Sad to say but that is exactly what I noticed with my gen-y. Always staying connected with their friends even in the bathroom.
I think having a clear written policy on the use of technology should be distributed to every new student. Guidelines should be mentioned stating when students can and cannot use cell phones along with consequences for not following the policy. I agree that we as teachers need to expect students to demonstrate professionalism and how it will help them succeed in the workplace, not whether they are good at using their cell phones. True most jobs involve the use of computers, and other forms of technology, but the Gen Yers are lost without them.
I work at a tech school that doesnt allow cell phone usage,but we allow then bring them in the school, which constantly turn into a hassle,because they are constantly on them. We are talking about 18-20 year old people that would rather use there phone than pass a class! And if we let them they would wear pajamas,we have had male and female students show up with 12 inch hole ripped in the crouch of there pants and say they cant afford new pants because they had to buy a new phone or other electronic games.It just proves that they cant live without a phone
Some students seem almost offended when I ask them to put away their phones. this is how deep their need is. Clear and even inforcement of policy is the only way stop this. If you give in once, you have lost.
As I was reading this post I looked up and through the window of another instructors class, I see a student texting on a cell phone out of sight of the instructor. I open an inner office memo to the instructor and Inform him of the situation. Problem solved the student is downgraded on his professionalism performance in that class. So I guess the I T sysetm can work both ways. it can be useful or a deterant to learning
After 30 years working in the field and 8 years teaching I know what it is like in the real world. The owner of the busness you are working at is the boss and in most places a cell phone is not allowed to be used when you are on the clock. I believe we need to make sure a student understands that cell phone use in the work place in most cases is not permeted.. This is hard for them to understand because they have a hard time going 45 min. without looking at it.
Summer,
technology accessibilty has to be carefully monitored. I understand some colleges are moving to the drastic measure of no laptops in class. In defense a little of this generation, I spent 6 years in the corporate training & development environment & those baby boomer managers are just as bad as the Gen Y students when it comes to smartphone addictions.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree, we do not allow phones in class and the computer use is for learining the subject matter only. We tell them that if they are caught on an unapproved site, that they will be sent home for the day. This is reflective of the real world and how it works. who gets paid to be on Facebook at work? The studetn must learn to use the technology at the appropriate time. They must control it, not the other way raound.
