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As smart phones and personal laptops have become ubiquitous, many faculty are finding it helpful to include a statement in their syllabus about device use in class. Some faculty choose to keep their statements simple and to the point, while others prefer to explain the reasoning behind the policy. Whichever direction faculty choose, most find that the policy needs to be reiterated verbally throughout the semester.
Below are examples of different types of policies provided by Eastern faculty.
From a computer science course:
Cell phones are not appropriate in class and must be turned off or set to vibrate and stored off of the class desk. In general, follow the Golden Rule and treat others with respect and the way you want to be treated.
From a political science course:
Research demonstrates that taking handwritten notes is best for processing information and learning. I suggest that you take written notes during class (read the research on writing vs. typing notes). While you may choose to use a computer to take notes, you should not be browsing the internet, checking emails, or completing other tasks while in class. Use of your computer to compete non-course related tasks will lead to a reduction of your course participation grade.
The use of cell phones during class is not allowed. Use of your cell phone without a prior arrangement will lead to a reduction of your course participation grade. Phones should be set to silent. I do understand that circumstances may arise in which you are waiting for an urgent phone call. If you are expecting a call during class (i.e. you have a family member in surgery, are waiting on a call about a scholarship, etc.) please let me know that you are expecting a call prior to the start of class. When the call comes in, you can excuse yourself from the classroom before answering your phone.
From an education course:
Electronic Devices: Research indicates that using cell phones and other electronic devices are distracting to both the user AND to others around you. As you will learn in this course, interruptions from texts and other notifications have a negative impact on creativity and learning. For these reasons, I ask that you silence your phone and place it out of sight during class unless there is a specific task that calls for it. Similarly, I ask that you refrain from using laptops to read email or otherwise engage in activities not related to this class. If you are distracted by your phone or other device during class, your participation grade will suffer.
