reducing cell phone disruptions in the classroom

[Miguel Roig]

Hi, folks.  I really dislike disruptions caused by cell phones going off during class.  Last year, I opted to occasionally remind students throughout the semester, right before the beginning of class, to simply turn off their phones or set them to vibrate. That approach seemed to have reduced the number of times cell phones would go off, but what I have also been noticing is that some students will check their phones periodically in the middle of class and, frankly, I find all that activity downright annoying.  

I am currently preparing my course outlines for the upcoming semester and I am considering inserting the following statement.

CELL PHONE USE AND LAPTOP POLICY: I consider any use of cell phones during class to be highly distracting and disrespectful. Thus, the use of cell phones is not permitted during class time for any purpose and they are to be kept turned off and out of view inside pocketbooks, knapsacks, etc. Any student whose phone rings during class is hereby asked to leave the class (no need to wait for me to ask you to leave) and s/he will lose 5 points in the next exam. For the second offense, the matter will be forwarded to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. With respect to laptops, you are welcome to use your laptop in this class, but only for class-related purposes (e.g., note-taking). No other use of the laptop (e.g., instant messaging, internet surfing) is allowed. Violation of this policy will result in penalties, such as those given for inappropriate cell phone use.

Am I being too harsh?  Any other comments?

Miguel

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Miguel Roig, Ph.D.                              
Associate Professor of Psychology               
Notre Dame Division of St. John's College       
St. John's University                           
300 Howard Avenue                               
Staten Island, New York 10301
Voice: (718) 390-4513
Fax: (718) 390-4347
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Http://facpub.stjohns.edu/~roigm
On plagiarism and ethical writing: http://facpub.stjohns.edu/~roigm/plagiarism/
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