- What do you expect students to do during class? Can devices help students learn? Are there ways devices may prevent learning?
- Do you want to allow devices sometimes but not others?
- Are some devices permitted (like tablets for note taking) but others not (like cell phones for texting)?
- How do you intend to make sure students do not use devices inappropriately?
22Feb’22
What Is the Value of an Electronic Devices Policy?
Using devices in class can distract students from learning. At the same time, devices may be useful in class, for example when polling students using platforms like Poll Everywhere.
If you do not have a policy for electronic devices, students assume that they can use any device. Having a clear policy will ensure students know what they should expect to bring to class for notetaking and other tasks.
Questions to Consider
Policy Examples from Penn Professors
BE 2500: Introduction to Biomechanics, Lecture
A tablet, laptop or smartphone is needed to access our online, in-class polling system. If you do not have any of these devices, please contact the instructor ASAP and we’ll discuss an easy solution. You are required to bring your device to class every day.
PSCI 4200: Political Psychology, Seminar
This is going to be a completely technology-free classroom. Students are expected either to bring their course packet or reading notes to class. I will also have a handful of slides so that we can look at key figures or tables together. Using technology of any kind will result in a lower participation grade on a given day.
HIST 0240: Rise and Fall of the Russian Empire, Seminar
Our task in part is to immerse ourselves in history of the Russian empire, its rise and its fall, and to do so we will be leaving some of our technologies behind. Considering both the effect on the general classroom environment and on how computers affect note-taking, I ask that you not use computers during class for note-taking purposes. If you need accommodations, please speak with me. (Please see the article from the Chronicle of Higher Education that I have posted at the Canvas site: “Why I am Asking You Not to Use Laptops.”)
COMM 1230: Critical Approaches to Popular Culture, Lecture
Research shows that laptops in the classroom decrease engagement and can make learning harder. They are also extremely distracting for other students. As a general rule, laptops, tablets and smartphones are not allowed in class. There will be exceptions for days when we spend class time working on collaborative projects.