Cell Phones
As mentioned about students leaving their personal belongings in a seperate area. Can this be affective with cell phones? Has it been proven that students can learn better without the interruptions of a cell phone or feeling that every minute they need to check a text message. How can we tkae this current generation of student and make them feel comfortable without their cell phones for a class session?
I request all cell phones be muted in the classroom and placed in their bags until the break when they can obtain updates. I request all students leave their cell phones in their cars when assigned to a clinical rotation as they are forbidden in acute care Psychiatric Units. Once I clearly explain my rationales, they all agree and I have had no issues.
If a student has a family emergency and they are expecting an urgent call they may keep their phones in their desk. Students respect guidelines when all concerns are openly discussed. Thanks, marie
Occasionally allow the use of their cell phones for one or more aspects of a lesson. We are teaching many students considered to be "Millenials". Technology is a part of their lives, why not use the tremendous research abilities of hand-held technology?
Todd,
I don't know if specific research has been done on learning better without the cell phone, but we definitely know that distractions can hamper learning. I'm not sure you will ever make them feel comfortable without their cell phone, but I think insisting that they not use them or have them out is your perogative as the instructor & does reflect most modern work environments.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Ronald,
I agree that the occasional use can be a great way to show them that you are willing to allow the technology & also to help illustrate that there is a time & place for this technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Cell phones not only interrupt the student whose phone it is, but also other students and the instructor as well. We've become a society where peple don't look into each other's eyes and carry on a normal conversation. All they know how to do today is "TEXT!"
MARIE,
yes, the cell phone issue is a significant one. There seems to be the idea that if I'm not "talking" on my phone I'm not disturbing anyone. But texting is rude & is distracting.
Dr. Ryan Meers
it is very hard now days becuase students cant function without their phones. Putting them in bin works for me. I will single out a phone and keep it on top to allow for emergency calls.
I'll admit to being "old school" when it comes to electronics in the classroom. If it's being used to add to the class information, that's acceptable. But I find it disrespectful to have students focus on their electronics instead of the progress of the class.
I also make it clear that the majority of employers will not allow the use of personal phones, etc. in the workplace.
Mary,
you are not "old school" but aware of respect & appropriateness. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I don't allow use in class unless I give them a specific technology project. I don't want to see them out while lecturing. If their personal life is more important than their education, then they shouldn't be in my class... Just how i feel
Thomas,
I think many are in the same feeling boat with you. I think it is completely the perogative of the instructor (if not already required by your school) to demand that cell phones be turned off & put away during class. There is always room for the rare exceptions (sick family members, etc) but really anything else can wait until a break or the class is over.
Dr. Ryan Meers
If I have a student/students that are parents of young children, I will allow their cell phone to be out and available for emergency calls on vibrate only. If they need to look up something on the internet for class content it will be allowed. No texting and no phone calls otherwise.
I have added a "No cell phone rule" in my class expectations. Of course from the younger generations there is some resistance in the beginning but as time goes on I can gradualy see an appreciation and habit develope where at the beginning of class all phones are put on silent and placed out of eye sight. When someone does not abide by the "rule" the other students are quick to remind one of the cell phone usage rule. The class begins to understand it is a respect factor not just for the instructor but the class as a whole.
Heather,
I do think that many of the Gen Y students develop an appreciation when they can have an environment where they don't have to be constantly surrounded by the technical distractions.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I completely agree with you. I never take my cellphone to class unless I have a sick child at home. I believe that if I can be without my cellphone for 50 minutes than the students can do this as well. We have a very strict cellphone policy within our school throughout all programs. Some students still continue to use their cellphones in which they are conducted and possible dismissal. These students need to respect the instructor as well as their classmates and I strongly believe that the cellphone can hinder their education, unless there are time whenn the student needs to look something up or use the calculator. That is different.
Angelia,
well said. I agree with you that the main lesson/point we must communicate here is that putting the cell away is an issue of respect. Too often these rules are viewed as an infringement on rights, rather than understanding that this behavior really is rude.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to start the class out with everyone taking a second to mute/silent there cell phones during lecture/lab. During lecture I allow “stretching†sessions at the end of a subject, this works out pretty well. During lab I ask them to take the call/text outside of the classroom to avoid distraction of other students.
Manuel,
this is a good way to start the class as it helps to remind them, not just to silence their phones, but that they should not be using them at all.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I sit somewhat outside the box based upon others responses to this topic. I allow students to keep their phones out in class with ringers off. Most of the students in my classes are adults and have kids, etc. that at times need attention. I have made it a point to set ground rules for their use. If it is an emergency please step in the hall and take the call, otherwise please wait until break. I also tell them that if it is abused then I will make it a rule to keep them put away. I have noticed that if their phone is visible it provides some comfort in that they are not missing any life events and allows them to focus on the class. The class as a whole tends to do a very good job policing itself so they don't lose this privelage.
