No Touches, Please

If you're reading this on your iPod Touch or iPhone, please put it away. It's new technology, but an age-old problem. Students who play with personal devices in class are distracted, not to mention distracting. Please, it's good manners to leave it in  your pocket, your book bag, locker or at home.

As an Art teacher, I'm completely open to students listening to music on an MP3 player, unless...

• It's too loud. If it's loud enough that others can hear it when you're ear buds are in- than you're probably doing serious damage to your ears.
• You're sharing
• You're scanning- just put it on shuffle and get back to work. If you're spending more time skipping though songs you don't like or trying to find just the right one- there's a problem.
• You're surfing- believe it or not, I'm a big believer in technology, democracy, freedom, and communication. If you aunt died, you're family needs to let you know. If you forgot to feed the dog, your parents should be able to send you a text to chew you out. Some kids can't check their email or facebook at home- I get that. I'm not here to ruin your life, but when I'm trying to teach you, it is INSANELY RUDE to be searching google for the lyrics of some song you like or checking the price on accessories for your car. And if you're supposed to be working on an Art project, you may be able to work and listen- but you cannot work and watch or search or write at the same time. And you sure can't work or pay attention while you're gaming.

I appreciate that our campus is one big free wifi zone, but please do your personal and recreational use of personal network devices before and after school, between classes or at lunch- not during my class.

Thank you.