Skip to Main Content

Faculty Resources

Strategies for managing technology distractions in the classroom

Establish and reinforce clear expectations for when and how technology will be used. For example:

  • Do not use your laptop/iPad/cell phone for entertainment during class time.
  • iPads/laptops/cellphones are only to be used for classroom activities. Please refrain from video chatting, instant messaging, games, texting or email.
  • Turn the sound off on your laptop/iPad/cell phone.
  • If using your laptop only for note taking/writing, turn off the wireless
  • If not using your cell phone for class, turn on Airplane Mode
  • Do not display material on your screen which may be offensive or distracting to your peers
  • No tech­nol­ogy dur­ing class dis­cus­sions
  • Keep your iPad flat on your desk
  • Close your laptop when not in use for classroom activities

 

Whenever possible, stand at the back of the room/circulate through the room when students are using iPads/laptops


Taking away iPads/laptops or disallowing their use is not an effective way to manage technology in the classroom, as it reinforces the idea that they can *only* be used for entertainment, not education.