Technology and Food in the Classroom

TECHNOLOGY

Laptops & Tablets with Keyboards

I believe that the use of personal computers and tablets can be very useful in the classroom. And in general, I prefer to start by trusting students to manage their specific attention/focus needs and the use of such devices effectively. Books, paper and pen(cil)s are forms of technology too, and I expect students to avail themselves of all the technological assistances available to them. To that end, I encourage you to bring BOTH your writing utensil and notebook as well as your laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone.

Smart Phones

Smart phones are helpful for recording, filtering, and creating media content for projects. They may also be used to access the course site, readings, take notes, and/or look up background material. However, due to the size of these device as well as their social nature of their design, laptops and tablets are better for general class purposes. Students who have a laptop or a tablet should not use their smart phones in class. If you are using a laptop or tablet, please put your smartphone away and out of sight. Smartphones should be put on silent and airplane mode regardless of whether you’re using it or not using it in class.

Other Devices

If you have a documented use for another type of electronic device during class, please let me know prior to the end of the second week of classes. Otherwise, the use of other devices including but not limited to (head phones, earbuds, fitbits, smartwatches, portable gaming consuls, etc.) should not be used in class. It is not necessary to remove wearable technology like fitbits or smart watches as long as they do not pose a distraction to the wearer or anyone else in the class.

More Tech. = More Participation

Regardless of what kind of technology you use in class, you should understand that I allow the use of such devices in class only because I expect that having such devices will amplify the intensity and quality of your class participation. If the presence of technology doesn’t support class participation and/or it impedes students’ thoughtful participation, I will reconsider this policy.  I reserve the right to alter this policy at any point for the whole class or particular members of the class.

Examples:  If in a class discussion someone makes a reference to a movie but can’t quite recall the director, I expect everyone with smart phone and/or laptop to be able to offer up the answer.  OR If I ask for an example of contemporary black music that references slavery or Jim Crow, I expect students not only to offer whatever fuzzily comes to mind, but to offer name of the song, artist, composers, album release date, lyrics, and maybe even be ready to play a video or sound clip.  OR When you reference a classmate’s blog post, I expect your reference to be accurate and specific.

Disruptive Tech. Usage

The instructor reserves the right to ask students to store all such belongings out of sight and sound and vibration range and/or temporarily confiscate any such item until the conclusion of class. Repeated instances of distracting and/or unproductive use of technology and portable devices in class will affect students participation grade.

Food and Beverages

In general, you should plan to eat meals before and/or after class. However, I understand that schedules are tight and sustenance and hydration are important. To that end, please adhere to the following guidelines,

• – For Classes that Meet for LESS than Two Hours at a Time:
  • Water, coffee, and other non-alcoholic beverages are okay as long as they are in a container with a secure lid/top.
  • Do not place hot coffee/tea drinks or drinks with a straw on the floor where they can be knocked over.
  • No large, involved, or messy foods. In general if you need utensils, condiments, or any other accoutrements to consume the food, you should consume the food after class.
  • No intensely odorous or aromatic foods. (Generally applies to hot prepared food).
  • Light, easy to consume with little mess, snacks are acceptable: examples: granola bar, peanuts, etc.
  • Dispose of any waste in the appropriate receptacle, including but not limited to containers, crumbs, napkins, fruit peelings.
  • Try to restrict your eating to your transition to class and the first few minutes of class.
  • Gum and small candy consumption is generally fine as long as the opening and discarding of these items do not pose a distraction or mess to the class.
  • If you take a bathroom break, you should not return with any food or beverage item with the exception of a water bottle that you may have taken with you to refill at the water fountain.
  • Lastly should I decide that the consumption of a particular beverage and/or food product is a distraction and/or a hazard to anyone in the class for any reason, I reserve the right to require the student in possession of the particular beverage and/or consumption to cease consumption and securely remove the items from the class.