In Our Schools: Foundations and Assessment of Education/Edition 1/Foundations Table of Contents/Chapter 11/Student Soapbox 2
From WITTIE
Many college students bring their cell phones and laptops to class. Some of these students use these technological tools to engage in non-school related personal activities (such as texting friends or chatting on Facebook) during class time. In fact, in Spring 2009 an ECI 301 student told the professor she couldn't participate in a class role-playing activity because she was engaged in an argument with her boyfriend on Facebook.
Many high schools and junior high schools have strict policies outlawing cell phones and prohibiting students from using computers for personal activities during school hours. Should college classrooms enact such regulations or should college students be able to make their own decisions about how to use their technology during class?
Imagine you are teaching a large lecture class with approximately 75 or more students. What would be your policy?
Would your policy be different if you taught a small class of 20-25 students?
Add your response below. Extra credit will be awarded to multimedia responses.
Cell phones and computer use besides for taking notes, in my opinion, should not be allowed in any classroom. We are all future educators here, and once you are in front of a classroom that is full of students not paying attention to you because they are texting, I believe that anyone would agree that allowing such behavior is not a good idea. Though we are all adults in a college classroom, it is still rude, as well as distracting, when people around you are using their phones or computers for personal use. It is beyond my comprehension why someone would pay hundreds of dollars for a class that they do not get the full benefit out of. People need to prioritize and realize that furthering their education is more important that fighting with your boyfriend on facebook. Large classes and small classes are no different in my eyes. If a student wants to text or chat on the computer, they should do it on their own time and not in the classroom. Kcask001 20:25, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
I don't think it would matter to me whether or not I had a big class size or a small, it would mostly be based on the assignment given. I think that the student should be responsible enough to know that they need to be doing classwork instead of doing personal things. Especially an adult. I think that if they feel that all of the money spent on their education is a joke than that's on them. However, I feel that if caught doing this, despite them being adults their parents should be notified. I feel this way because in most instances it's their parents money who's paying for this. I know that I would want to know if my child was playing around while I am busting my behind to pay for his education.Pperk002 23:40, 3 December 2009 (UTC)
In the college situation we are all adults and should act accordingly. As long as you are not disrupting other's learning and teaching time it really is up to you as to how you spend your time in the classroom. However if you can not do so without disrupting others than you should simply leave. Subcuda21 04:20, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
I would allow the students to have their devices. If they are using them during class and not bothering anyone else I would let them. If they are using them for personal use during class time they are just hurting themselves. Now at high school or middle school level I would not allow their use in the classroom. Students that age are there to learn. Xwizx6900 02:22, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
We're all adults here. College students should decide for themselves how and when they want to use their phones and laptops and the extent to which they will participate in class activities.
Well, if you're in Dr. Kidd's TR 9:30-10:45 class, I think you all know how I feel about technology in the classroom. We all pay to attend college. The University will receive a check from us, our parents, or a loan agency to attend school, regardless of how well we do (unless, of course, we fail out entirely). Ultimately, though, colleges function in a very capitalistic way. It's a business that we, the students, choose to pay tuition to for its existence, for the most part. Therefore, there has to be a certain level of customer satisfaction present. If I'm shelling out thousands and thousands of dollars to sit in a room and be taught, then it's sort of up to me to decide what I do with that investment. If I choose to take notes and pay attention, then I will take notes and pay attention. If I choose to sit there and chat on Facebook or text message my boyfriend, then that's my decision. It is not the decision of the professor to make me use my investment wisely. At Old Dominion University, there is a ban on cell phones being used in class, but it's sort of impotent, as no one with the authority to have us thrown out of college ever comes in and grabs cell phones. There is only one rule that must be in place regarding cell phones and non-class related laptop use: what you do must not present an unreasonable obstacle to someone who wants to participate in class. If someone is too busy fighting on Facebook to participate in class, then that student is interrupting the other students' right to receive instruction. A kid quietly text messaging or browsing the internet does not present an obstacle to any other student, and should absolutely be permitted to do so. Bakeryfresh 21:02, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
