Electronic Eitquette in the Classroom

On the first day of classes I post the department's policies on electronic equipment on the projection screen during classes. (I didn't write the policies and I don't make students apologize to class if their cellphones ring.) It helps keep kids focused, or at least for a time. I've already had a few of the more "popular type" of young ladies texting and goofing off in class. And it's only been two weeks!

Last semester I had a woman who looked at her phone all semester, had it stashed right behind her purse on the top of her desk. I don't think she was doing well in class, and I probably docked her some "progressional points" on her semester grades (which are basically freebie extra credit points for students who behave themselves).

In any case, technology in the classroom's a net negative in my experience. Some students will used their laptops appropriately, taking notes and accessing their textbooks during lectures. But otherwise I've long railed against the distractions of cellphones. It's interesting how many students have to "go to the bathroom" these days, or those who just step out routinely to take a call. Most of all, though, the focus of the students is not on what's being taught but on their social lives. And for young students around 18 and 19 years-old, that social life obsession --- fueled by ubiquitous social media applications --- is the bane of their personal and professional development.

In any case, there's more on this from Evan Selinger, at the Wall Street Journal, "Should Students Use a Laptop in Class?":

There's a widely shared image on the Internet of a teacher's note that says: "Dear students, I know when you're texting in class. Seriously, no one just looks down at their crotch and smiles."

College students returning to class this month would be wise to heed such warnings. You're not as clever as you think—your professors are on to you. The best way to stay in their good graces is to learn what behavior they expect with technology in and around the classroom.

Let's start with the million-dollar question: May computers (laptops, tablets, smartphones) be used in class? Some instructors are as permissive as parents who let you set your own curfew. Others are more controlling and believe that having your phone on means your brain is off and that relying on Google for answers results in a digital lobotomy.

Professors are united, though, in the conviction that the classroom is a communal space and that students share the responsibility for ensuring that nobody abuses it by diminishing opportunities to learn. An instructor who lets you squander your tuition by using class time to fuss with your iPhone is likely to have zero tolerance for distracting activities that make it hard for the rest of the class to pay attention.

One of my colleagues has resorted to a severe policy that he calls the "Facebook rule," which turns the classroom into a wild west of bounty hunters and social media outlaws. Students are encouraged to earn extra credit by busting classmates who use their computers for activities like social networking, shopping or gaming during his lectures.

Other professors prefer imposing the scarlet letters themselves. One colleague became so fed up with a student who played games whenever the class went to a computer lab that he installed speakers on the offender's machine. Halfway through the class, the speakers got turned on and everyone stared as the post-apocalyptic sound track started blaring.

Ultimately, rule-breakers are their own worst enemies. Students may be savvy enough to text the occasional query to partners-in-crime during exams. But it is only a matter of time before the mute button isn't pushed and the whole class gets to hear your "I'm sexy and I know it" ringtone.

This guy's a riot.

Continue reading.

The part about student emails is hilarious, but I cut my students a lot of slack there. Learning professionalism takes time. I just draw the line on excessive distractions and disruptions in the classroom.