Technology Use Scenario #4

Hey everyone,

The scenario I chose for this activity scenario #4:

During word processing class, Mr. McIntosh notices that Mary has both her hands under the computer desk. As Mr. McIntosh comes around to her station Mary puts her hands back on the keyboard but he notices that her cell phone is on her lap with a text on the screen. Mr. McIntosh asks Mary to stay after class, where she says that she was sending a text to her mother about picking her up after school. What does the teach do?

      In this scenario Mary was using her cell phone at an inappropriate time. Mary should have refrained from using her cell phone until the class was over, or Mr. McIntosh was no longer teaching. Mr. McIntosh's response was appropriate as he waited to speak to her until after class instead of singling her out in front of the class and ultimately taking away even more teaching time from the class. After addressing Mary after class and understanding that she was talking to her mother about class Mr. McIntosh should explain that it was an inappropriate time to be using her cell phone. Mr. McIntosh should explain that in the future if a situation like this should arise where she needs to contact her mother she should ask to be excused from the classroom. By excusing herself she will be able to resolve her issue of a ride home without taking away from the classes, or distracting the instructor and fellow classmates.

      Although Mary may feel that using her cell phone in class is harmless, but in actuality it is taking away from her learning experience. Students are not as good as multitasking as they may think, according to The Teaching Professor blog students who are texting during class tend to take down less information and retain less. For the full post click here.   The decision above was also based on a post in the Globe and Mail which explains that cell phones do have value, both for educational and safety reasons however there is a "right" time to use them. The appropriateness of this situation led me to a decision that enhanced all students learning experience. It also took into account that unexpected situation may come up that require attention throughout the school day, and an appropriate way to address this.

Thanks for reading,
Olivia