technology and behavior
It is important to establish rules right from the beginning on use off computers, cell phones, and all elecronics.
I teach a class that focus on 3D Computer Modeling and animation. This means that a large majority of the time we will be spending using the computer. In order to ensure that the time we have in class and in front of the computer is used to the best of it's ability I setup expectation day one.
Since videos, Games, and social networking is available within a few clicks I have a zero tolerance policy while class time in force. To ensure that this is controlled I clearly define times when students can use the computers for leisure use. If a student is outside of that time frame I immediately identify the problem ask them to get back on track.
Generally the first few weeks students test the waters but then soon follow along with the rest of the class.
The main thing I've realized is to not stray away from my zero tolerance policy. The moment I start getting soft I will lose my time to engage the students on the class subject at hand.
