Maybe I would try the smart phone approach the last hour of the 5 hour class. I usually run out of material and need a project to keep the students active in class.
Jeff,
this is a great idea & can help highlight the benefits of both using technology & going "old school."
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
By offering a day of electronic self education i.e.research it on your smart phone, I find it will help keep them off thier devices during other times during class.
Loren,
this is a great plan, especially for these situations when the students are in the class for such an extended time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Mark,
This is exactly what I do when teaching my 5-hour class! The class is from 8am to 1pm and believe me the Gen Y students have a more difficult time relating to information very early in he morning.
I start with going over the lesson plan on the projector (gives them something to focus on)then after 50 minute teaching segments, I give them 15 minute breaks. I mix in Power Point, tactile learning opportunities, and some form of discussion (recent news relevant to the class)that will stimulate group interaction.
Mark,
this is a great idea & a common practice in the corporate training & development world. As you mentioned, this also helps in knowing when breaks are coming & generally students are better about not checking email/phones, etc because I know I'll have a break in an hour, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
