I agree---we do not allow cell phone, blackberries or any phone to be used in the classroom. We ask students to keep their book bags in cubicles we provide for them. Cell phone, if not put in the book bag--and it goes off---is confiscated and the student and the phone must go to the Dean. During a test, we pass out small calculators so they have no excuse to use their cell phone.
I agree with how you handle the cell phones. I do the same thing, as well as not allowing them in class unless they are anticipating a family emergency which they need to keep me posted.
I agree. Cell phones and Ipads can create a disturbance for the student, teacher,and class when out of control. The fastest way to get control is to not allow during class. We all went through school with out these devices and survived. They can tooooo!
Hi Christopher:
I think there is a balnce between the technolgy advances and instant communication abilities vs the the commitment and courtesy of non-distracted or interrupted classroom lessons.
I suppose if it is know an important medical emergency is pending, that's one thing, and the student should inform the teacher before class they may have to step outside.
But many students will milk this privilege, and to them, many things are emergencies that really arn't. Really...tech savvy students are spoiled by instant messaging and they'll come up with many circumstances that just get them access to their phone. If frequent enough breaks are given, there are few reasons anyone (including the teacher) requires access to a phone throughout a class period.
If clear, firm expectations are given on the first day of class, and the tesacher sticks to these rules early on, they'll soon be separated from their umbilical cord like tether.
Regards, Barry
I too usually make my student put there phones out of site. I tell them if they need to answer the call or txt. That they step out of class. I understand that many of our students have jobs and families that require attention.
Hi Scott:
Right. I issue dollar store calculators for tests.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeannette:
Good policy. I add to that:
* Only my scatch paper which has to signed and dated and submitted with their test sheet and test (unless delivered by computer)
* No bathroom departures - students have to do that beforehand. Their test end if they leave the room
* I assign seating; rarely does one sit in the same seat for testing.
May sound a bit rigid but I've found even otherwise good stiudents can be tempted, so I try to remove all temptations.
Regards, Barry
Hi Halina:
Each institution and/or instructor needs to address this emerging technology carefully; recognizing student needs against couse security (cheating, plagiarizing, texting, etc). One of my faculty requires all electronic dvices put away and out of sight and audibly silent or the devive is consficated until after class with a point deduction.
Regards, Barry
Hi Halina:
Each institution and/or instructor needs to address this emerging technology carefully; recognizing student needs against couse security (cheating, plagiarizing, texting, etc). One of my faculty requires all electronic dvices put away and out of sight and audibly silent or the devive is consficated until after class with a point deduction.
Regards, Barry
I choose not to allow students to utilize phones during class and especially during tests....even if they claim it is "just for the calculator".
Prior to all exams all belongings at front of room. Once exam completed gather belongings as exiting if student wishes. Students return at predetermined time. Exams are timed 1 min per question.
I do not allow cell phones or blackberries in class unless they are waiting to hear back from a physician or if they have sick children. then I tell them to put it on vibrate and leave the room to take the call. this policy has worked well.
Hi Riley:
Technology certanly has created new dynamics to the classroom, eh?
Every institution or class needs to establish what the guidelines are and what is appropriate. For tests and quizzes, my institution does not allow any electronc phones, pda's, or similar devices. We have class issued calculators, and all materials must be removed from the table top. We also issue scratch paper that must be signed and submitted with the test. In addition, every test, students are rotated in their seating.
Although this sounds like a lot of security, but when it's followed from the beginning, students get used to it. Non-testing phone calls or texting is not allowed either. A student is dismissed from class should they receive or make a call or text. Firm policies to address a potentially serious breech in security.
We are moving towards electronic testing and grading on computers and laptops. This has also created the need for rules and guidelines, but is a bit beyond this forum discussion.
Regards, Barry
This issue became a problem recently and I followed the lead of another instructor. This instructor had created a document requiring that all cell phones be turned off or on vibrate, be out of sight in a back pack or pocket, and that the student must leave the classroom to respond to a call. The document also advised the student that any student violating the policy would be asked to leave the classroom. The document had to be signed and dated by the student.
I don't allow cell phones, unless student has a particular problem, family issue, etc. Then student can excuse himself to take a call, etc. Students usually do not abuse this policy.
