Students and Cell Phones
I have a huge problem with students using cell phones in class, especially during a lecture. I understand that cell phones and other electronic devices are a huge part of our lives now, but how do I get my adult students to understand that there is a time and place for them. Am I asking too much to have them be without their phones for tow hours?
The program in which I teach tries to adhere to a strict "no phones in class" policy, but just telling the students it isn't allowed isn't enough (this is one issue that is constantly tested.) I've had issues on where to draw the line, examples: a student wants to use their cell phone as a timer in the lab kitchen or a student doesn't have a calculator so they ask to use their cell phone. I don't want to feel like I am hindering their ability to learn by saying no to those requests, but I also don't want to be accused of disregarding school policy.
Our culture is so dependent on cell phones; enforcing the no phones rule is truly a difficult task!
I tell them they must turn them off upon entering class. I teach production, and a ringing phone will ruin a scene.
I tell them that IF there is an emergency where they have to have the phone on, then let us know before class, so we can expect it. However, try to have it on silence. Like you say, we are dependent on these cell phones now--some students have children, some have parents that they are caring for, and must be available to be contacted if something arises, so I try to account for that...I've had to use that option myself at times when I had my own emergencies awaiting a phone call.
I have a cellphone rule in place, I tell the students if you are not on break or at lunch you can not use your phone or have it out. If you are caught with it you will get a student advising. I know cellphones are a part of everyone lives but you have to put a stop to it when comes to everyone learning.
Beginning any of my class I always explain to students regarding phone policy, which I only allow them to use during our break, Quite frankly I have not experienced much difficulties to abide by this rule!!!!
Hi Amanda,
It is easy, there are no exceptions, enforce the policy!
Patricia Scales
Hi Vallorie ,
I understand your perspective, however when emergencies happened before cell phones existed, those who needed to be contacted were. At work if there is a NO CELL PHONE POLICY, it must be abided by or else.
Patricia Scales
Hi Barbara,
Absolutely! Cell phones can be a big disruption in a learning environment!
Patricia Scales
Hi Christophe,
We have an institution-wide no cell phone policy on in the classroom, and we have MINIMAL dealings with students not abiding by the policy.
Patricia Scales
I've included it into my lecture. I use www.polleverywhere.com to quiz my students during class. Even with a steadfast policy and strong enforcement, they will still use them. So I decided to beat them at their own game!!
Hi Courtney,
Beating them at their own game is to reprimand them according to policy. We have a zero tolerance for cell phones at my institution. Our students know and understand the seriousness of the policy.
Patricia Scales
If you DO decide to enforce a zero tolerance policy, and you catch someone texting, for example, how do you choose to address it? Do you take it from them that second? Do you take off points? Do you make an example of them? Do you ask them nicely? what do you suggest?
I'm not sure what kind of students you have at your institution, but I teach adult learners and reprimanding them not only doesn't work, it's insulting. Yes, there is a time and place for cell phones, however in this age of technology it is better, in my and my institutions opinion, to embrace and incorporate it then fight and disregard it.
It is very difficult to enforce this policy. There is always a perfect excuse to try to use a cell in class. I tell my students that in the health field the use of a cell is a big issue. I always share with my class a story about how a phlebotomist was drawing my blood and her phone started to ring and she picked up the call and forgot about me. I finished the procedure. When she came back she had a nice surprise. I was waiting there with the doctor and she was fired in front of me for leaving the needle inside of my arm unattended. I use this example in class as a reminder how using a cell can cause harm in our jobs.
Hello there,
I also have a huge problem with cell phones. I have informed the students that they cannot have their cell phones out but that seems to fade during class. I have made it a policy not to have cell phones out during the test and that seems to have stuck with the students. It is during lecture time--- they are constantly on their cell phones.
Hi Larisa,
Send them home, and this will put an end to this nonsense!
Patricia Scales
Hi Courtney,
I teach at a similar institution as yours working with adult learners, and I have seen just the opposite. Students do not take it as an insult; they understand that most employers will not tolerate cell phones. Cell phone issues are slim to none at my institution. You get what you expect from students. Raise the bar!
Patricia Scales
Hi Audrey,
Do not let your students disobey you. Put a plan into effect, if you take your cell phone out during class, you will be sent out of the class for the day and be marked absent along with getting zeroes on any missed assignments during your absence.
Patricia Scales
In class or on the job they can be a great distraction. As a new instructor I have noticed a disregard for policy. After a final last week, even though class time must still be adhered to, adult student begin to get out phones requiring several reminders to put way. Each term requires reiteration of your expectations. Helpful example.
Hi Denise,
I concur! Regardless as to where cell phones are being utilized, they take away, what a distraction.
Patricia Scales
