Teaching Philosophy

Volume 39, Issue 3, September 2016

Restricting Mobile Device Use in Introductory Philosophy Classrooms

A restricted-use mobile device policy for introductory philosophy classrooms is presented and defended. The policy allows students to use devices only during open periods announced by the professor and is based on recent empirical findings on the effects of in-class mobile device use. These results suggest devices are generally detrimental to student learning, though they have targeted benefits for specific tasks. The policy is defended via a discussion of the ethical considerations surrounding device use, a discussion of the policy’s benefits, and responses to potential objections. Avenues for future research are suggested at the conclusion of the discussion.