Many employers do have the no cell phone rule, as does mine, yet as I walk around I see many employees looking at their phones and texting. It is so dominant in society today and so many people seem to think nothing about walking around with their heads down and walking right into you or off the sidewalk or subway platform. I agree with the only in emergency cell phone rule during clinicals although many staff use the drug libraries on their phones for appropriate information and updates. This is quite a modern dilmma.
I tend to feel each class out as to how hard I will be on the cell phone issue. My students range from 18-65, are here for 5 hours a day, and each rotation of new students is only 3 weeks. That being said, I make sure they know if they need to use their phone to please not disrupt everyone and take it outside(including texts)and to keep it on vibrate. They all have lives outside my class however that is no excuss to be rude.
Mandy,
I think it is very important to explain the why cell phones are not used; I really do think it helps the students see where we are coming from.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I work in the medical profession and I am educating the next great medical professionals. Using a cell phone in a hospital can put your patients life at risk and I make very sure to pass onto my students how that happens. I give them examples of how it effects their patients. I also know that with advances in IT cell phones do not interact with all equpiment, but it still does with some. I also let them know that when they work some day they will not be able to have their phones on them. I give them ways to deal with not having their phones on them and what process to follow. I also feel its a respect thing and a professionalism thing. I also respect my students enought to tell me the truth if something serious is going on then they may keep their phones out. ONLY if I am told prior to class.
Jason,
I too allow my students to have their cell phones out with the ringer turned off. The majority of my students are also adults with children so I feel that it would be a little harsh by making them put them in a bin at the beginning of class. Like you, I too have set ground rules on day one of class. I have found that most of them follow the rules. The ones that ignore the rules are usually the ones that are younger and don't have any children. I usually give a warning and threaten to revoke the whole classes privelages before they straighten up. I do like the idea of giving them an assignment where they can utilize their phones. I think this would work well as a group activity because not all students have a smart phone.
Jason,
this is a great example of how we, as instructors, need to be flexible & ensure we are not setting absolutes for others or even for each of our classes. In this case, it makes sense for the phones to be out...whereas a group of 18 year olds, probably not so much. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I sit somewhat outside the box based upon others responses to this topic. I allow students to keep their phones out in class with ringers off. Most of the students in my classes are adults and have kids, etc. that at times need attention. I have made it a point to set ground rules for their use. If it is an emergency please step in the hall and take the call, otherwise please wait until break. I also tell them that if it is abused then I will make it a rule to keep them put away. I have noticed that if their phone is visible it provides some comfort in that they are not missing any life events and allows them to focus on the class. The class as a whole tends to do a very good job policing itself so they don't lose this privelage.
Manuel,
this is a good way to start the class as it helps to remind them, not just to silence their phones, but that they should not be using them at all.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to start the class out with everyone taking a second to mute/silent there cell phones during lecture/lab. During lecture I allow “stretching†sessions at the end of a subject, this works out pretty well. During lab I ask them to take the call/text outside of the classroom to avoid distraction of other students.
Angelia,
well said. I agree with you that the main lesson/point we must communicate here is that putting the cell away is an issue of respect. Too often these rules are viewed as an infringement on rights, rather than understanding that this behavior really is rude.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I completely agree with you. I never take my cellphone to class unless I have a sick child at home. I believe that if I can be without my cellphone for 50 minutes than the students can do this as well. We have a very strict cellphone policy within our school throughout all programs. Some students still continue to use their cellphones in which they are conducted and possible dismissal. These students need to respect the instructor as well as their classmates and I strongly believe that the cellphone can hinder their education, unless there are time whenn the student needs to look something up or use the calculator. That is different.
Heather,
I do think that many of the Gen Y students develop an appreciation when they can have an environment where they don't have to be constantly surrounded by the technical distractions.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have added a "No cell phone rule" in my class expectations. Of course from the younger generations there is some resistance in the beginning but as time goes on I can gradualy see an appreciation and habit develope where at the beginning of class all phones are put on silent and placed out of eye sight. When someone does not abide by the "rule" the other students are quick to remind one of the cell phone usage rule. The class begins to understand it is a respect factor not just for the instructor but the class as a whole.
If I have a student/students that are parents of young children, I will allow their cell phone to be out and available for emergency calls on vibrate only. If they need to look up something on the internet for class content it will be allowed. No texting and no phone calls otherwise.
Thomas,
I think many are in the same feeling boat with you. I think it is completely the perogative of the instructor (if not already required by your school) to demand that cell phones be turned off & put away during class. There is always room for the rare exceptions (sick family members, etc) but really anything else can wait until a break or the class is over.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I don't allow use in class unless I give them a specific technology project. I don't want to see them out while lecturing. If their personal life is more important than their education, then they shouldn't be in my class... Just how i feel
Mary,
you are not "old school" but aware of respect & appropriateness. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I'll admit to being "old school" when it comes to electronics in the classroom. If it's being used to add to the class information, that's acceptable. But I find it disrespectful to have students focus on their electronics instead of the progress of the class.
I also make it clear that the majority of employers will not allow the use of personal phones, etc. in the workplace.
it is very hard now days becuase students cant function without their phones. Putting them in bin works for me. I will single out a phone and keep it on top to allow for emergency calls.
MARIE,
yes, the cell phone issue is a significant one. There seems to be the idea that if I'm not "talking" on my phone I'm not disturbing anyone. But texting is rude & is distracting.
Dr. Ryan Meers
