Electronics in the Classroom
I have students who want to use laptops in the classroom. Although a good tool, I find that they navigate from the lesson and are checking email, etc. What are standard policies on electronics in the classroom, including cell phones.
David:
My policy is for cell phones to be set to silent or vibrate. I actually don't mind the use of portable devices except when I am lecturing. I find ringing phones very distracting to my train of thought. One other thing about laptops that was not mentioned is how noisy they can be. A bunch of people typing away on laptop keyboards can also be very distracting.
Jared
Hi Mauricio,
Good policy. This is what I do in my classes as well. I want the focus to be on the course not on the calls they want to make or texts they want to send. That is what breaks are for but it is a challenge for them to see that way.
Gary
Specially cell phones are to distracting in the classroom. They are never allowed i prefer the old way, now my students know.The rule is simple:If you need to use your phone, use it during your break time outside the classroom.
I taught for many years at a "laptop" school and dealt with many of the same issues. I finally decided that laptops and other electronic devices would not be allowed in my class. My reasoning being that they get enough time outside of class to use these tools for educational or personal use--I would like them to have time to develop the "old fashioned" tools of reading a physical book, writing on paper, and talking to people face-to-face. Unfortunately, too many of our younger students have little experience in one or all of these "old fashioned" tools for learning.
Hi David,
This is a good question with no clear cut answer. There hasn't been developed a standard on either laptops or cell phone. The policy for either has to be based on how your class operates and your comfort level with the devices. In my class all cell phones are turned to vibrate and out of sight. I do not put up with students texting or messing with their cell phones. I don't allow laptops in class due to the nature of my class structure. I have found that laptops distract and are not of help to the students while the class is in session. So cell phones out of sight and no laptops are the polices for my classes. I have established such polices some time ago so now the students come in knowing the polices and I remind them of the policies the first class meeting and we proceed from there with no problems.
Gary
