Dealing with technology in the classroom
I have a technology policy on my syllabus which I explain the first day in class that states to turn off all technology during class time. The students can use their technolgy during break times. I do let students use their laptops when working on writing assignments or working in groups.
I inform my students that the phone must be off during class time---they can put the phone on vibrate and if it rings, they must go out in the hall to take the call. And my students can always get hold of me through email. I check that all the time and I will respond to them. Do the students have an email account through the school---teach them how to use it. One teacher in our building states that if any one persons phone goes off---the whole class is punished with an extra assignment. so, peer pressure is what she uses. And of course no one wants to be blamed for the extra assignment--so everyone turns the phone on vibrate.
Maybe let them use their laptops more often, to take notes and what not on. And if they don't pay attention they will suffer in the long run
I have noticed that some of my students seem lost, almost dysfunctional without their phones. Their argument for having their phones on is they have children at home that might need to reach them. I inform my students that there is a receptionsit on duty and if there is an emeregency they can contact the school.
