Phones in the Classroom
Some faculty ban phones in their classes, others embrace them and challenge students to use them in course-related ways. During a discussion of classroom agreements around attendance and other policies, discuss the value and detrimental aspects of smartphone usage in class, and listen to what your students think. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but you might start by reflecting on how you feel when you see numerous students using their phones during your class, and why. How do you think usage can disrupt and/or support students’ learning?
- Discuss your feelings about what sort of usage is appropriate but also talk about it with your students. Phones can be a tool for distraction just as much as they can be a tool for engaging. Try to get students to come to common agreement about how they will or won’t use phones in class. Remember that some students may be using translation apps; how can they put them away and still feel comfortable in class? They may also be looking up supplemental information.
- Some students may rely on their phones for comprehension, communication and participation.
- English language learners in particular may benefit from the ability to look up definitions and translate words/phrases.
- Neurodiverse students and those with visual impairments may access assistive technology or take notes through their phones.
- Students may have other accessibility needs that phone usage supports.
- Allowing all students to use devices can prevent any one student from being singled out for their needs.
- Are there parts of your class that you want to make screen free. You might encourage students to put their phones away and engage with each other at the start of class or during group activities. Some students develop real anxiety when asked to put their phones away; consider undertaking this in short intervals.
- Just because they’re on their phones doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention. Ask students why they need their phones at any given moment. Students using their phones aren’t always texting, shopping, or watching videos. They may be taking notes, creating, translating your words, and doing work.
- If you do opt to restrict smartphone or laptop usage in class, communicate why you’re doing so. When students understand your reasoning, they’ll be more likely to adhere. Some reasons include:
- Putting devices away decreases the risk of digital distraction and promotes presence.
- When one student gets off task, others are more likely to follow suit.
- Research shows that students who text in class don’t take as good of notes or retain as much information.