Hats off to SUNY BROCKPORT...
Finally, because there was nothing more annoying then someones cell phone going off while I was trying to learn and get a college education. And by the way, I hate text messaging anyways because if you want to talk to me, just call, and don't waste my money or our time by texting. Enough said.
Matthew Daneman
Staff writer
(March 8, 2006) - BROCKPORT - A ringing cell phone in class is now a no-no at the State University College at Brockport.
The school also has adopted rules that clamp down on text messaging, Web surfing and computer gaming in the classroom, using either cell phones or laptop computers.
"While some of these things have the potential for being used in a positive way in the classroom, there are always ways they can be disruptive," said P. Michael Fox, vice provost for academic affairs, who introduced the electronic devices policy. "We decided we probably should have some guidelines for these in the classroom."
Wireless gadgets, from cell phones to personal digital assistants, have become an issue in classrooms nationwide. Individual professors across the country have banned cell phones and PDAs in class, and a junior high in Minnesota is now confiscating students' cell phones and mp3 players if they are out during school hours.
A survey of Rutgers University students last year indicated that while only 4 percent considered it acceptable to talk on the phone during class, 45 percent saw no problem with text messaging.
At numerous area colleges, individual faculty members will often set rules regarding cell phones for their classes.
Ringing cell phones haven't been a big problem at Brockport, Fox said, but "occasionally faculty have been concerned."
"To me, it's a minor annoyance," he said, referring to times when a cell phone has rung in the biology course he teaches. "For some people, it may be more annoying."
Under Brockport's policy:
Having a cell phone or PDA with photo or video capabilities in hand during a test or exam opens up the student to possible charges of cheating.
The penalties for minor disruptions caused by cell phones, laptops or other gadgets "will usually not include course grade penalties." But if a student is asked to leave the classroom, the instructor isn't obliged to allow a makeup of a missed quiz or test. (Laptops can continue to be used for note taking.)
Instructors are urged to state their policy in the course syllabus. The sample statement the college included in the policy says that after an initial warning, a student can be asked to leave the classroom.
If students are text messaging on their cell phones in class, it's often because what's going on at the front of the room isn't keeping their attention, said Brockport junior Lamont Vogelsang.
"Students text a lot in class," said the 21-year-old from the Bronx.
"Some professors will be boring."
And cell phones do occasionally ring in class, including his own Sprint, Vogelsang said.
How disruptive it is to the class "depends on how loud the ringer is," he added. "If it's ringing too loud, the teacher might say 'Turn it off.'"
Matthew Daneman
Staff writer
(March 8, 2006) - BROCKPORT - A ringing cell phone in class is now a no-no at the State University College at Brockport.
The school also has adopted rules that clamp down on text messaging, Web surfing and computer gaming in the classroom, using either cell phones or laptop computers.
"While some of these things have the potential for being used in a positive way in the classroom, there are always ways they can be disruptive," said P. Michael Fox, vice provost for academic affairs, who introduced the electronic devices policy. "We decided we probably should have some guidelines for these in the classroom."
Wireless gadgets, from cell phones to personal digital assistants, have become an issue in classrooms nationwide. Individual professors across the country have banned cell phones and PDAs in class, and a junior high in Minnesota is now confiscating students' cell phones and mp3 players if they are out during school hours.
A survey of Rutgers University students last year indicated that while only 4 percent considered it acceptable to talk on the phone during class, 45 percent saw no problem with text messaging.
At numerous area colleges, individual faculty members will often set rules regarding cell phones for their classes.
Ringing cell phones haven't been a big problem at Brockport, Fox said, but "occasionally faculty have been concerned."
"To me, it's a minor annoyance," he said, referring to times when a cell phone has rung in the biology course he teaches. "For some people, it may be more annoying."
Under Brockport's policy:
Having a cell phone or PDA with photo or video capabilities in hand during a test or exam opens up the student to possible charges of cheating.
The penalties for minor disruptions caused by cell phones, laptops or other gadgets "will usually not include course grade penalties." But if a student is asked to leave the classroom, the instructor isn't obliged to allow a makeup of a missed quiz or test. (Laptops can continue to be used for note taking.)
Instructors are urged to state their policy in the course syllabus. The sample statement the college included in the policy says that after an initial warning, a student can be asked to leave the classroom.
If students are text messaging on their cell phones in class, it's often because what's going on at the front of the room isn't keeping their attention, said Brockport junior Lamont Vogelsang.
"Students text a lot in class," said the 21-year-old from the Bronx.
"Some professors will be boring."
And cell phones do occasionally ring in class, including his own Sprint, Vogelsang said.
How disruptive it is to the class "depends on how loud the ringer is," he added. "If it's ringing too loud, the teacher might say 'Turn it off.'"