Jason,
this is a great example of how we, as instructors, need to be flexible & ensure we are not setting absolutes for others or even for each of our classes. In this case, it makes sense for the phones to be out...whereas a group of 18 year olds, probably not so much. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jason,
I too allow my students to have their cell phones out with the ringer turned off. The majority of my students are also adults with children so I feel that it would be a little harsh by making them put them in a bin at the beginning of class. Like you, I too have set ground rules on day one of class. I have found that most of them follow the rules. The ones that ignore the rules are usually the ones that are younger and don't have any children. I usually give a warning and threaten to revoke the whole classes privelages before they straighten up. I do like the idea of giving them an assignment where they can utilize their phones. I think this would work well as a group activity because not all students have a smart phone.
I work in the medical profession and I am educating the next great medical professionals. Using a cell phone in a hospital can put your patients life at risk and I make very sure to pass onto my students how that happens. I give them examples of how it effects their patients. I also know that with advances in IT cell phones do not interact with all equpiment, but it still does with some. I also let them know that when they work some day they will not be able to have their phones on them. I give them ways to deal with not having their phones on them and what process to follow. I also feel its a respect thing and a professionalism thing. I also respect my students enought to tell me the truth if something serious is going on then they may keep their phones out. ONLY if I am told prior to class.
Mandy,
I think it is very important to explain the why cell phones are not used; I really do think it helps the students see where we are coming from.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I tend to feel each class out as to how hard I will be on the cell phone issue. My students range from 18-65, are here for 5 hours a day, and each rotation of new students is only 3 weeks. That being said, I make sure they know if they need to use their phone to please not disrupt everyone and take it outside(including texts)and to keep it on vibrate. They all have lives outside my class however that is no excuss to be rude.
Many employers do have the no cell phone rule, as does mine, yet as I walk around I see many employees looking at their phones and texting. It is so dominant in society today and so many people seem to think nothing about walking around with their heads down and walking right into you or off the sidewalk or subway platform. I agree with the only in emergency cell phone rule during clinicals although many staff use the drug libraries on their phones for appropriate information and updates. This is quite a modern dilmma.
Timothy,
this is a great example of adapting to your audience & also appreciating the maturity level of some students vs others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
There are no cells phones in the class at all. Now if they have emergencies then they can keep it on them but if there is no emergency the phone needs to put away.
Latasha,
this is a good policy & helps show professionalism as well that you are understanding in light of emergencies.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I tell my students the first day we meet no cell phones. But if there's an emergency thats the only time they can be excused from the class. But if it's, taken to far points are taken from their grades
ramona,
and I think this type of policy is reflective of what many will find in their job areas once they have graduated.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Our policy is no cell phones. However there is always "life" situations. Students are told to put phones away but the phones are on vibrate. If a call comes in the students excuses themselves and takes the call outside of class.
However smart phones are a whole new world. Students use smart phones to access another coding book or dictionary. Very limited use under these circumstances has been allowed.
serena,
we do live in a different age & I agree with being understanding regarding life situations. I really do think this helps our students to listen better, knowing we are understanding.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree with the cell phone issues. Not only is it rude for the instructor trying to lecture, and for fellow students that want to learn. I also agree for the students to keep their cell phones with no ring tone, in case of child care issues, or an emergency. If the student is caught texting, instructor can take the phone until class is over, and suffer the consequences.
I find it unbelievable how often students take out their phones at a clinical site. I tell them to put them away. They have my work phone number that I carry around to give to their family for emergencies. It looks unprofessional to the workers and patients who see them on their phones.
Cell phones can go both ways. It really depends on how it approached. The use of a cell phone has become an extension of the person in most cases. I myself at 46 find myself reaching for my cell phone for no apparent reason other than to just look at the time by habit. If explained correctly it is easy enough to gain the respect of a student so the phone will stay put away. If you jump down a students throat right away you may as well tell them take your phone out at every possible moment. Most of our students are in the age of defiance, the more you say dont the more they will. Thats completely normal. Its all about the approach you take in the explanation of why they need to pay attention. Respect your student as a person and most likely they will return the favor. Big me little you....well phone will be sneaked out at every possible moment.
There really is no clear cut answer.I've found that the younger students (the Millenials) do consider their cellphone to be part of them (as you've mentioned). I notice that many of them don't wear watches and use the phone to check time.Sometimes I will ask a student to check a fact via his or her smartphone (or they are quick to correct me on a certain fact). I agree that instructors need to address the issue in a respectful and professional manner, and it is important to set the tone the very first day.
My policy in the classroom is that cell phones must be turned out (or at least on vibrate) but must not be kept on their tables. It amazes me how the younger generation that have grown up with cell phones seem to be 'attached at the hip' to them and have the attitude that if they miss one call or text the world will end! I allow students to have cell phones readily available if they have a sick child etc. but always encourage them to inform all family and friends that during 9 - 1 (our class time) that they are unavailable. If students really need to talk to someone (or text them) they can do it on their break. You're right, it really just comes down to respect.
Pat,
and it really is important that we help the students to learn this now. Most employers do not tolerate talking or texting while working & in the arena it can cost you a job.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
For sure! My husband's company had to ask a young man working there several times to leave his phone alone during work. But again, being of that younger generation, he seemed to feel he'd miss some unbelievable news or information if he wasn't 'connected' constantly and acted as if rules didn't apply to him.
As a result, after several warnings the unbelievable news he received was that he lost his job. So I agree that we must help students understand when it is and isn't appropriate to use their cell phones etc. so that they can be successful in the workplace - most of which won't tolerate the disrespect of talking or texting during work!
Thanks for the input.
