Allowing the Use of Personal Devices During Class
I welcome feedback from colleague Instructor on their approach to students who monitor / use their personal devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) during class.
Do you allow use?
If so, at which point do you deem use excessive?
At that point, what keywords or feedback is given to the offending student?
Thanks.
James,
Good plan to have and you are respecting your students with your policy while also moving the class forward in content sharing. As the learning leader you are helping them to see how you need to maintain control while helping them to be accessible during class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to adapt my classroom cell phone policy to the general ages of the students. No use of any electronic device during class is the rule in undergrad classes. If a students has an extenuating circumstance they must discuss it with me for a dispensation. In the graduate classes, I allow considerate use of cellphones during class under the assumption that graduate-level students are generally more mature in their understanding and self-control and at the same time have more life issues to deal with (24-hour job accessibility, families, elder care, etc.). I will say that graduate response has been widely variable: some get it, some don't. / I do not hesitate to call offenders out in class, though.
I think there are only two options here: the hard line and no policy at all (allowing it). This is largely a generational divide - most instructors not being from the digital generation and not growing up using these devices as most students do.
Rob,
Simple and direct way to handle this situation without it becoming a bigger problem than it should be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My school has a no phone policy. However I realize the need to be in communication with the outside during my 5 hour class. I ask them to keep it to a bare minimum. If it becomes a problem I deal with it individually.
LeeAnn,
Thank you for sharing your strategy on how you handle the use of personal devices in your classes. Your point of setting the tone for their use at the beginning of class and then being consistent with the enforcement of your policy is how you maintain control of situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with what the majority of the group is saying. I do not allow these devices during my classes. I think it is a distraction to others as well as disrespectful to me and fellow learners. They would not appreciate it if I were on my phone or other device while I was supposed to be having class; therefore I expect the same respect from them! I "lay down the law" on day one of classes and let them know what the consequences are. I will deduct participation points from their grades and/or dismiss them from class altogether. I also understand that we depend upon these devices for communication with children, family, and emergency situations. I also ask them to notify me before class if they are expecting some type of communication to occur. If they are abusing the policy, I will ask politely for them to put devices away. Repeating occurrences warrant the student's dismissal from class. I absolutely do not allow devices during testing. The student may put their phones on a front table near me if they are expecting some type of communication during test time. If phones or devices are out during testing, the student receives a zero on the exam. I feel that by letting them know up front what I expect curbs a lot of the problems that may arise.
Amjad,
Good way to control their focus on the use of personal devices. You helping them to see the value of such devices in a work setting rather than totally for social use.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am from a generation which grew up without computers, email, smartphones, Facebook etc., (baby boomer). The students in my classes are all 'welded' to their personal devices and it is almost impossible to enforce a policy of "no devices in the class'. Instead I ask them to research medical terminology, ultrasound images and features, and other issues that we encounter during class. I hope that I am able to show them that their devices can also be study aids.
Chuck,
Your approach I believe not only helps with class management but also helps students to learn about respect. In this situation respect for others and their profession. By not using their personal devices they are able to focus on the content, you the instructor and fellow students and this is the human side of learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have a similar policy of no personal devices during class or lab. I set the standard on day one of class with one exception. If there is a emergency situation family medical issue etc before the start of class each day I require the students to inform me of the fact that there is an emergency situation that must be taken care of during class time.. they will take a hit in professionalism grade and will also take a hit on time out of class to take this personal call
Sherrie,
Like your style. You are actually helping them by following this procedure because you are showing them they will not be able to use their personal devices anytime they want in the work place so they need to learn how to use them at the proper time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also allow personal devices in the classroom. It is so disrespectful to have students texting on their phones while I am trying to teach. After the first verbal warning, I make them pack up their bag and leave class. It works.
Michael,
There is no one best way as far as I know to handle the use of personal devices in the classroom. Each instructor has to develop his or her own way of managing them. I allow tablets and laptops in my class and I give the students my policy on how they are to be used in the class. I oversee their use through my interaction with the students. I am sure that some students violate the policy but to date their use has not been a problem and as I gain more experience in working with students that are using these devices I will refine my approach. For me all of this is still a work in progress.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
