As students consider how to use their devices in the classroom, they should remember, above all, that tuition merely gets them into the lecture hall. If they want college to culminate in life-changing courses, mentoring from dedicated teachers and compelling recommendations for the world after graduation, they will earn these things the time-honored way, with courtesy and hard work.
As for professors, we can make things easier for students by including detailed etiquette policies in our syllabi. Too many of us leave our likes and dislikes to be discovered by trial and error.
But even the most detailed code of conduct can’t hope to specify or resolve every possible sticking point. Society writ large is constantly struggling to come to grips with technological disruption, and so too are the adults at the front of the college lecture hall and the wired, distracted young adults who are there to learn from them.
My rule is that students may use laptops in class, but I reserve the right to see notes they take in class, for any session. If they’re typing away during class even when I know I’m saying nothing noteworthy, then I’ll ask to see their notes at the end of class. Usually, they’re busted for surfing in class …
Phones are out of the question and should be stored away during class, violators subject to gentle public shaming. “Is my lecturing interrupting your texting? Oh good.”
When students know your expectations the vast majority will comply; it’s easy to be merciful to the other few.