Proposal may limit electronic devices in classes

photo by Sean Campbell

THE COUNCIL OF Undergraduate Affairs, a subcommittee of the University Senate, passed a policy to give professors the power to control what electronic devices are allowed in the classroom. Complaints by students and professors initiated the year-long examination into the issue of electronic interruptions. Exceptions for students with disabilities, who need certain aids, are included in the policy.

The electronic devices targeted by the policy include portable music players, laptops, and cell phones. The goal of the guidelines is to create a respectful environment.

“[The policy] is certainly not to ban electronic devices from the classroom,” said Christian Detellier, interim vp academic and provost at the U of O. “It is to limit their use to educational purposes in the class. Essentially, the guidelines are based on respecting the integrity of the course, respecting other students, … and give quality for the study environment in the classroom.”

Liz Kessler, vp university affairs for the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO), voted against the motion, saying it hinders students instead of preventing distractions. Kessler said although the policy mentions respecting the needs of students with disabilities, it prevents their disability from remaining private.

“Unfortunately, what it does is it forces students with disabilities to disclose to the professor, classmates, and teaching assistants that [one] has a learning disability or some form of disability,” said Kessler. “It is a huge violation to the right of privacy, and additionally, it doesn’t respect the fact that students have very diverse ways of learning.”

photo by Sean Campbell

According to Kessler, students should be treated like adults and how they choose to spend their class time is up to them if they aren’t disturbing those around them. She believes instead of banning devices like laptops, which can be helpful learning tools, the university should be looking at other ways to help students pay attention, such as reducing class sizes.

Some professors like being able to choose what devices are allowed in the class since it leaves it to them to create the environment they want for learning.

“Just as the students have the professor’s attention, the professor wants the students’ attention,” said Serge Durflinger, professor in the Department of History. “Laptops are fine if they are for taking notes. If, however, they are for social media, YouTube, or anything else, then they have the potential to distract not just that student, but other students —and thereby the professor—disrupting the flow of information.”

Durflinger said only a few students are abusing electronic devices in the classroom, but the small distractions still prevent teachers from effectively teaching students.

“For me, as a professor, I give my full attention and give 100 per cent product,” said Durflinger. “I want 100 per cent return on the investment. I won’t have students be disruptive and therefore diminishing the ability to do my job.”

The policy will go before the University Senate in April after approval by the executive council of the senate.

—Christopher Radojewski