Cell phones not only interrupt the student whose phone it is, but also other students and the instructor as well. We've become a society where peple don't look into each other's eyes and carry on a normal conversation. All they know how to do today is "TEXT!"
Ronald,
I agree that the occasional use can be a great way to show them that you are willing to allow the technology & also to help illustrate that there is a time & place for this technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Todd,
I don't know if specific research has been done on learning better without the cell phone, but we definitely know that distractions can hamper learning. I'm not sure you will ever make them feel comfortable without their cell phone, but I think insisting that they not use them or have them out is your perogative as the instructor & does reflect most modern work environments.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Occasionally allow the use of their cell phones for one or more aspects of a lesson. We are teaching many students considered to be "Millenials". Technology is a part of their lives, why not use the tremendous research abilities of hand-held technology?
I request all cell phones be muted in the classroom and placed in their bags until the break when they can obtain updates. I request all students leave their cell phones in their cars when assigned to a clinical rotation as they are forbidden in acute care Psychiatric Units. Once I clearly explain my rationales, they all agree and I have had no issues.
If a student has a family emergency and they are expecting an urgent call they may keep their phones in their desk. Students respect guidelines when all concerns are openly discussed. Thanks, marie
