Dr. Scott's Policy on Electronic Devices In Class

Purpose

The use of electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, laptops, calculators, etc., is common.  These devices can often record and display video, still images, audio, and text.  They can have wireless connections to other devices and they often emit sound.  The operation of such devices during a University class has the potential to disrupt a class especially during an examination.  This policy sets forth guidelines to students regarding the use of electronic devices and assists me in minimizing disruptions from the devices.

Policy Statement

Noises from electronic devices must be minimized as a courtesy to the instructor and other students.  Student cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class times.  Answering a cell phone in class or leaving the class to answer a silent alert is a distraction.  In special circumstances students may request faculty approval for exceptions prior to class.  It is recommended that the department administrative assistant or chair be contacted in case of unforeseen emergencies.  These people can relay the message.

Laptops can be set to make noises for different actions such as new email or shutting down.  Students that are using their laptops in class should make efforts to minimize the number and loudness of extraneous noises.  Students are not allowed to use the laptop during class for activities un-related to the class.  Keyboarding for note taking and other class-related activities is permissible unless otherwise indicated by me.  Keyboarding can make unwanted noise – dependent upon the quality of the keyboard and its use.  Therefore, keyboarding during class for work in a different course can be a distraction to other students and the instructor and is not permitted.

Cell phones or other electronic devices making noise (e.g.. ringing) during an examination may result in a grade penalty for the student that did not turn the device off.  Answering or using a cell phone or using other devices that have not been explicitly approved by me during an examination is not permitted.  Interactions with other people or resources during an examination, in any form, are prohibited unless explicitly permitted by me.

For questions or comments regarding these pages contact Dr. Alan Scott / scotta@uwstout.edu / this page was last updated January 17, 2005