Classroom/Lab Policy for Appropriate Use of Handheld and Wireless Technology
The College is committed to educationally sound uses of technology in the classroom, to providing a secure learning environment, and to preventing disruption of students’ and instructors’ educational experiences. Each student enrolled in courses in the College has a responsibility to other students and to the instructor to contribute to a courteous, respectful learning environment. This responsibility includes not disrupting instruction or distracting fellow students, maintaining an atmosphere that supports academic integrity, and being committed to learning as required by the Code of Student Conduct. Instructors may prohibit any use of handheld or wireless technology that substantially disrupts learning opportunities, degrades the learning environment, or promotes academic dishonesty or illegal activities.
Unless otherwise specified by the instructor on the syllabus, the following statement governs the appropriate use of handheld and wireless technologies in the College classroom and/or lab: “Students may not use cell phones, pagers, PDAs, portable media players, or similar electronic communication devices during scheduled course meetings (including class time, laboratories, review sessions, individual instruction, or similar activities) in the College. Such devices must be silenced or turned off and should not be taken out during course meetings. Communication by electronic devices, including but not limited to instant messaging, text messaging, web surfing, and telephoning during class, is strictly prohibited unless expressly designated as part of learning activities. Electronic audio or video recording of the classroom environment by handheld or wireless technology is prohibited unless permission is given by the instructor prior to recording.”