Technology

Instructor guidelines are indicated on the left side of the page, with student guidelines on the right side of the page. Supporting language and resources are included below guidelines. Note, language included below guidelines is not required, but suggested by the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) to support implementation.

Implementation Resource – Communicating Technology Policies

Rather than approaching technology with a policing approach, consider a student-centered technology statement in your syllabus.
Maybe this technology statement resonates with the environment you want to create in your classroom:

• Technology can support student learning, but it can also become a distraction. Research indicates that multitasking (e.g., surfing the Web, texting, or using social networks during lectures) has a negative impact on learning. Because I value you and your classmates’ attention and learning, I have the following policy regarding technology in class: laptops may be used for class-related activities only; please close any other apps or tabs not related to the course. You looking at non-course information steals the attention of both you and your classmates. Please keep your cell phones in your bag and on silent; if you have an urgent or emergency issue that requires you to use your phone, please step out of class so as not to disrupt others. If I decide that these technology guidelines are not being followed responsibly, I reserve the right to revise the current technology policy at any point during the term.

Or maybe you want to keep a statement more general:

• Technology is encouraged for course-related activities. You are preparing to be a professional, please use technology in an appropriate manner. Do your best to limit non-essential technology use. If non-essential technology use becomes a problem, it will be addressed by the instructor.

Find out more on developing student-centered technology (and other) course policies.

Implementation Resource – Communicating Needed Technology Skills

In your syllabus, it is important to establish the type(s) of technology students will need to be able to fully participate in the course. You may also consider sharing a link to the IT Service Desk, where students can get 24/7 phone support for first-level technical issues, visit the walk-up counter in Kilcawley Center, or find help to self-help documents for Blackboard and other campus technology.

Consider the following sample language for your syllaus:

• Technology: To successfully complete this course, you will need access to a computer with internet and Microsoft Office Suite (available free). I will be utilizing Blackboard regularly for this course. It is free to use with your YSU login here. Please let me know the first day of class if you do not have the appropriate access to technology and/or anticipate having trouble navigating Blackboard. We will work together to make sure technology is not a barrier to your success in this course.
• Blackboard: Please be sure to login to Blackboard at least weekly during the duration of the course. Blackboard will be regularly used to share important course information.

Implementation Resource – Student Guidance

Refer to Article III, Section 21 of the Student Code of Conduct for guidance on recording.