Class Participation
We have a policy at my school that's probably typical of other institutions - no cell phones allowed. Instead of calling the student out I usually just walk around their area. That alone usually stops the behavior.
Michael, cell phone usage in class can be a challenge. Thank you for sharing how you deal with this in class.
Michele Deck
YES, CELL PHONE USAGE IS A CHALLENGE IN CLASS. GOOD IDEA MICHAEL
From experience, i do agree that cell phone usage can be a huge challege in class, but in some cases it may serve as a tool to encourage class participation.At intervals i may ask the students to look up something relating to the topic of discussion on their cell phones to redirect their focus on the disscussion.
John, finding ways to incorporate personal technology in learning is based on the educational trends coming in the future.
Michele Deck
Cell phone usage can be a challenge. I review my classroom expectations the first day of class. We talk about cell phone usage and debate whether it is good or bad in the classroom. Most students agree it can be distracting and sometimes rude. We decide as a group what is acceptable.
Theresa, you are lucky that your school allows you to define cell phone use. Engaging them in setting parameters for use is a smart idea.
Michele Deck
I wish that our students were so easily dissuaded! Some hide the phones in their pockets & text right in front of our faces. Even when it is called out directly, they deny it, though it is blatant & obvious. After watching them typing, they say they're taking photos of lab samples or checking the time, despite the clock visible throughout the lab. It's very frustrating to be lied to constantly, and as smart phones have become a given with today's students, it's only gotten worse, as there seems to be a never-ending list of excuses to try to cover their disregard for the rules. Banning them doesn't even seem to work, as the worst offenders usually seem to be the ones to get around it by claiming they have to have them for emergency purposes, & yes, regularly (e.g. for their children, etc.) I feel like our team has all but given up trying to eliminate their usage instead of paying attention in class. I feel like encouraging them to search for things would only increase the frequency of inappropriate usage, as they'd just lie as usual about what they were doing, and only the more obedient students would actually use it as asked. It's very frustrating. The best we've ever been able to do is require those caught to clean the classroom for a week, but they usually end skipping it, or just keep doing it. It seems nothing is discouraging enough.
Kristine, it sounds as if an entirely new approach is needed, as it is not a good thing to violate or ignore the rules. This sets everyone up to be unhappy.
Michele Deck
because of the fact that I teach adults, I let my students know that if an important call is needed they may put their phone on vibrate and excuse themselves out of class. They are told the cell phone policies before the class begins on the first day, and is enforced and revisited if needed.
Ronald, I agree that setting the expectations at the beginning of class will set the tone for success in your classroom.
Michele Deck
I have also asked a student to look something up. I make sure they put them away during tests!!!
I HATE PHONE USAGE IN CLASS BECAUSE I THINK IT DISTRACTS THEM FROM LEARNING.
BYGINA, if the cell phone use is for school work, that is acceptable. If not, it can be a huge distraction.
Michele Deck
We usually have some issues with cell phones, but I notice it less often if I am dynamic in my lecture, walk around room as I lecture, or even break up the lecture class with some type of class assignment for small groups.
Leslie, it is hard to engage learners when we are competing with electronics. Thank you for sharing what strategies work for you.
Michele Deck
I allow my students to use their cellphones too, especially if they ask a question that "stumped" the professor. I try not to draw too much attention to the offender. I will say, "MaryJo can you look up..." However, there have been times, especially with the repeat offenders, I have said, "MaryJo since your phone is already out, can you look up..."
Our students are also told about our school's cell phone policies. There are several times we have to revisit that policy because they tend to "forget" it. There goes our lesson of short-term vs. long-term memory.
We allow our students to have their cellphones on silence or vibrate for emergencies. If they need to take a call, we have designated areas where cell phone use is allowed. These areas are usually in public areas, ie. student lounge, hallway by the restrooms. We prohibit phone calls by classrooms or labs.
Tonya, I think you are smart to use the resources the students will have when they graduate, which is their cell phones. If you teach them who and where the reliable resources for their career are, you are teaching them valuable information.
Michele Deck
Tonya, while many schools prohibit the use of cell phones entirely, your school has used some well thought out rules that make sense. Thanks for sharing them.
Michele Deck
