It is annoying and may even be considered disrespectful. However if a student is doing well in the class, I tend to overlook occasional cell use because I know some students are able to focus on more than one thing at a time, or they already understand the lesson.
I really like this idea! As juvenile as it may seem, I often give out small "prizes" in my Pathology class for the team that correctly finishes a crossword puzzle first. I'm going to use your idea for disease/symptom responses via cell phone to see how it works out.
I agree, in fact I’ve been encouraging the students to use the technology in more positive ways. I prompt them to do searches on topics during class. They have them, and are using them during class, why not incorporate and embrace this powerful medium.
My feelings are that if they are on their cell phone they are not paying attention to the lecture and also they misuse it.
I too is of the mind set that if they are on their cell phone they can't be paying attention to the lecture, it just seems rude to me. However, I can see in some instances it can be a good tool for looking up information. But on the other hand we have had students use it to take pictures of tests and send to others in the class. This is a difficult tool to control if allowed in the classroom.
MARILYN,
cellphones are a consistent distraction & problem. A big part of our job is teaching appropriateness & professionalism & so we need to seek ways to help them in this area.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Its already to the point they will not put down there phones students ould never be truthful will always say the're doing one thing when they are not
Kenneth,
I think this is a good example of not every class or situation is a good fit for cell phone use. Given the parameters of the classes you teach, it may be that there isn't a place for them, which can be a good teaching tool for the students on appropriateness.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Our school policy forbids classroom use of cellphones, which just barely slows it down!
Maybe the tactic is to direct it's use for specific tasks, that can be accomplished a few minutes at a time. Others with experience chime in. I often teach culinary cooking classes and our syllabus doesn't allow much wiggle room for such things but maybe someone has successful experiences.?
Our school forbids the use of cell phones in class. My feelings are that if they are on their cell phone they are not paying attention to the lecture. We do give the students several sites to go to where they may download apps on their phones that will assist them when they get out into the field. I have, more than one time, had a student look up terms or a definition or the answer to a question that I have asked on class on a class discussion. That can be beneficial to not only the student but also to the instructor as everyone learns something new.
I too allow students to use cell phones or as I refer to it "using available resources". In the age of the instant access to information, it is important now more important than ever to understand what information is "accurate" and weed out the incorrect or boloney information (junk science for example).
Trying to completely limit cell-phone use in my opinion (and experience) is a recipe for resentment and disaster (no pun intended to you as a "culinarian" lol).
Do you find any students who feel left-out due to not having this technology at hand?
Jeremy,
this is a great idea & can also be used to help teach the students about using the varied resources that are present in their different groups.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
rob that would make them more interactive in class may not be a bad idea
I have always been reluctant to allow the use of smart phones in the classroom for two reasons; potential for abuse of this privilege, and the possibility of animosity among those that may not have a device. What Ive found to work well and addressed my concerns is to allow students to break into groups when utilizing technology. I ensure that at least one person in each group has a smart phone and those without are still able to contribute.
I understand that this generation has grown up with the cell phone in hand and this is not only their means of communication but also their means of entertainment. I still feel there is no place in the classroom for the cell phone. too distracting.They are going to miss important information.
Jeremiah,
this is a good example of how to use the technology in the classroom & show positive uses for it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In my anthropology course, I can use free anatomy apps to show students an example of what their body looks like in comparison to apes or monkeys and our ancestors. Very strong tool.
Lindsey,
I agree that this is the major problem & really it can help us as we try to teach them about appropriateness & proper use.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The major issue with personal cell phones or iPads/tablets is monitoring their usage. It's hard to monitor their screens If they have Internet access. Making sure they are on the actual website and not messaging each other or on Facebook or YouTube. A lot of times we access YouTube videos ourselves so it would be counterproductive to block it!
Kevin,
yes so really the conversation needs to turn to how we utilize this technology even more from an educational perspective.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
