Phones
We do not let phones out at all during each period which last 2 hours. Some students can not deal with it and they try and sneak a check. We have to give out infractions to get them to stop. We need to come to some kind of an understanding on this issue. The phones are part of everyone's life now.
Steven,
this is a great way of using the technology that they are comfortable with in a meaningful way.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to incorporate active learning activities into the classroom by utilizing internet features that *most* students have in front of them.
Knowing that not everyone has a smartphone, I assign them to teams and divvy up tasks within the team.
My policy for phone use in the classroom varies from class to class and from day to day. In a class that requires the use of calculators I allow the students to the the calculator function on their cell phone. On days when quizzes and exams are given, no cell phone (or any electronic devise capable of storing data) is allowed in the classroom. I protect my exams from general distribution and it is too easy to snap a quick picture of examination forms with a cell phone. Cell phone policy for each class is spelled out precisely in the course syllabus.
Jamie,
I think a quick break every 15-20 minutes is a good idea, whether it's a phone break or a quick stand up & discuss a question moment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I say every 15-20 minutes give them a 30 second cell phone break. They will be more likely to listen to you instead of being distracted, trying to find the right moment to sneak a look.
Julie,
I think this is a good preparation for the work environment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We do not allow the students to be on their phones in the classroom. They can have them out on break and they get a 10 minute break every hour. We have actually sent students home for using phones while we are lecturing.
ROBERT,
your survey is a great idea as you can put actual information in front of your students about the different policies so it isn't just "trust me", great idea.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Good thread about the many uses of a cell phone in the classroom. I also have assignments and activities that the students are allowed to use their cell phones to accomplish and the students seem to enjoy them. Presently I’m surveying the locale businesses so I can find out their cell phone policy. After my survey I hope to adopt one of their policies for my classroom. I think this will lead to a great conversation on the responsible use of the cell phone in the work place.
If we teach them the appropriate uses and keep them busy using them appropriately they don't have time to misuse them. I teach criminal justice and my students use the Crimes Code and Vehicle Code Apps. We are constantly using the phones and they love it and when they are busy they tend to not misuse the phones.
I feel the same way. If I have an "abuser",frequent texter or surfer, then I counsel them separately.
I also institute a "You ring, You sing!" policy which helps them to be more conscientious about cell phone etiquette and usage. In the beginning the class enjoyed a verse or two, but sadly for me, I haven't had a song in about a year in any of my classes. (Word got around!)
Sona,
this is a nice balanced approach as it reminds all that our time in class is important, yet as you point out acknowledges their lives outside of the class which is important for adult learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I always tell my students (adult learners) to put their phones on vibration. Most adult learners have families and you don't want somebody to miss a family emergency.
Kim,
and I think this is a good example of recognizing they may need to take a call, but it has limitations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I know that the phones can be a useful tool, but most often they are a distraction. It is too tempting for a student to check their phone and not pay attention in class, and very easy to do. It is also difficult to monitor students to make sure they do not use their phone for cheating on a quiz. For these reasons I do not allow cell phones to be in my classroom.
I also adopt this policy. Making phone calls and texting during class is not allowed. The use of the phone during class is strictly prohibited to the calculator and camera functions. If the student must take a call, I ask him to step out if
The classroom as it is disturbing to other students.
Melissa,
Yes there are many uses as long as we teach appropriateness.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Phones are not the problem, it's the users. Like other posters have mentioned, there is a calculator, camera and dictionary attached to the phone. Why condemn one part because it is mishandled. Teach them appropriate usage of the phone.
