Hi all.

I'm going to be teaching a class in-person for the first time in a couple of years at a large university in the Spring. Historically, I've not allowed technology in the classroom (e.g., no tablets, phones, computers) due to some severe behavioral problems, and, of course, the research behind using technology in classrooms in the early 2000s. I'm reconsidering this in light of the chance in technology culture among undergrads. Most students seem to rely heavily on their computers, and I'd like to conduct research and activities in class that may be easier with access to technology. For reference, I like to use a flipped-classroom model in class. We spend about 20-25% of class time on lecture, and the rest is discussion and application of material.

So, I'm looking for opinions on the matter. How have classes been going in the last couple of years with tech in class? Are phones still the major distraction they used to be? Are laptops or tablets your preferred way to take notes and engage with class material?

For my fellow instructors/professors - what's your experience been recently with teaching with technology in class? Do you have specific rules, and how do you manage issues with attention, if there are any? Am I a dinosaur in believing that the good old notebook is still the best way to remember information in class?

Thanks, all!

Edit: Thanks for the input, folks. It was helpful. I think I'm going to go ahead and allow everything but phones in class (tablets, laptops, "useful" devices) and stick with my rule of no cell phones in class. Seems like there's use for technology with some supervision.