School-wide and Classroom Policies on the Use of Mobile Technologies: An Exploratory Study

The presence of mobile technology devices in today’s classroom cannot be denied, especially when a majority of students carry a device. Educators face the dilemma of choosing between embracing these mobile technologies or limiting their use in the classrooms. Mobile technology policies are in place to guide the use of the technologies at school. This study sought to establish school-wide and classroom policies on the use of mobile technologies, the practicality of enforcing these school policies, and the consequences for violating such policies. Data were collected using interviews from twenty-seven (27) in-service career and technical education high school teachers and school administrators. Almost all schools had a written policy on mobile technologies. The policies varied from specific to vague, and the majorityof teachers believed the policies were difficult toenforce. Suggestions for crafting school policies on the use mobile technologies are provided.