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.
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11 comments:
I am guilty of texting, checking e-mails and browsing the web when I should be doing something else - mainly school work or house cleaning. I, also, absentmindedly do these things while talking to someone. Reading these articles have really opened my eyes on how this technology is removing our face to face contact and that we should be preventing it.When our family went on vacation last year we decided to lock up our phones and only checked them once in a while to see if anyone had called.
Needless to say we had the best vacation we have had in a very long time. Even though it was only for a day, we were happier, enjoyed each others company more and just had a great time. We are planning another vacation this year to be the same way. Unhooking from technology once in a while is good and we see what we've been missing out on. We miss out on so much when looking down at a screen instead of looking up at the world around us, not to mention the people we miss out on meeting and making friends with.
It looks like Miss Manners will have to add another chapter to her Book of Etiquette. I have had my children text like crazy during a dinner with us. Their actions seem to say that their present company (their parents and sometimes grandparents)is boring in the extreme. It is rude and should be postponed until a more appropriate time. I have been guilty of taking a call or text from my children when I have been out with friends. I always appologize and explain that it is one of my children and that I better take the call or check the text. Most parents are on the same page when it comes to children. Phones should be turned off in class or in a meeting. I have failed to do that on occasion, but it has been inadvertent. Ironically, cell phones just add to the many distractions that can interfere with the process of communication between a sender and receiver.
This is by far one thing that occurs on a daily basis that is very rude. I have been holding a conversation with someone and they are texting non stop. Its had to know if they are listening to you or just agreeing to get you to stop talking. I use to be guilty of this until it was brought to my attention and I saw how rude it was. I use to do it at dinner, in the middle of a conversation or in class while the teacher was talking. Now I just wait until I am alone or I am not doing anything then I respond or check emails. But I must agree the phones have become distractions from life, and if you cant control the phone the phone will control you.
Well, I still haven't upgrade my phone cause I feel like you felt, "It does what I need it for!" I do admit that I do stop and text while I am doing something else. I can honestly say that I have not text while talking to an instructor, but am guilty of doing it while with friends. My son has to return a text ever time he receives one and even while in conversation with me, like I am boring to listen too!! I think if you text while in a conversation is rude but unlike others I am guilty too. If cell phones were to become extinct what would so many people be like?? Sitting the cellphone down from time to time would be a good idea. I think cellphones are our biggest distractions today even while driving and that is dangerous!
I enjoy the all the features that a smartphone has to offer right at my fingertips. Although I enjoy the features I hate the data plan pricing that comes along with it. I am guilty (at times) when it comes to talking to someone face to face and texting and/or checking for an email response. However, I do say excuse me or hang on one second while I respond to this text message.
On a positive note I enjoy texting (as an example) to those that are long winded on the telephone and/or to those other folks you just don't want to talk to but you have to at times... :-)
I’m guilty of being on the phone when I should be doing something else but at the same time I hate talking on the phone. If I’m talking on the phone it’s probably because they called me. I would rather text than talk on the phone. I agree with Tammy when she mentioned putting away your cell phones while on vacation. I think I should that even though I think it would be impossible for some of the people I hang out with. My fiancé is a busy man and sometimes I think if he would just get off the phone, we could actually spend some time together even though his calls are usually important. I’m not a fan of the smart phones. I have friends that have them and I don’t just don’t see any need to upgrade my phone. I’ve always had a typical flip phones until I lost my last phone about 7 months ago and had to get a new one. You almost of no choice but to get a cell phone that really high-tech. Right now I have the LG mystique and it look me forever to get used to the keyboard because I was so use to having the 3 letters on button thing. I’m use to it now so I can text just as fast as I could on the other phone. I don’t feel the need for to have a smart phone any time soon but I feel one day we might all have to have one because that will be our only choice. I enjoyed reading these articles.
The first thing that comes to my mind is how often you talk to someone...maybe your boss who is checking an email or text in the middle of conversation and nods the entire time. Then once they are finished they ask "could you repeat that last part?" The next thing that comes to mind is when you are having lunch and the person in the table next to you wants you and everyone else in the room to think that their conversation is more important than the one you are having with the person in front of you. Go outside or finish your meal and call them back. I’m guilty of many things involving a smartphone but taking over a room is not one of them.
I agree that texting and doing other unimportant things on your phone can hold you back and not realize that there are important things that need to be done. I know if I put my phone away a bunch of things can get done on time for example my school work. But I am definitely going to improve on using my time wisely.
I haven't moved on to the smart phone yet, I still have my slider. The main reason for me not getting a smart phone is because I just haven't done it yet, I'll probably do it when its time for my next upgrade. As far as being addicted to my phone, I do spend time texting when I could be doing something better with my time, but I don't have to text all the time. If I'm discussing something important(one of my pet peeves is people who text in stuff like job interviews) I'll put it up but when I'm with my friends I'm usually on it. I enjoy my texting because I don't like to talk on the phone with people and texting allows me to talk to people when i feel like it and it avoids does awkward quiet moments that ruin conversations..........I do hate those messages that people send out to everyone that says if you don't forward this to 10 other people a piano will fall on you. Their stupid and waste my time when it could be something that I really want to read. Anyway my view of texting since I lack the experience with smart phones.
I could always tell people that my instructor who is a computing machine did not feel the need for a smartphone, when asked about the old flip, now I have to find another fall back position.
Well this was posted a while back, but I just HAVE to comment on it. You won't find me texting in front of someone without asking them to hold on a second because it was important. I do always check my phone because my children text me if they need something, however I might glance at it and put it away. There are few people that I text, fewer that I call, and I could care less about my emails most of the time. With that said, I use to waitress and the rudest thing was when I was trying to take their order and they were on the phone. So I would leave adn give them LOTS of time to talk. They got the hint after that. If you see my phone in my hand then odds are more likely that i'm playing a game and being ADHD i know better than to try to carry on ANY conversation while doing it lol. But KUDOS on coming into the 21st century Mr. Cherry! I'm proud of you. :)
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