All too often we look upon cell phone/smart phone usage during class as a negative.
I teach at an automotive / diesel trade school. I will often allow the students the opportunity to use technology TO their advantage (i.e. when asked a challenging question, I might say "google it"; when they are attempting to perform a mathematical equation, I'll offer the suggestion "take out your cell phones and use the calculator feature"; or when they are disassembling a component, I'll say "take a picture of the step by step disassembly for later reference").
I am often surprised that THEY hadn't thought of it themselves.
That is a very good way of handling this issue and making it fun. I find the issue of cell phone usage challenging to deal with. Everyone seems to have an "emergency".
What a great way to get students involved. I will have to try it.
I have the same ideas as far as phone calls. But I also explain that if the phones go off.....everyone gets 10 points deducted from the next test. This may seem wierd but it gives the class a sense of responsibilty in checking on each other. They do not want those points off so they are sure to check that all of the phones are on vibrate or silent.
I truly think this is a great idea. It is unbelievable how many students are on their phones checking things. This is something I would definitely like to try in my classes
Hi Theresa,
At my institution we have a no cell phone policy. The policy works extremely well, and cell phones are not a problem at my school.
Patricia Scales
Hi Randy,
Fun! Students like it when fun is involved. They are much more receptive.
Patricia Scales
I never would have thought of having the other students to call each other out...I am going to try that idea.
I like the way you give the other students the opportunity of "calling out" their colleagues! You know that they are noticing, and probably getting irritated at the cell-phoner, and this empowers them!
On the first night of class, I tell my students that if I hear a phone ring, I will answer it, and if they are texting, I will respond to whoever they are sending a text to. My version of "share it with the class."
