Cell Phone Usage in Class -- Solution
When a class is large enough, it is possible to see a couple of students hiding in the back and stealthily using their phones beneath their desk.
My solution to this problem is to stop the lecture and just look at them. After a few seconds, the students who are paying attention start to laugh nervously.
As the student with the phone realizes he or she has become the center of attention, they tend to modify their behavior.
Students will modify their behavior more effectively when their own peers signal that what they are doing is inappropriate.
Ernest,
Consistency after clear instructions in relation to a course policy is a must. Your example is a good one because for many of us cell phones present a challenge in terms of use and distraction. As you know it isn't long after you have reminded some students about the policy that the phones no longer are an issue.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that thoroughly explaining a NO CELL PHONE policy on the first day really helps the students to understand your expectations. If I do see a student secretly using the phone I will tell the student to put the phone away while trying not to disrupt class. You also have to be firm and follow your discipline actions with repeat offenders, if you don't then all students will be on their phones.
Jessica,
Like the way you lay out your cell phone rule and then enforce it so the students see that you mean what you say. Consistency is the key with any rule or policy if the student are going to realize that you are following up with what you have said to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On the first day of the quarter I go over the rules for my classroom. One of the rules is no cell phone use but in the case of an emergency they can step out to take the call. I explain to the class no emergency will come in the form of a text. I advise the class they will lose participation points if I see cell phone usage and I have stuck to it. I do not have cell phone issues in my classroom.
Ali,
I believe you have had such good experiences with your students not abusing the use of their cell phones because you have a clear policy and you are consistent in enforcing it. This is how a learning leader should manage a classroom situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Amanda,
Good way to find a balance in the use of personal devices in the classroom and lab. This way students get the benefits without the distractions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I will discuss my phone policy during the first day of class along with many expectations. I give a student a verbal warning, and then I will deduct from their participation points if it happens again. I am a mom and know things happen, and those are excusable offenses to me. Students know where I stand and to this day have only had an issue once and then I made the class leave their phones in the lab away from us lecturing.
I usually like to let my students use their cell phones and tablets to record lectures and demos and take notes. Unfortunately all of the other distractions on media devices kept them from taking efficient notes. Now I only let them use their phones to take pictures or video and make them take their notes on paper. I take a lot of pictures of food for our class, so I want to encourage them to use these media devices in a positive way.
Benjamin,
Thank you for these ideas on how to handle the misuse of cell phones. Instructors are always looking for ways they can support their students and still manage the use of personal devices.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of the instructors on my campus requires a cell phone offender to bring cookies to the class the next day for any offense. This gets the point across fast. However, a constructive approach is to add a 10 minute time during an active learning exercise where the students can use any technology (including cell phones) to research a discussion question and present their solutions.
Kevin,
This is good modeling on your part. This sets the stage for compliance from the students. Good leadership and this results in more engagement by your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always make it a point to conspicuously turn off my phone and put it away at the beginning of class. It appeals to the students sense of fairness and also models the appropriate behavior.
I do not often have issues with this in class. I make it known the first session that cell phone use will not be tolerated(as per school policy), and there will be no further warnings.
JoAnn,
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. I know it will be of benefit to other instructors as we are always on the lookout for ways to help students use technology without abusing it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use this great solution that usually works with my classes. During a training we had a guest speaker to come and she gave us a great website where you can ask students questions and they can reply via text. This seems to work great because it gets the texting out of their systems long enough to conduct class. I usually try to play about 30 minutes asking questions and the students texting me the answers. Afterwards I tell the students phone time is over and this usually works at least until break.
Great idea! That's something that I plan on trying the next time I have to deal with this problem.
I have done the same, with regard to singling out an individual regarding phone usage.
James,
Thanks for sharing another strategy for getting students to disconnect from their phones and connect with the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
not sure of the applicability of this in the classroom but this technique has worked well for me in labs hosted by outside entities . specifically , during the times when I take a group of rvt students to an off - campus dairy . 2 weeks before the scheduled lab , I ask them to be very sure to lock their phones and other belongings in their trunks at the beginning of lab . be sure to tell their families and employers now they will not be available by phone for those 3 hours during lab . I remind them at regular intervals thereafter . I tell them I too will be leaving my phone in my trunk as a clear display of professionalism and gratitude to the dairy personnel who are very graciously providing their time , expertise , facilities , and hospitality to us .
Diane,
The use of personal devices are going to continue to be discussion points as we decide how to incorporate tables into our instructional process without excessive abuse by students. I let me my students use tablets in class but the majority of time I walk by their work stations they are on Facebook or shopping sites. The quickly go back to their work screen but still they are adults and I should not have to walk by them to get them to stay on task. On the other hand after teaching for many years I have concluded that adults are just taller children in so many ways.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
