use of cell phone/texting in class
My policy is no cell phone use in class except for emergencies.How can an instructor deal with student that disregard the policy and consistently texting.
We also don't allow phones and we try to ease students into turning them off or not bringing them to class. If we hear a ringing or vibrating phone, the student has to bring cookies (the rest of the class holds them accountable). 2nd offense, they get sent home. We rarely have anyone go beyond cookies.
Hi Anitra,
You are certainly kind to your students when it comes to cell phone/texting in class. At my institution, they are sent home and marked absent for that class.
Patricia Scales
Where I teach, we are told to send the student home for cell phone disruption of any kind. I personally hate to send a student home for a cell phone. I give my students 2 choices one turn it off and leave it on the desk where I can see it not being in use or two go home for the day and receive an absence. Very rarely does a student choose to go home.
Where I teach, we are not permitted to confiscate phones as they are personal property. We basically just have to treat cell phone use as a disruption like any other and handle it that way. As much as I hate cell phone use in class, you have to tread carefully there, especially if you have students that are waiting for emergency calls. I actually have not had much of a problem with this so far in my classes, so I am glad about that.
I make my expectations clear on day one. I tell them this is considered their only warning and if I see that they are on their phones I will write them up.If it happens again, I send them to the department chair, so my department chair supports me on this policy. I also tell them that when they are in an office, the doctor will not allow them to have their phones on them, so they better get used to not having it in your pocket.
I tell students on the first day that no electronic devices of any kind are to be used during class, unless instructed or permitted to do so by me, or they have a special need covered by the ADA law.
If I catch a student with eyes down, hands hidden, and a smile on their face, I say to them, "Are you playing with your phone or with yourself? This usually results in the student quickly putting away the device and feeling a little embarassed from the other students laughter.
If I have to tell a student more than once to stop using/playing with device, I request the device and place it on my desk where the student can see it until the end of class.If it rings/buzzes, I allow the student to take it outside the classroom to use it.
If the student refuses to give it to me, I ask them to put it on the desktop facedown where I can see it. If they are caught using it, I asked them to leave the class until the next break.
I write-up and counsel the student.
Hi Kevin,
Students need to relate this whole cell phone/texting scenario to the workplace. Employers will not tolerate in the workplace what students do with cell phones in the classroom. At my institution there is zero tolerance for cell phone/texting.
Patricia
I agree with this method. If students are on their phones instead of engaging in class, they are missing the information alltogether. Without the policies to back up the instructor, the level of learning will be seriously effected. I have observed, when I bring up cell use at the begining of class I have few problems with it. When I don't, about half the class spends their time on phone instead of class.
Hi Jan,
I enforce the same policy with texters. Do not tolerate it.
Patricia
Hi Pascale,
I also have the same policy in my class. I don't have any problem with phones ringing or vibrating in class, but my issue is texting. I have a large class and it is difficult to concentrate on teaching and patrolling the class for texting violators. They are very adept at holding the phone under the desk and texting while appearing to be listening to the lecture! Even if I walk around the room during the presentation, they are able to do this! Very frustrating. Any ideas?
I only allow cell phone use for emergencies, phone must be on vibrate and student must speak to me before class begins. Students who use their phone with no authorization will have to visit the VP to pick up thier phone.
Hi Daniel,
Fair enough! I am sure you have minimal problems with cell phones. You are very up front with your students.
Patricia
I try to make my cell phone policy as clear as possible on the first day of class...all cell phones must be off and put away during class time with the only exception being if the student tells me prior to class that they will be receiving an important call (and they MUST give me a good reason). It must be on vibrate so as not to disrupt the class, the student then leaves the room and may be docked time if they are out of class for an extended period of time.
Hi Jacquelyn,
I like the policy, and it sounds like you enforce the policy as well. At my institution, if the phone makes a sound, the student is dismissed for the day and marked absent.
Patricia
All cell phones should be on vibrate, if a phone rings it is confiscated
Hi Laura,
You are being very understanding in the situation. If these are your rules, that is fine. You have commented if they are abused, you punish the student. Your students should really appreciate your understanding.
Patricia
We also require all students to refrain from use of phones within our class instruction time. As a mother and instructor, I know that circumstances do occur and I will allow them to have phones on silent and then to excuse themselves from class. If this continues to happen then I will ask that they speak with me and if constant issue ask that they leave for the day.
Hi Donald,
I certainly understand your perspective here. It does create an additional burden on the student and instructor. Any type of punishment is going to create some type of burden.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
It sounds like your students get a warning first and then they are reprimanded. At my institution, their first occurrence will allow them to be removed from the class, and the removal counts as an absence.
Patricia
