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Flashcard question: texting/social networking in class (fall semester 2014)

Astronomy 210, Physics 205A, fall semester 2014
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

"I Forgot My Phone"
Charlene deGuzman and Miles Crawford
http://youtu.be/OINa46HeWg8

After showing a short movie depicting the pervasiveness of smartphone use at the start of the semester, students in general physics and introductory astronomy classes at Cuesta College were asked a subjective question regarding their attitudes towards texting and social networking smartphone use in class. This is part of a think-pair-share activity using flashcards to answer syllabus quiz questions.

Texting/social networking is acceptable behavior in class.
(A) Strongly disagree.
(B) Disagree.
(C) Neutral.
(D) Agree.
(E) Strongly agree.

"140820-1256"
Selfie taken to record the results of smartphone use policy.
Photo © by Cuesta College Physical Sciences Division instructor Dr. Patrick M. Len

Student responses
Phyics 205A
Sections 70854, 70855, 73320
(A) : 8 students
(B) : 14 students
(C) : 27 students
(D) : 3 students
(E) : 0 students

Astronomy 210
Section 70160 (NC campus)
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 0 students
(C) : 24 students
(D) : 9 students
(E) : 2 students

Astronomy 210
Section 70158 (SLO campus)
(A) : 1 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 21 students
(D) : 14 students
(E) : 0 students

Students were asked to share their responses during the following whole-class discussion, citing examples of legitimate (family obligations, work-related messages, class-related research), as well as disruptive use (ringtones, games, blatant frivolous apps) of smartphones during class. Of note is that the introductory astronomy students are more accepting of smartphones in class than the general physics students.

These responses and student opinions were then used to set the policy, via consensus, regarding texting and social networking during class time.

Previous posts:
  • Flashcard question: texting/social networking in class (spring semester 2014).
  • Flashcard question: texting/social networking in class (fall semester 2013).
  • Flashcard question: texting/social networking in class (fall semester 2011).
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