Capitalizing on the Inevitable: Adapting to Mobile Technology in the Basic Communication Course

Authors

Brandi N. Frisby, University of Kentucky

Section Name

Basic Course Forum: Adaptation

Abstract

It is undeniable that college classrooms have evolved. Students are reliant on, and connected to, friends, family, and endless amounts of information through convenient, affordable, and mobile technology (Kuznekoff & Tisworth, 2013). Although Wei and Leung (1999) reported students found classrooms to be the least acceptable public place for cell phone use, this has not deterred the classroom from becoming “deeply saturated” by mobile devices (Kuznekoff, Munz, & Titsworth, 2015, p. 344). Instructors report technology challenges their “beliefs about the nature of learning and their role in the classroom” (Fairchild, Meiners, & Violette, 2016, p. 99). Despite student and faculty perceptions about technology in classroom, Burns and Lohenry (2010) found 94% of students owned a cell phone and Elder (2013) reported that an astounding 99% of students admitted using their cell phones during class with the average student using his or her cell phone between 3 and 7 times per class (Duncan, Hoekstra, & Wilcox, 2012). Instructor reactions to mobile technology have often manifested as anger and annoyance characterized by statements about students’ disrespect, sense of entitlement, incivility, and has resulted in technology policies and outright prohibition (Burns & Lohenry, 2010; Campbell, 2006). As “one of the biggest challenges that instructors face,” it is critical to facilitate a discussion about ways to adapt to this challenge (Kuznekoff et al., 2015, p. 344).

Recommended Citation

Frisby, Brandi N. (2017) "Capitalizing on the Inevitable: Adapting to Mobile Technology in the Basic Communication Course," Basic Communication Course Annual: Vol. 29, Article 8.
Available at: https://ecommons.udayton.edu/bcca/vol29/iss1/8