This is the general cell phone policy I'd love to see schools adopt - short, simple, and sweet.
Mobile/Cell Phone Policy
During the school day, cell phones can be used. During class time, cell phones can be used in ways that support the teaching and learning process.
Cell phones may not be used in any way that detracts from the learning environment of the school. For more details on these expectations, see the "Classroom Expectations and Maintaining a Healthy Learning" environment section of the handbook on page X.
Cell phones may not be used to harass, intimidate, or bully anyone, at any time. Our school does not support harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any person for any reason. For more details on school expectations, see the "We Do Not Tolerate Bullying" section of the handbook on page Y.
And...
On a semi-related note, if a school is looking for a good resource on bullying, check out Bullied from Teaching Tolerance.
Comments
Ban cellphone use in classrooms
As a student I can unequivocally say that a total ban on cellphone use is the only rational classroom policy. No cellphone use, period. It's not that hard and it forces the short attention span generation to learn the concept of concentrating on one thing for an hour or two. Honestly, they don't learn that anywhere else in their life. How are they supposed to write a paper (or learn a language or read a chapter) when they are physically addicted to texting every 2 minutes.
The best classes ban computer use too and make students take notes by hand. Some classes can't do this obviously, but you would not believe the difference it makes.
I don't understand classes that allow or encourage backchat during class. How can a student concentrate on understanding the implications of what a professor is saying when the student is instead focused on their next snarky backchat post. You cannot do both at once. Go ahead, try it.
Cell phones are only a distraction when learning is not engaging
@Bill, thank you for the common sense cell phone plan. I intend to share it on my blog and in my upcoming book on using cells in the classroom.
@anonymous student (not convinced, this ahem, student is not really an adult, but besides the point). In a classroom without policies and where the teacher isn't engaging students and doesn't know how to harness the power of technology, I'd agree with you. Fortunately, many of the teachers interested in embedding cell phones as a learning tool don't fall into that category.
I love this quote from Marc Prensky:
“Let’s admit the real reason that we ban cell phones is that, given the opportunity to use them, students would vote with their attention, just as adults would ‘vote with their feet’ by leaving the room when a presentation is not compelling.”
I had the pleasure of teaching a class with Marc to a room full of students and their teachers in a no-ban zone. They all had cell phones, iTouches, laptops, etc. Guess what? The participants were engaged and we learned a LOT!
The problem with your argument is that if we make schools artificial environments that look nothing like the world of work or play, then what are we really preparing students for? More school?
@Anonymous and the rest...if you want to experience learning in a no-ban zone, please contact me and I'll invite you to a class where we engage and respect learners. It can be done and it's fun!
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