Hi Vallorie ,
I understand your perspective, however when emergencies happened before cell phones existed, those who needed to be contacted were. At work if there is a NO CELL PHONE POLICY, it must be abided by or else.
Patricia Scales
Hi Amanda,
It is easy, there are no exceptions, enforce the policy!
Patricia Scales
Beginning any of my class I always explain to students regarding phone policy, which I only allow them to use during our break, Quite frankly I have not experienced much difficulties to abide by this rule!!!!
I have a cellphone rule in place, I tell the students if you are not on break or at lunch you can not use your phone or have it out. If you are caught with it you will get a student advising. I know cellphones are a part of everyone lives but you have to put a stop to it when comes to everyone learning.
I tell them they must turn them off upon entering class. I teach production, and a ringing phone will ruin a scene.
I tell them that IF there is an emergency where they have to have the phone on, then let us know before class, so we can expect it. However, try to have it on silence. Like you say, we are dependent on these cell phones now--some students have children, some have parents that they are caring for, and must be available to be contacted if something arises, so I try to account for that...I've had to use that option myself at times when I had my own emergencies awaiting a phone call.
The program in which I teach tries to adhere to a strict "no phones in class" policy, but just telling the students it isn't allowed isn't enough (this is one issue that is constantly tested.) I've had issues on where to draw the line, examples: a student wants to use their cell phone as a timer in the lab kitchen or a student doesn't have a calculator so they ask to use their cell phone. I don't want to feel like I am hindering their ability to learn by saying no to those requests, but I also don't want to be accused of disregarding school policy.
Our culture is so dependent on cell phones; enforcing the no phones rule is truly a difficult task!
