Cell Phones as Calculators
Question: I teach courses that have both math equations and terminology exams; the math problems require a calculator. Most individuals these days have a calculator on their cell phones; however they also have web access to look up terms, effectively a free cheat. Does anyone have suggestions on how to handle this?
Hi Elliott,
I recommend not only having the students purchase a hand-held calculator for class but, you could also have a small basket of several calculators for students to use in your class with the understanding that all calculators must be returned at the end of class.
I have told students the first week of class that cellphones are not allowed in class and must be turned off. I also, request students purchase a calculator.
Deborah Opie
being caught using a cell phone during a test is an automatic fail in my class.
I do not allow cell phones, pda's or pad's to be used even in math or math related courses. Too much opportunity to text a friend or surf for answers there.
A colleague announces that he will give the class a pop quiz if anyone is caught using their cell during class - and follows up with that consistently. Peer pressure is sometimes a wonderful thing.
The course I teach does not include an exam given by me. The knowledge the students learn in a classroom is followed up by a lab with me in a recording studio. The testing is done by supervisors on a one to one basis after all classes are complete. I don't like to see students with their cellphones out as a rule but I have had several students who use their phone to film the equipment as I introduce the class to it. Many also use them to document microphone techniques we develop in class. For these purposes I feel the cell or tablet is a good learning tool.
I have inexpensive calculators for my students use, even with some calculators the students can store information. My students are aware that if I see them with a cellphone in class they will be removed from my class for the day.
I like that idea alot - many $1 stores have calculators. That could be $10 very well spent.
I do not allow students to use their cell phones as calculators. For one reason it is too easy to then gain web access and "cheat" on other parts of a test.
Also, I am a baking instuctor who also works in the industry. Hand held calculators are the norm for everyday baker's calculations, eg baker's percentages, conversions and scaling recipes up or down. Cell phones are not used for this.
In one job - every baker has their own calculator.
If I let my students use their phones then I am not replicating real world experience - which is vital for their career success.
Hi Pilar,
Some instructors are okay with letting students use their cell phones as various learning tools, such as calculators, computers, etc. It depends on what type of ground rules you as the instructor want to establish.
Patricia Scales
It really does eliminate the stress that arises when they dont come prepared. When they say they forgot, I just go to my office and get one out of the drawer and just hand it to them. I would suggest though that you find a way to mark or label the calculators that you are purchasing, as there are times that the students also "forget" to return them and I never get them back.
Hi Pilar,
I like your idea. Even though I will remind students about the need for a calculator for the next class there appears to be one or two that "forgot" but want to use their cellphone. I will definitely purchase a few inexpensive calculators to bring to class with me.
On the first day of class, I make my expectations in regards to the use of cell phones clear. Not only is it a policy of the institution that cells phones should not be used in class, I am emphatic that noone will be using a cell phone as a calculator in my class. From that point if students forget or do not have a calculator, I lend them a calculator from the backup supply of calculators that I keep for such situations. I purchased several inexpensive ($1) back-up claculators for cases in which there are "malfunctions" as well as any student who does not have their own, because they forgot one or who thinks that by not bringing one to class I will give in and allow them to use their cell phones.
Hi Elliot,
Do not allow students to use cell phones. Have your students purchase a hand-held calculator. Too much can be done with cell phones.
Patricia Scales
