Are phones and computers just too distracting?

CC Photo Credit: http://goo.gl/xSR9s

A big topic of discussion at every teaching conference is the role of technology in our classrooms.  While some have found remarkably innovative ways to use student's personal devices to advance engagement and learning, other ban them outright from the classroom.

Much of this boils down to making responsible choices, but many of us can relate to how irresistible they can be.  Facebook, instant messaging, games, and even live video chatting (yes, some do this in class) certainly:

• Detract from the cognitive resources required to actively listen
• Limit visual attention to whatever is happening within the room
• Interfere with active participation in the meeting
• Present unwanted distractions to neighboring students

Drs. Ryan Curtis and Scott Roberts recently presented some data they've gathered from teaching demonstrations and learning assessments at the 2013 Lilly East Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning.

Regardless of your personal policy, we as educators can make this discussion part of our first meeting with students so that they, at the very least, can make an informed decision.  Here are some links that can help you have a conversation with students:

• It should not be at all surprising that device use can detract from active learning... we can't even walk and text at the same time (a fun video to kick off the discussion with): https://youtu.be/wl0JojWH1rQ
• A short video that reviews some of the research of distraction in classrooms: https://youtu.be/WwPaw3Fx5Hk

What do students think? I surveyed my class to find out:

So what is your personal policy on devices in the classroom?