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iPhones in Classrooms

Posted September 5, 2007 4:00 AM by Paul Levinson
Categories: Concept 

Today is the first day of Fall 2007 classes at Fordham University, where I teach.  I have an Intro to Mass Media course, which I teach every term, and I’m looking forward to.

I have a policy - which I’m pretty relaxed about, as I am about most rules - about cell phones and laptops in the classroom.  In general, I discourage students from talking or texting on their cell phones during class.  But laptops are ok.  I know students IM on them, but the laptops at least provide the possibility of looking something up - sort of an encyclopedia or library on the go - and that’s fine with me, even during one of my lectures.

But ... what should I do about iPhones?  I have no idea how many students will have them today, but it’s a sure bet that more and more students will have iPhones in the future.  The iPhone, obviously, is a cell phone and web browser.

I’m going to err on the side of open systems.  I already encourage my students to read blogs, listen to podcasts, watch videos on YouTube - it’s written into the curriculum.  If my students want to use their iPhones as cell phones, and have conversations with friends during the class, so be it.  But on the chance that they’ll be using the iPhone to locate some bit of fascinating, pertinent knowledge on the Web - hey, that’s all to the good.

Of course, I will draw the line during our open book exams…

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Comments

  1. Confiscate the iphones. Mommy and Daddy will buy them a new one. The kids are ther for an education. Teach them a lesson.

    Posted by artman1033 on September 5, 2007 5:39 AM

  2. Talking on cell phones - no.
    Texting (or anything else on cell phones) - yes.

    You teach college, not high school. Start by treating your students as adults, and call out the ones who don’t live up to that.

    It is possible to read or type on a cell phone (not just an iPhone) politely, discreetly, and occasionally. Show respect for the people who can do that.

    Posted by Kevin on September 5, 2007 10:59 AM

  3. artman:  Good thing you’re not a professor in the Department I Chair - if you were, I would have to call you in and teach you a lesson about good teaching…

    Kevin:  Yeah, in fact I do just that (I have no problem with people quietly texting on their cell phones - as long as it’s not during an exam).  But a lap top is a safer bet, because it doesn’t ring - which is why I say I discourage (but don’t ban) cell phones.

    Posted by Paul Levinson on September 5, 2007 2:47 PM

  4. At $30,000 per year, I would not want my kids (now out of college), listening to their tunes, checking email or videos or reading a web page while you were trying to teach them. The PROFESSOR is the reason they are there. P lace an electronic blocking device to block cell phones and Wifi. They are there for an education. I have always found it hard to multitask and LEARN a new thing at the same time.

    Posted by artman1033 on September 5, 2007 4:02 PM

  5. I am in the process of writing a grant for the use of iphones in the classrooms for special education students. Please make suggestions

    Posted by myrtis rankin on January 30, 2008 1:30 PM

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