Classroom Guidelines
Establishing guidelines for the use of wireless laptops and other devices in the classroom minimizes disruptions and maximizes efficiency. Providing students with a list of these guidelines will make certain that they know what is acceptable behavior.
Below are some basic guidelines to add to a course syllabus.
Laptops
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Charge your laptop batteries fully before coming to class.
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Set your laptop volume control to mute or off before coming to class.
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Keep your laptops closed during presentations and other specific in-class activities.
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Do not engage in unauthorized communication or entertainment (web surfing, instant messaging, chat room chatting, DVD viewing, music playing, game playing, etc.) during class unless it is part of the lesson. (Include what action will be taken if the guideline is not followed.)
Additional guidelines for when laptop use is required for the class:
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Bring your laptop to every class session, unless told otherwise.
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Bring your laptop in sleep or hibernate mode to avoid longer boot up times.
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Do not open your laptop until told to do so.
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Do not shut down your laptop unless the instructor makes this request.
Cell Phones
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Set your phone to mute or "manners mode" before coming to class.
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Do not answer incoming calls or make outgoing calls unless the call is crucial.
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Do not use text messaging and web browser features while in class.
Other Wireless Devices (PDAs, Blackberries, Etc.)
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Shut off the device or set it to mute before coming to class.
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Do not use the text messaging and web browser features while in class.
