How cell phones disrupt of disturb the learning environment.
What are some of your thoughts in regards to students answering, texting or just continually looking at their cell phones during class. My first thought was maybe my lectures were boring and after a few discussions, it revealed it wasnt boredom. Students stated various reaons such as looking at the time, or was expecting a call.
Tasia, there are many solutions to the cell phone issues that seem to be prominent in today's classroom. The real issue is to set the stage of expectations on day one, engage with your students and discuss the rules and consequences. Above all, be consistent in how to implement your rules. Not all instructors have the same rules and not all lesson plans need the same restrictions. Find ways to work with the students and not always require them to relinquish their own autonomy. A good mixture tends to yield the best results.
James Jackson
My classes run for 4.5 hours each time we meet so students are given a 10 minute break at the end of each clock hour. I encourage them to use their cell phones during this time only. Most students are capable of making it through 50 minutes without checking their phones.
I do not advocate the presence of cell phones in the classroom. It is highly unlikely that an emergency will arise during the 50 minutes that the school asks for their full attention.
As a medical and profesional development school, it is also important for our students to learn appropriate work place behaviors. As they will likely not be permitted to have their cell phones with them when they move into an office or hospital setting - it is best that we start to encourage this behavior in them now.
Panagiotis, great point but also remember that 600 years ago the thought of using books as part of the learning process was considered improper practice. Times change and we as instructors need to consider how we bend with the winds of change. I am not advocating playing Angry Birds during class but I am an advocate of finding use of mobile technology in the classroom. By embracing the use of technology in the classroom you can better "control" how it is used. Just something to consider and there are not absolute right or wrong ways to go here.
James Jackson
Shannon, I understand your frustration. Just keep an open mind and remember that it was only about 600 years ago that the thought of using books as a means of learning was considered a ridiculous notion by the scholars of the day. Times change and smartphone technology is here to stay. You may want to catch up on some of the most recent articles on the use of smartphone technology in the classroom. That said, if you have a clear rule and discuss it during the first day of class, sounds like you have all your bases covered. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
I think that cell phones should be allowed in the classroom for obvious reasons, such as family emergencies, or corporate business calls. However I do think that there is a very fine line that can get crossed. I don't think my students need to have their phones out at all. If they want to check the time, there is a clock in the classroom, and I provide all of the necessary equipment to complete their work, so they don't need a phone assisting them. I think if they keep the phone in their bag or pocket they can easily take the call outside without disturbing the rest of the class.
Not trying to be a "controller" but 50 years ago people sat through a class without having to play an emergency game of "Angry Birds"
We have a strict rule about using cell phones in class. If they let me know ahead of time that they will be expecting a call that is a different story. I am in the healthcare field and out on the job there is no reason for the use of one, so why would they need it during classtime? There are a lot of apps out there now that assist in learning, but even then we do not permit them in the class. During study time if they choose to use their app on their cell phone they can go out into the hallway to study.
Anthony, well stated and it appears you have found a good compromise. Students are allowed to use their devices for academic reasons but personal use needs to be done outside the classroom.
James Jackson
At this point and time the cell phone usage is out of control. So I set basic guidelines they have to follow and move on. I build in time to reserch some of my class topics on there devices. I ask the students to take their personal calls out side the class.
Randall, technology advances have always created challenges in the classroom. We as instructors need to stay on top of such advances and adjust our delivery techniques from time to time to meet the demands of the times. You may need to review your teaching resources and lesson plans and make sure you are doing all you can to create updated lesson plans to take smart phones into consideration.
James Jackson
With so many apps for smart phones out there, how do you know if they are expecting a call, texting, or cheating? I just ask them to put them on silence and check them at break time. It is really becoming a serious problem in all classrooms.
Jayanthi, getting consistant and solid support from your institution is always a best practice. I have even resorted to asking a supervisor to sit-in on a class and provide me an example I can follow in the future of how they would like such situations handled.
James Jackson
Terrell, this is somewhat a drastic measure but if you want to set the stage for other students to get the message, send a student home and do not allow them to makeup any work. Remind them they are being removed from class for failure to follow the institutions rules and policies. Such infractions in a real work place could result in being fired. I feel this is an extreme measure but one that could provide some results. Always get feedback from your supervisor before using such a technique.
James Jackson
I think the school must strongly bring a policy that cell phones must be turned off when the student and the tecahers are in the class.
I have reviewed the schools policy on cell phone use and it reinforces the rules we use in the classroom. Students continue with the behavior.
It is important for our students to realize that most dentists will not want them using their cell phones during work. We have decided that while on the clinic floor cell phone usage is discouraged.
bonnie, I agree that students should display adult behaviors. The reality however is that your students are at different levels of maturity. You will experience 38 year old adolescents as well as 25 year old adults. Leading by example and following course policies is also critical in gaining the trust and support of your students. Having the title of instructor is not enough, you have to earn their faith and trust.
James Jackson
I feel that in my classroom we are all adults and should act as such. No one including myself should be on the phone. It is rude and disruptive. I have seen instructors making call or sending texts as well as students. The 2 hours spent in class is for learning not chatting.
Stephanie, setting expectations day one of your class is critical. Some institutions have also used student contracts that students actually sign and these documents are used later if students "forget" the class policies. Not in a threatening manner but as a helpful reminder.
James Jackson
Arlene, have you considered having students use their phones for selected assignments or class projects? Think of this as meeting them part of the way. If they will honor your classroom rules you will find ways to include the use of phones to enhance learning. Just a thought.
James Jackson
