten years, several schools across the country have been implementing “no homework policies.” After reading up some on the reasons for doing this, it seemed to come down to one of two things. Some schools eliminate homework and instead increase the length of the school day, believing that students do not learn effectively from homework and would benefit more from spending that time in the classroom instead. Other schools, however, have eliminated homework in favor of promoting more time spent outside playing and with family. I personally think the latter is perfectly reasonable and that no homework policies are a great idea. However, many people argue that doing homework cements concepts learned during the day in students’ brains. I suppose this does sort of make sense, since it gives students a chance to practice the material and discover any questions they might still have. Question: What do you think? Does homework help, or should no homework policies be put in place? Should school hours increase if they are?