cell phones in lab
I enjoyed this module relating to the Y generation students. I have noticed,it is harder to manage cell phones in the lab environment. We have rules about the usage of cell phones in class and lab, but it has become harder to mange due to the increasing amount of technology that is available. I would prefer for the students to not use their cell phone for anything during class or lab, but again, when they are doing certain labs they may need a calculator, I think we can go on and on about the rules of not using cell phones in the lab, but it is hard to manage the rule when we have so many uses of the technology that benefit the students.
Another factor is the number of students in class, if you have a big class is harder to check that cell phone rules are been followed. I don't think students should have phones in the classroom at all, its distracting and they can't concentrate on anything else.
Jamie,
this can be a great way to allow them to use the phone in a lesson as long as they understand when to put it away.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I often have my students look up things on their phones, like the definition of a word in the lesson we are discussing.
ArLene ,
I think this is a great idea as you are providing the tools & removing the excuse, just like a real work experience.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Cell phones in a clinic situation are a distraction and cause students to neglect the things that are supposed to be done. We provide calculators so the students don't have this argument to have their cell phones out.
Albert,
Which is why it is beneficial for us to design lessons & experiences in such a way to get them out of their comfort zone.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Agreed Daniel!
I feel once gen y is outside their comfort zone, then the important "critical thinking" and "applied knowledge" begins.
Albert D'Addario
amy,
that is hilarious & a very good idea.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My method is more surreptitious. I collect all my students cell numbers on the first day of class and put them into my contacts. When I notice them texting during class, I discreetly pick up my phone and text them a little "PAY ATTENTION! " note. The shock and red face that follows usually keeps them on point for the rest of the class period....
I too find the cell phone use policy to be controversial. I work in an office of 4 Gen "X'ers with considerable age differences. The "older" having more of a Boomer view on cell phone use. It is an "absolutely no cell phone in class tolerance" view compared to mine and the other "younger" coworker/s. I find them to be less distracting and understand teh abiltiy to multi-task while still learning. Some of my leniency perhaps to do with my ignorance of the capabiltiy of cheating with the technology cell phones offer.
I agree....cell phones should not be allowed in classrooms or lab....get a calculator don't use your phone calculator...the problem I see is the phone is more important to the student than what they are paying for education! And yes we baby boomers, and X'ers are paying for there education especially if they are getting government funding. So why should we pay for something that they don't appreciate. It also creats a problem if the education they are getting is related to customer servicing....I have seen students walk away from a customer to acknowledge there phone call. I fired a staff member that was more interested in his phone then the customers at the desk. So the phones need to be monitored...it also comes down to good manners and ethics and the the y'ers don't have because they were not taught this in grade schools or at home!
I also stress that when they enter the actual workplace, phones may be not allowed in a factory/manual labor setting and that they need to curb that habit.
I actually have my students use their phones for important dates and reports. I also have them to seek terminology works and do quizlet games that I have put together online. They tend to like it and not play angry birds on it when I'm not looking.
We must recognize that student cell phones are "precious and vital" to their well-being. However, if we can incorporate exercises to Look up internet sources for unanswered questions, it works in their behalf and welcome use of using their device to get to the unanswered question immediately.
Make it a contest so everyone participates.
Daniel,
this is a great point. Rather than viewing it as a "can't live without them" type of situation, encouraging them to really engage their brains & expand their skills.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
it is hard to keep students off their cell phones for personal use when they do like to carry them for actual tool use. ex. calculator, measurement conversions, and internet to find information. i do stress to students though that prespective employers do not like to see employees wasting time for personal cell phone use. i hope that it keeps them aware about employers expectations.
I would like to consider that a "no cell phones in the classroom" policy can help to bring a gen y'er out of their comfort zone. If they do not have information instantly in their hand, it forces them to use their brain and make a hypothesis, good or bad. However, I am well more than OK with them checking their information afterwards too see if they were right in their thinking (at this point I have already done this myself, being a gen x'er).
Todd,
this is an excellent point. While rules are good, we cannot rely on obedience to rules to make us in charge.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
it falls on the teacher, students will try and test you and see how much they can get away with, when you set the ground rules you have to follow through, if you dont you have lost control of your class.
