Today’s Guest Post comes from Dr. Albena Ivanova, who is Associate Professor of OM at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania.
Last semester I found this article on the APA website: https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/ptacc/no-mobile-phones.pdf
The professor, whose name is not listed in the paper, uses a positive reinforcement strategy to provide a disincentive for the students to use cell phones during class. He/she gives an opportunity for the students to earn bonus points if they leave their cell phones on the front desk for the entire class the entire semester.
I tried this technique in one of my classes this semester (see the photo with each student’s spot numbered) and it worked well. I surveyed the students at the end of the semester and 84% stated that they did not miss their cell phones during class, 84% did not feel anxious during class without cell phones, 84% did not feel disconnected from the world without cell phones, 68% stated they were able to focus better, and 68% said were able to take better notes.
I will definitely use this technique again in my future classes. However, if the class relies too heavy on computer use, then the computer itself becomes a distraction. That is why I would recommend using this technique only if the computer usage in class is minimal.