Exploring Student and Faculty Reactions to Smartphone Policies in the Classroom

Authors

Alicia A. Stachowski University of Wisconsin - Stout, University of Wisconsin - StoutFollow
Kathryn L. Hamilton, University of Wisconsin - StoutFollow
Andrea M. Bertram, University of Wisconsin - StoutFollow

Abstract

The current studies examined attitudes about classroom cell phone usage and reactions to cell phone policies among students and faculty. Study 1 documented students’ and faculty’s perceptions of appropriateness of cell phones in the classroom and about what classroom policies should be. Students reported greater leniency regarding cell phone use in the classroom and suggested stricter penalties for inappropriate use. Study 2 surveyed faculty and students about four cell phone policies ranging in level of leniency. The results indicated as policy leniency increased, cell phone use increased and enforcement decreased. Study 3 evaluated students’ reactions to actual classroom cell phone policies. Students reported using their phones more than they anticipated and rated policy enforcement lower than expected, except under a prohibitive policy. These results indicate that differences remain between faculty and students and that there is a mismatch between what students prefer and perceive as effective cell phone policies.

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Recommended Citation

Stachowski, Alicia A. University of Wisconsin - Stout; Hamilton, Kathryn L.; and Bertram, Andrea M. (2020) "Exploring Student and Faculty Reactions to Smartphone Policies in the Classroom," International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Vol. 14: No. 1, Article 11.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2020.140111