Kyla, thanks for your kind words.
You're right about emergencies. I call it "life happens" and that is why their cell phones can be on vibrate.
It is also pointed out that they have a break every hour and that is when they can check voice mail, text message and return phone calls. It isn't like they have to go 5 full hours being out of touch!
I also asked the class "what happens when we talk on our cell phones?" Class looks at me kind of blankly. I use my pretend cell phone and my voice gets louder and louder and louder. Class starts laughing but realizes when we talk on our cell phones our voices do get louder and more intrusive.
Linda,
I like your idea and it sounds as if it would be effective in controlling this potential problem. Luckily, my campus has a cell phone policy, which clearly states that cell phones must be kept on vibrate and may not be answered during class. Of course, as an instructor, we do tell students that if it's an emergency that they may take the call outside of the classroom, but it should be kept to a minimum and their voices should be kept down, as they're in the hallway & could potentially distract other classes. What I like about your policy is that noncompliance results in a deduction of participation points; this is a good way to enforce the policy. Thanks for the suggestion!
Attila,
I guess this is the age of millennium where every student text and use cell. I guess the important thing is to clarify your expectation at the very beginning of your class and make sure you follow through so that the student will know that you truly handle your business seriously. As you mentioned "attendees in the meeting constantly checking their phone". WE should be a role model.
Susan
I'm up front with explaining to the class that there is no cell phone activity including texting in the classroom. Yes, life happens and they may need their cell phone, but it is on vibrate, they must answer it outside the classroom. Text messaging is not tolerated.
Everytime a student's cell phone rings or I see them texting it is documented and their professionalism (or participation) grade is lowered.
It only takes once or twice with a cell phone ringing before the other students are "discipling" the violator.
I have as much tolerance for cell phones in the class as I do cheating. This is made clear on the first day in a variety of statements -- oral and written.
