NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-- While Pennsylvania lawmakers are busy wrestling with proposed legislation that would ban texting while driving, texting has become a primary communication for many young people. Lawmakers may focus attention on texting and public safety, but what about reading and sending texts in other settings? Is it okay to text in class?
At Westminster College, there are no formal rules on cell phones and texting in classes. Some instructors address text messaging in their syllabi.
Political Science Associate Professor and Department Chair Ed Cohen's PS 102 syllabus for American Government says cell phones should never ring in class. Cohen's policy also states that he will not put up with texting.
"Texting in class will not be tolerated," Cohen posted in the Spring 2010 PS 102 syllabus. "If I do find someone texting (writing OR reading texts, OR surfing the web, etc.) during class time, I reserve the right to collect all phones before subsequent classes and returning them to you at the end of class.Any other approach is disrespectful to your colleagues and your instructor."
Sociology Assistant Professor Danielle M. Ficco also addresses cell phones and texting in her Family Violence class syllabus.
"Please turn off your cell phones during class," Ficco wrote in her Sociology 410 syllabus. "No texting, please!"
WCN's Lee Biermeyer shares his video coverage of the issue of texting in class. He talks with students, faculty and administrators.
Many students will admit off camera that they are engaged in text messaging during classes. Others say it happens all the time and they characterize it as rude behavior. Many instructors say texting interrupts class and distracts the learning process.
Walk around the Tub and you can quickly see students typing away at their cell phone keys. Westminster administrators say they recognize the significance of texting for students communication tool. However, they also understand how it can be a distraction in classroom, so they are encouraging all faculty to address the issue in the class syllabus.
