Barry Westling

Allen,
I think you are very thorough in your practice regarding this ubiquitous problem. Many teachers seem not t care about it, but it's a problem in that distractions, wasting time, (cheating?), are potential problems. Some students just don't seem to get it, but that probably has to do with their upbringing and social environment. Nonetheless, I maintain similar standard and feel if it's discussed on day one, and printed in the syllabus, then adherance is expected.

Barry Westling

Allen Widel

In our school we give the students specific information on the first day of class, no cell phones are to be used for any reason during class.
I recommend they keep it on vibrate if they are expecting an important call from an employer or an
ill famly member. If they have that issue I want them to tell me about it before class starts.
If they do get a call about this type of issue
I allow them to leave the classroom and stay within sight of the glass in the door.

If we are taking a test, they are reminded before each test to shut them off.
If one should ring, their test score is "0".

I know it seems harsh for some folks, but in my business, if the employer happens to see an employee using their cell on productivity time
it could mean termination.

Barry Westling

Hi Jeff:

Most institutions have a policy about this nowadays due to the potential for cheating. For that purpose, and the potential distraction they can cause, most agree the best idea is to have a “no-cell phone” policy.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Monica:

Most institutions have a policy about this nowadays due to the potential for cheating. For that purpose, and the potential distraction they can cause, most agree the best idea is to have a “no-cell phone” policy.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Travia:

Most institutions have a policy about this nowadays due to the potential for cheating. For that purpose, and the potential distraction they can cause, most agree the best idea is to have a “no-cell phone” policy.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Robert:

Most institutions have begun using a similar standard due to the issue of cheating you are describing.

Regards, Barry

Janet Waldschmidt

The first day of class I tell my students that if I see or hear their cell phone that I will confiscate it for the remainder of the class. They are not to use their cell phones in my class.

Mildred Nawa

I didn't find that it was effective to ask the studetns to put their cell phones away. Many of them found a way to hide them. I now require them to be upside down under their desk where I can see it. I walk around the room and check before handing out the test.

Barry Westling

Hi Kirk:
Many organizations are dealing with this problem in s similar manner.

In general, it is considered the best practice to have ALL mobile devices put away during class for both the issue of distraction, and the bigger potential - cheating.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Kimberly:
Cell phones can be problematic due to the risk of cheating with the use of texting and internet browsing that is available today.

Most intitutions have similar rules about cell phones for this reason.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Susan:
The problem with any mobile device is that it may contribute to potential opportunities for cheating. By not allowing the devices at all, we remove the possibility.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Mary:
Most institutions are in complete agreement that the potential for issues like cheating are a huge motivating factor of recommending students do not have these items as part of their learning environment.

Regards, Barry

Jeff Jernigan

I teach mathematics and sometimes the students will request to use their cell phones as calculators. Do to texting and other possibilities that might allow them to seek answers from other students, I let them know that this practice is not acceptable and require that they provide an appropriate calculator. I generally carry a few extra calculators to provide for those students who forget theirs. I also require that their cell phones are on silence and are out of sight during testing.

Monica Freedman

Cell phones are no longer just phones.... and can and will be used as devices to assist in cheating in some cases... All cell phones need to be "out of sight" and "off" (not just vibrate mode).

Travia Thompson

We do not allow cell phones in the classroom during class time or tests. Students are not allowed to leave the class until they are done with their tests.

Barry Westling

Hi Jen:
Most institutions are moving to an environment where these kinds of devices aren't allowed in the class due to the potential issue of cheating they invite.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Teresa:
Great idea! So in general, we're talking about the idea of keeping them out of the learning area due to the potential pitfalls they bring in to the scenario, for example that of cheating.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Chris:
That's a good idea. There is too high a risk of a student texting testable information back and forth if we allow cell phones to be out and about.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Chris:
Most institutions are moving to this type of policy for the potential issue with cheating it creates.

Regards, Barry