You are told from the time you are in grade school that after high school everyone should go to college. People plan where they are going to go and spend a large amount of money just to attend a college or university. This ends up being one of the biggest decisions in one’s life. In knowing this, one thing I have always questioned is why students waste class time on their cell phones.
The average class is sixty minutes long yet that is too long for some to disconnect themselves from society to better their lives. A new study has found that more than 90 percent of students admit to using their devices for non-class activities during class times. Less than 8 percent said that they never do so. (Jaschik, 2013) Class time is important because you are learning about what you will need to know in your career yet most students use this time on their phones. Those who are constantly looking down and not paying attention end up being the students who fail classes frequently or drop out of college all together because it is “too hard”. College takes dedication and time meaning everything else is put to the side for at least one hour every day to truly focus on school.
Personally, When I am in class, I put my phone in my book bag for the whole class because I am lucky enough to be able to afford a college education and using that time on my phone seems pointless. On the other hand, emergencies happen and in the case that a phone is necessary but, the teacher should be notified so they can understand why you have your phone out. “When college students multi-task with digital devices in classrooms, research indicates it may hamper their ability to pay attention,” says McCoy. If this is the case, why waste thousands of dollars and time in a classroom where you are not getting what you are there for? When in class and the professor is talking, it is the same as if a student was giving a presentation or if you were talking to someone one on one. No one likes talking to someone or presenting an idea to a person who has their nose in their cell phone.
Ultimately, having your phone out while in class in disrespectful and shows that you are uninterested in the class. This is not a good reputation to have with professors because if one ever needs a recommendation for future jobs, they are not going to help because you did not seem interested about your future when in class so why would they help you outside of class? Also, in the work field, you cannot be on your phone. College is supposed to prepare students for the so called “real world” and part of that is staying off the cell phones and focusing on learning. As you start a new job, you are the lowest on the totem pole, being on your phone and not truly listening to what you are supposed to do will not help you rise, it will only make you fail. By practicing in class and giving it your all, one can learn good listening and concentration skills that will be needed in the future.
Teachers are seen as mean when they yell at students, but they only want what is best for their students. When I think about teachers, the word mentor comes to mind. This is because they are constantly trying to better students. They work hard attempting to change students for the better and shape them into the young men and women that they would want to see make important decisions for society. Showing respect for teachers by staying off your phone in class will help you succeed in the future.
