Below is the English Department’s official statement regarding the technology policy next semester:
We have seen a rise in texting, surfing, shopping, Facebook checking, writing papers for other classes, and other forms of multitasking in English Department classes in the last few years. This activity has occurred in most classes, no matter the size, seating arrangement, or teacher. Several of us have, in the last year, individually adopted a policy restricting use of mobile devices. We have seen a rise in attention and participation. The use of laptops and other mobile devices in classrooms is an important issue for discussion across the country.
On Monday December 17, at a regular department meeting, English Department full-time faculty voted 6-0 on a new policy as follows: “No laptops, cell phones, or mobile devices may be turned on during class except at the instructor’s discretion.”
Clarification:
The Department follows the law regarding the American Disabilities Act. If the student has a disability letter indicating that she needs to use a laptop or other device, she may. Otherwise, the individual faculty member may determine if, how, and when devices are used in her or his particular course/classroom. It should be clear that such choices will vary not only by faculty member but also, in some cases, by course or even by day–given course content and pedagogy. A faculty member may, for example, choose to have laptops turned off until a part of the class period necessitates their being turned on for educational reasons. Each faculty member should state a policy about devices, including whether or not there is a grade penalty for improper use in class. Students should ask during the first weeks of class if a policy is not clear.