So by now, all of you know that I have a pretty tight "no electronic device" policy in my face-to-face classes. (Mr. Boyd is worse than I am, referring to the classroom trash can as a "cell phone containment vessel.") From time to time, I've had students question why, as a technology instructor, I would limit their access to electronic devices. My answer, usually, is that they are distracting to everyone in the classroom and they serve as a barrier to learning during traditional lecture based classes.
Many would probably make the argument that one of those devices - the ubiquitous smartphone - has become almost an extension of or ever increasingly connected selves. And, on some level, I would have to agree. My students in the past always kidded me for being "left behind" when it came to cell phones. For years I held tight to my classic flip phone, refusing to upgrade. It worked fine for what I needed it for - a mobile phone. I hated texting with a passion, going so far as to have my carrier disable the service on my line. And then, back around Christmas of this year, I finally made the leap. With my new Android device in hand, I joined the masses - even if a little late - in the smartphone revolution.
Do I like my new phone? Yes. Do I play with my new phone when I could be doing something more productive? Yes. Do the capabilities of my new phone make me more productive? Yes.
Am I addicted to my new phone? Absolutely not. But there are those who are. And you know who you are. I see you in class sneaking a peek under the edge of your desk; looking for "something" in your purse; or texting in my office while I am trying to advise you on the path your educational career should take (note - this is very rude). But that's just my opinion, right?
To bring a little prospective to the discussion I offer you the following articles from the New York Times:
I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts, so feel free to comment.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)