If You Text in Class, This Prof Will Leave
I got a kick when reading an article a last week about my alma mater, Syracuse University, when noted philosophy professor Lawrence Thomas threatened to walk out of if he ever caught another student text messaging in class. And then the following week, he actually did walk out of class. There was a student – in the front row no less — in a large lecture sending multiple text messages.
Dr. Thomas walked out on the class – the second time that he had done so. He then sent the university’s chancellor, his dean, and all of the students an e-mail explaining his actions and his frustration at the “brazen” disrespect he had received in class. The e-mail was promptly forwarded throughout the campus, and made its way to other publications. Some students filed petitions against the professor, claiming there were only a handful of students involved in the incident, and the whole class shouldn’t be punished. Even worse, was the firestorm of reactions in response to the ethnic and racial overtones of the teacher’s e-mails. In the e-mail, he noted that the student who sent the text message is Cuban, and that last year. He also said he likes ethnic diversity on campus, but not if it means a lack of discipline and respect.
I have never considered the cultural and ethnic implications of technology and text messaging. Perhaps it is because I am white, and I therefore see everything through my own lens. I was not aware that there is an ethnic group that is known for its penchant for text messaging. As a white man, I too enjoy text messaging. I have been guilty of checking text messages in class as well, although I know it is wrong to disturb the class. I do know that it’s very popular in Europe, where mobile devices are more widespread.
It is interesting how much has changed since I graduated from Syracuse, which was 2002. In my Freshman year, not a single student brought a laptop to class. By Senior year, I only remember one student with a laptop in all of my classes, and I remember because I though she was being so precocious. I myself did not even own a mobile phone until my Junior year, which was 2001. I have always been behind the curve with respect to technology. I still find it a little unnatural to see so many students with laptops in class nowadays. I have sat next to enough students to know that they are not always taking notes either. Most of the time they are checking e-mails and other websites. I can certainly sympathize with Prof. Thomas, because I imagine that must be disruptive and discouraging for a teacher. Both of my parents are university professors, and I have heard them complain enough times about unruly or disrespectful students. I asked my father about this incident. He can’t stand when a student’s cell phone rings in class. He also doesn’t understand the proliferation of laptops. He accepts it, because he doesn’t want to be seen as the crusty old professor that doesn’t allow them. But his biggest complaint is the typing of all those keys while he is trying to speak.
As for Prof. Thomas, he has threatened to quit his job in the text messaging continues in class. The Chancellor of the school has refused to comment publicly, knowing full well that taking a position on either side of the argument will bring more harm than good. I think the incident will blow over in due time, but I do like to see the professor trying to take his classroom back.
Tags: Laptops, Syracuse, Text Messaging, Thomas
