Allowing texting
I find it interesting how some of my best students actually manage to perform well in their class while texting periodically during class. There is a fine line to walk between completely "banning" texting during class time and simply allowing it to occur here and there. The question then becomes, do the "benefits" of allowing students to text periodically during class outweigh the drawbacks of eliminating it completely?
We are not very well designed for listening. Our brains can process four or five times more words than a person can say per minute. That's why our minds can wander even when we are interested in what someone is saying. This might sound like an argument for texting in the classroom, but I'm actually for banning anything that makes bad listeners even worse. And as far as multi-tasking is concerned, every article I've seen on the subject indicates that humans can only focus on one thing at a time. In other words, no one is good at multi-tasking.
I agree. My definition of multi-tasking is messing two things up at once. I prefer to ban texting in class during instructional time.
Texting is a distraction, and unless there is a reason why a student needs to be in touch with someone because of a family emergency or something similar, it seems unnecessary in the classroom. If there are adequate breaks during the class period, that should provide sufficient time for students to text their friends. Even as I write this, I realize that I seem to suggest that "enabling" texting is acceptable. Perhaps we need to reconsider what the value of texting might be in the classroom?
I have seen device removal hysteria - where the removal of the device now occupies EVERYTHING. I know that I tweet during lectures - the more interesting the subject the more I tweet. I have been guilty of a double standard in this regard.
Zack,
this is definitely a challenging & interesting question. You could almost view this in the same vein as doodling. I recall teachers in high school banning doodling because it was too distracting, but many students need this "distraction."
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have to say that I am torn. I see the same things you do, but at the same time, I have to answer questions that were already answered. My policy is the phones are put away during my lecture (which I limit to 15 minutes) the while the students are working in groups or individually, I allow their phones to be out. I do however watch students, especially when working in groups, to make sure they are doing their part.
Students need to put down their phones during class. It is ridculous how atteached students are to their phones.
I have not yet banned texting in my classroom, however I do inform the students on the first day of class to not text during class or answer their phone in class. I don't mind an occasional text here or there if I see it as long as the student does not become consumed with it or makes it a habit which I have not had that problem yet. In addition, there is not much lecture (maybe an hr per class)to the classes that I teach because it requires more hands-on work (massage therapy) than anything.
I think it can be useful if used in the right way.
KAI,
yes, I've had students in their presentations use texting as a way of taking in class polls & the students are able to see the results right away.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Texting is a distraction, and unless there is a reason why a student needs to be in touch with someone because of a family emergency or something similar. To avoid any concerns, I have my students inform me prior to class if they have an pending family matter that may occur during lecture. This allows the student the freedom to exit the lecture if required. Other means such as day care or school emergecny should go through the main campus number first second student cell phone.
Yes, however I sometimes allow them to use their smart phones with a free app that allows for an audience response system. They can not text, but they become engaged since they are using technology.
I agree that students need that "mind break" but allowing texting during class in my opinion is only going to cause more of a distraction because once its time for the student to return to doing work or listening to the lecture they are going to be receiving reply text messages that I don't feel they will wait to read. Therefore directing all of their time to their phone.
I have many students who doodle as I lecture, and these are students with " good grades". Although I don't doodle when I listen, I have learned to accept this practice.
I like the idea of using the smart phone to engage students in the classroom. I'm going to look for the app mentioned. I also notice txting about activities with friends or families distracts the student from following the content of the lecture.
My current conflict is: I control their choices by banning txting or I let them control their choices and suffer poor grades?
There are many studies that show a human can not actually "multi-task." The human brain can switch between tasks quickly, but attention - and therefore learning and understanding - is truly only devoted to 1 thing at a time.
Doodling and fidgeting are "unconscious" acts that do not require higher cognitive processing and can help some focus better.
Texting while hearing a lecture is akin to texting and driving. Since the brain can only focus on 1 thing at a time, one task is performed as the other task is ignored. (and yes, I use "hearing" a lecture specifically as one cannot actually "listen" and text.)
I do not allow Texting in my class because I teach lab and I end up having to repeat what I am teaching multiple times. Yes they can multitask but not in hans on Lab.