At this point the fact of the matter is that we are all adults. Some classes are very long and boring. Having the phone or computer might be a good distraction. Personally I know about an hour into class I usually start texting because I lose focus. My computer however is used to take notes, do homework, or have the PowerPoint’s at a closer reading range. It is the students choice as it should be. We are all adults, and some college students may even be close in age to that of the professor. We all have the maturity and age to make our own decisions. If a student is not being a major distraction then why should it matter if they are on facebook? Mnall 17:07, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
I don't think it should be necessary for instructors to ban cell phones and other similar devices in their classroom at the college level. The presumption should be that you are dealing with adults who know how to conduct themselves appropriately and who know how to use their personal communication devices in a way that does not distract the class as a whole. While I think that it's quite silly to sit in a class you are paying a lot of money for and text the entire time, I could understand if a student (particularly those who may be parents, etc.) would need to make sure they can be contacted. Spowe025 17:26, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
We are all adults, it is whether or not we act like adults that makes a difference. I personally use my laptop for school purposes, ie. taking notes or finding documents for professors. Some students are not as responsible as others but, on the flip-side, we all pay for these classes and what we do in them is our business! For me, I pay for each and every class I take at ODU so the time and seat is important to me where as, for example, a student who has "mommy and daddy" paying for their schooling might not care as much. Granted, this is all opinion based and has very little holding, it is important to keep in mind. Spook e kit e 17:59, 1 December 2009 (UTC)
College students are adults and they should know what is right and wrong. I believe that it is a common curtesy to turn off your cell phone as soon as you enter into a classroom. I keep my on vibrate in case one of my kids schools or husbands call me in an emergency. In regards to laptops, I like having my laptop with me at school so I can work on assignments in between classes. It also give me access to all my documents I may need during the class. But, yet again every student should give full respect to both the professor and classmates to not be doing extracurricular activities during a lecture in class. I can not believe how rude students are becoming. I have grown up to respect everyone around me especially authority and my teacher. If they don't like the class than they should have dropped it. So, yes students should be able to bring their laptop and phones to class as long as they are responsible with them. If not kick them the heck out of the class, they don't deserve to be in there.Aroac004 23:27, 1 December 2009 (UTC)
While I firmly agree that cell phones and personal laptops do not have a place in the high school classroom, college is a different story. Students in college should have enough respect for themselves, the person paying for their education and their professor to act in an appropriate manor. College is a time to prepare for the real world where your boss may or may not outlaw personal use of the computer and cell phone. Ahugh021 16:40, 2 December 2009 (UTC)
I think that college students should have a choice as to whether they use their phones and laptops during class time. In college, students are given the opportunity to make choices for themselves and should learn from them where necessary. If a student is not paying attention to the lecture because they are doing things not associated with the class, they will have to pay the consequences that follow. If this means that they will have to do more studying outside of class or might even miss something that is only said during lecture that will be tested on, then that is their responsibility. College students are, mostly, there because they want to be and they want to learn and better themselves. They are in charge of their own education and should be allowed to make their own choices when it comes to their learning. Pross008 23:06, 2 December 2009 (UTC)
While I think technology in the classroom is an excellent advancement in the way we conduct our learning it is not intended for personal use during learning. I think this is a necessary regulation for schools, but not so much for colleges. Of course I as a teacher would be mad to know a student had "more important" issues in front of them than taking advantage of the time I was presenting my lesson. Considering that I do think that some college students have to dig their own graves before and not rely on me to tell them when to pay attention. They are paying for the class if they make bad grades due to their decisions so be it.Lfrer001 23:12, 2 December 2009 (UTC)
I think that college students pay to be where they are. Some college students have more obligations outside of school, children, jobs, so it might be a necessity for them to have their computer or cell phones near by. I think that as long as you are not being rude by blasting your music or if you are watching a video or something be sure to have it muted or bring headphones. If you are a college student and you want to sit and a classroom to do the things you can do at home so be it. Just dont bother the ones who have come to do what they are supposed to do.JaeP 13:54, 3 December 2009 (UTC)
We are all adults. We pay for these classes and if we want to waste our money by not paying attention or coming to class is up to us. On the other hand, if the use of technology in class is disruptive to other students then it doesn't need to be happening. Esmid001 23:48, 3 December 2009 (UTC)
