I only had to ask three students to put their phones away on Monday. This is progress.
I know some teachers “outlaw” phones in class. I do not. We use them too often. Besides I have never been in a meeting or in a conference session or anything of the like and been asked to give up my phone. Of course, I know a thing or two about etiquette. Many of our students do not.
Instead of being the phone police, I would rather take the time to teach my students to use their devices appropriately in class — and, of course, with any luck, if the learning sticks, I’d like them to take that “appropriateness” beyond my classroom as well.
If we are not taking the time to teach our students phone etiquette and digital citizenship, we are missing out on important opportunities that may make a startling difference in their lives.
For example, did you see this headline: “Girl gets kicked out of college for Snapchat photo”? The link lead to a hard sell for why every teacher should take the time to teach students the importance of digital citizenship.
I’ll be sharing it with my students today.
keystrokes.wonecks.net
What are some ways you teach phone etiquette and digital citizenship in your classroom? Please share in the comments.
Three Teachers Talk 
I’m so glad to hear someone else share my opinion of phones in the classroom. Outlawing phones is ineffective… it requires constant policing and power struggles. Not to mention it doesn’t exist in the real world. Teaching phone etiquette is at the top of my priority list for the first week of school every year. It takes some reminders throughout the year, but ultimately I’ve found it to be a much more effective policy. I’m very fortunate that, when I presented my approach to then, my administration was supportive and have a “at teacher’s discretion” policy for ourban school.
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