In college, students get to grade their teachers after each semester.  Do you want to know what they like in increasing numbers about my classes (you’ll note, I’m not including what they don’t like).  Still …

That no digital devices are allowed in class – no phones, pads or laptops (yes, I resist the plea “but I’m taking notes”).  This is such a big deal that I’m writing about it after the just-concluded spring semester – thanks for not letting us get distracted.

Their phones are off and out of sight because research shows even if a phone is close by and off, we will keep checking it as if it’s still on.

This begs the question what if we set new rules and stuck by them when it comes to digital distraction – I’m betting that others will also appreciate it.

One of their biggest complaints is with mom and dad – “they’re always on their phones” is something I hear a lot.

But it’s one thing to silence digital devices and quite another to replace it with the number one thing that always wins – time focused on you.

Sherry Turkle is an MIT professor who sounds like she agrees:  “When you remove the screen, you uncover the person.” 

Pass it along