With eight weeks behind us, we have all developed some bad habits leading up to midterm, like Netflix binging and cramming. The worst habit most students have formed is using our smart phones in class. I know the temptation to sneak a peak at my messages all too well. Here are three reasons why we should all be zipping our mobile devices away.
1. Respect your professors
Most professors have it clearly explained in their syllabus what is and isn’t appropriate cell phone use in class. Some professors will really crack down on their rules so using your phone in class may not even be an option! For anyone else who has figured out which professor will let it slide you should still consider silencing your mobile device and putting it away. You are paying them to teach you so please, if you are going to attend class, let them teach you instead of staring at your forehead.
2. Respect your classmates
Most students are happy to help each other out if they don’t understand material in class. Its one thing if you are genuinely struggling with a concept in class but if you don’t understand because you were too busy liking posts on Instagram I’m going to be less likely to help you out. If I update you on the last few steps you missed, I am going to miss the next five. Please respect my effort to learn in the classroom. Also, silence your phone. Seriously. Don’t put it on vibrate and don’t let your alarm go off in class. Accidents happen but please, silence your electronic devices.
3. Respect yourself
You are in school to learn, not read Facebook posts. I don’t even understand the concept of coming to class if you are just going to be on your phone. Personally, my bed is more comfortable than any desk I’ve ever sat in and I would much rather catch up on social media from my room. You won’t be able to check your phone every five minutes when you get a grown up job so start making a healthy habit now of putting it away. Putting your phone away also allows you to focus. Our culture seems to lack this very important trait. Getting rid of the distraction in your hand allows you to pay attention and engage in class to learn material. In some courses classroom engagement can be more beneficial than time spent studying outside of class.
Treat the classroom like you should a movie theatre. Bring a drink, throw away your trash at the conclusion and silence and put away your phone. You pay for a movie. You pay for a class. Break the habit of sneaking out your phone during class and truly invest in your education.