I think there is a time and place for everything- in the class facebooking, texting etc. is absolutely unacceptable. If you need to communicate with people who are not in the classroom in an emergency situation you need to excuse yourself from the class and have consideration for the students around you who would like to catch all of the lecture. If you can manage to multi-task and catch all nuances of the classroom and take in all information that is being presented while you facebook I think you should teach a class on this level of multi-tasking because I question the ability of any human on being able to do this. I dare say that all of the students are NOT paying for their own education, and for those of us who are we'd appreciate a little consideration. I don't think banning computers or cell phones is the answer, I only think that if you are not in the class to pay attention to the professor then don't come.Nsmit003 00:03, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
I think once they have gotten to college, which says a lot about someone, then they should be treated like adults until they act like children. If I was a teacher teaching to a large group of students or even a small group I would have to say they can use laptops and surf what ever they want as long as they do not hurt or bother anyone else. And If they want to pardon their self from the class to make a call on their cell phone or receive a call, I would not mind as long as the phone is on vibrate. There are exceptions to every rule, so I would allow alot of types of technology until I see it as being a problem. And I would tell the class my policies on the first day as to what I will allow.I do not see a using their technology during a class , a problem, until they make it one. I may feel different in a small class and so would the student using his or her technology. Maybe the student would not use it if he/she were in a small class. But in a large audotorium type setting, no one should care as long as it's not disruptive. Gdeol001 00:49, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
I don’t think college classroom should outlaw cell phone or computer uses. For one, students are not required to go to class. They are paying for their schooling so it is up to them whether they want to succeed or not. If a student decides to have an argument on Facebook and not participate in class activities, that’s on them. Many students in college use their cell phone and laptops for others reason then just personal. I would have the same policy for both size classes. It is not fair to allow one class do something and the other not. Bfarm007 05:55, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
I think that college students are too far to be children, so they should know what it is good or bad for them. If they used the phone in the classroom, it is disrepecful to the teacher. On the other hand, students can bring cell phone to the classroom , but for a emergency only. Laptop are impotant for students in the classroom because they can do homework. Also, they can look for any information that it is teaching in the lesson. Finally, students that bring cell phone at school only need common senses for using it at school.Hforc001 18:42, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
College student are not children and should not be treated as such. Some teachers have rules in the classroom regarding the use of technology and those rules should be respected. Classrooms that allow technology use cannot monitor each student at all times. Students should be able to make their own decisions about their technology use while still participating in the class. Rrhod176 02:55, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
I think college students are adults and can make their own decisions regarding what they do in class. Besides, a student could still not engage in lecture even if he/she does not have a laptop/cellphone. I think it is rude to text in class etc, and a professor could choose to ask that student to leave. However, I think students should be able to use their laptops in class because this is a tool to help them learn. If they choose to engage in other non-class related things while in class, they are losing out on class, and that is their decision. Sbunc004 17:50, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
We are all adults, and I feel that we should all be mature enough to know when to use our electronic devices and when not to. I am aware however that there are some people who simply do not understand that not paying attention and not participating in class discussions are just rude. Those people need to teach or give some presentations some time and see how it feels to be in front of a non reactive audience. I give teachers who face this a lot of credit. DevinLove 19:06, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
I have frequently managed my kids via text messaging while I'm in class. When they return home from their activities, they are to "check in" with me via texts. As an adult, taking care of this discretely is my prerogative. Is the girl who is facebooking in the front row of class being disrespectful? I would venture to guess that she would close her computer if the professor came and stood next to her. Using the technology should be something that adults should be able to manage. Sheilajanes 20:02, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
I think if you are paying for your own classes and you are an adult then you can do anything you want during class that isnt disruptive. If you want to waste spend your time on facebook you have the right to spend your time doing that. However if a teacher notices students constantly using their cell phone they might think they disturbing others. Cell phones are tricky because some parents may need to use them for emergencies. I think the teacher not the school should have the authority to set certain rules about technology during his or her class.
