Perceptions of Mobile Phones in College Classrooms: Ringing, Cheating, and Classroom Policies

The purpose of this study was to explore some of the challenges associated with mobile phones in college classrooms. A sample of faculty and students was surveyed to assess the extent to which the technology is considered a serious source of distraction in the classroom, concerns about use of the technology for cheating, and attitudes about policies restricting it from ringing and being used during class. Collectively, participants reported strong perceptions of ringing as a problem and support for formal policies restricting mobile phones in college classrooms. Faculty/student status was not related to any of the attitude measures, but age consistently was—younger participants reported more tolerant attitudes. The discussion offers interpretation of the findings and avenues for future research.