Cell Phones
As mentioned about students leaving their personal belongings in a seperate area. Can this be affective with cell phones? Has it been proven that students can learn better without the interruptions of a cell phone or feeling that every minute they need to check a text message. How can we tkae this current generation of student and make them feel comfortable without their cell phones for a class session?
Kenisha,
I appreciate your well-balanced approach & the idea of putting the ownership of the decision back on the individual instructors.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Cell phones are a very sensitive subject, with so many different views. I personally believe it can be based on the individual class. Not all classes or groups of students are the same. It depends on what subject you're teaching; whether it is a theory subject or clinical setting? Also like someone else mentioned, the maturity level of the class. I do think as educators we should be a little more flexible and try to incorporate some of the new technology of "Smart Phones" In our lessons. Obviously they are not going anywhere and are becoming mini computers.
As I read everyones replies on cell phones it has become apparent to me that this is a topic that will probably not go away in the near future. with such technology in there hands and some of them since they were very young there seems to be a thought within the students that cell phones are a natural extension of the human body and therefore for us to control that part would be unacceptable to them. Trying to get them to understand that there are things in life that could be such a distraction to them that could cause them to not learn up to there full potential is a challange. having them put there cell phones completly away will solve the problem of out of site but not neccasery out of mind. I am aware of situations where a cell phone was taken away as a form of punishment for a period of time and that person was developing some seious psychological problems relating to withdrawls from it.yes it will be a dilema for a while.
sean,
I agree that there can be a time & place for the use of cell phones & as you said, they have to be carefully monitored & controlled.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think in any modern post secondary school there can be a time and place for cell phone usage. Often during our classes there are certain uses for the smart phone technology. You just need to make sure to control that usage. Allow it at the appropriate times and make sure they are put away when they may become a distraction.
For sure! My husband's company had to ask a young man working there several times to leave his phone alone during work. But again, being of that younger generation, he seemed to feel he'd miss some unbelievable news or information if he wasn't 'connected' constantly and acted as if rules didn't apply to him.
As a result, after several warnings the unbelievable news he received was that he lost his job. So I agree that we must help students understand when it is and isn't appropriate to use their cell phones etc. so that they can be successful in the workplace - most of which won't tolerate the disrespect of talking or texting during work!
Thanks for the input.
Pat,
and it really is important that we help the students to learn this now. Most employers do not tolerate talking or texting while working & in the arena it can cost you a job.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My policy in the classroom is that cell phones must be turned out (or at least on vibrate) but must not be kept on their tables. It amazes me how the younger generation that have grown up with cell phones seem to be 'attached at the hip' to them and have the attitude that if they miss one call or text the world will end! I allow students to have cell phones readily available if they have a sick child etc. but always encourage them to inform all family and friends that during 9 - 1 (our class time) that they are unavailable. If students really need to talk to someone (or text them) they can do it on their break. You're right, it really just comes down to respect.
There really is no clear cut answer.I've found that the younger students (the Millenials) do consider their cellphone to be part of them (as you've mentioned). I notice that many of them don't wear watches and use the phone to check time.Sometimes I will ask a student to check a fact via his or her smartphone (or they are quick to correct me on a certain fact). I agree that instructors need to address the issue in a respectful and professional manner, and it is important to set the tone the very first day.
Cell phones can go both ways. It really depends on how it approached. The use of a cell phone has become an extension of the person in most cases. I myself at 46 find myself reaching for my cell phone for no apparent reason other than to just look at the time by habit. If explained correctly it is easy enough to gain the respect of a student so the phone will stay put away. If you jump down a students throat right away you may as well tell them take your phone out at every possible moment. Most of our students are in the age of defiance, the more you say dont the more they will. Thats completely normal. Its all about the approach you take in the explanation of why they need to pay attention. Respect your student as a person and most likely they will return the favor. Big me little you....well phone will be sneaked out at every possible moment.
I find it unbelievable how often students take out their phones at a clinical site. I tell them to put them away. They have my work phone number that I carry around to give to their family for emergencies. It looks unprofessional to the workers and patients who see them on their phones.
I agree with the cell phone issues. Not only is it rude for the instructor trying to lecture, and for fellow students that want to learn. I also agree for the students to keep their cell phones with no ring tone, in case of child care issues, or an emergency. If the student is caught texting, instructor can take the phone until class is over, and suffer the consequences.
serena,
we do live in a different age & I agree with being understanding regarding life situations. I really do think this helps our students to listen better, knowing we are understanding.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Our policy is no cell phones. However there is always "life" situations. Students are told to put phones away but the phones are on vibrate. If a call comes in the students excuses themselves and takes the call outside of class.
However smart phones are a whole new world. Students use smart phones to access another coding book or dictionary. Very limited use under these circumstances has been allowed.
ramona,
and I think this type of policy is reflective of what many will find in their job areas once they have graduated.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I tell my students the first day we meet no cell phones. But if there's an emergency thats the only time they can be excused from the class. But if it's, taken to far points are taken from their grades
Latasha,
this is a good policy & helps show professionalism as well that you are understanding in light of emergencies.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
There are no cells phones in the class at all. Now if they have emergencies then they can keep it on them but if there is no emergency the phone needs to put away.
Timothy,
this is a great example of adapting to your audience & also appreciating the maturity level of some students vs others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