Ceppe002 22:20, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
I think the use of technology in college should be up to the students, when it comes to the use of their computer and cell phones. Obliviously, I think the majority of students would not make or take a phone call during class. I think that students should be able to text or use their computer as they wish in class, as long as it is not disruptive to other students or the teacher. I find that I use my lab top in class sometimes, and for the most part it is for school purposes, but sometimes I am looking at other things but I feel like that is my choice. I think that what happened to Dr. Kidd was totally inappropriate though, I think that student was very rude to respond that way. Technology should be allowed in the classroom but by using it to the point that you have no idea what is going on in class is somewhat ridiculous. I think that students have to decide whether or not they can stay on task and use their lab top or cell phones and if they can’t then they should not be using technology in the classroom. Slama002 00:41, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
I feel as though college students can decide for themselves if they want to use cell phones and laptops in class for personal activities. College students pay for their own education; therefore, they can decide if they want to pay attention and get an education or keep themselves distracted. However, I don’t think they should have their ringers on or be a distraction to any of the other students in the classroom in any way.Mpier024 22:26, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
Students should be allowed to to engage in their own activitys in class as long as it is not a major distraction to others. If a student is browsing through facebook with their laptop them that is there perogative. They paid for the class and if they want to waste there money then let them by all means. Twalt005 02:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
I agree we are college and if students don't want to participate they shouldn't have to but there should be consequences. I would definitely allow students to bring laptops to class but they would have to sit in the back away from the other students so they won't create a distraction. If I had a small class then I would not allow laptops because it would be more personal and I would feel disrespected if I saw most of my student son laptops.Kwhit095 04:30, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
I feel that there should be very strict policies of no-cell phones, no laptops, or other electronic devices in the classrooms of middle and high school students. I realize that many children may need to use a phone to call to be picked up or to get in touch with their parents. However, I do not feel that the classroom is a good time or place for cell phone or computer use. As for in college level classrooms, I feel that it is a big distraction when people's cell phones are ringing, if they are typing on their computer, etc. I believe that maybe there should be some limitations set, but I would not prohibit the use of electronic devices altogether. I think college students just need to be mindful and respectful of other people around them when they are using their phones or computers.Cburk016 04:36, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
If students choose not to pay attention then that is their choice. We are all adults. With that being said, I do think that students should be courteous enough to not inerrupt those who do wish to pay attention. That includes making sure that phones do not ring out loud and not talking to those around them. Dlanc555 04:46, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
Students should be able to use cell phones and computers for classroom purposes only. Some students have full time jobs, or kids and need to be able to have the cell phone, but need to take calls/texts outside the classroom. Computers can be distracting to other students and should only be used for notes/research. Texting in class is annoying to some people, hearing the clicks. My rules would be text/calls outside classroom, and computer use for class purposes only. Walking around if I saw texting or internet misuse then I would kick them out the class. Students are paying money to be in class and if they choose to waste their money then thats their own decision but they still must respect the professor. Jtalk001 05:12, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
My policy in the classroom would be no cell phone use at all and if it is an emergency you could step out of the class and get on your phone then. Laptops I would probably allow because alot of students take notes on them, even though it can be distracting sometimes for other students. Mbenn020 06:32, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
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We had this debate at the beginning of the semester. I personally don’t use my phone or computer during lecture and I find it annoying when others around me do. But regardless of this, I still think college students should be allowed to use their phones and computers as they see fit. I understand why high school students aren’t allowed but most college students have jobs and are trying to start a life on their own away from their family so I think they should have access to their phones and computers during class time. Nzech001 06:49, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
