In my Certified ScrumMaster Training I ask students not use their laptops and Crackberries. Why?
Some people want to take notes using their laptops. Unfortunately my experience shows that laptops do more harm than good. They put up a barrier between people at a table and reduce collaboration. They send a signal that this person isn’t open. They even reduce interaction with the trainer. Finally with tools like outlook even if you don’t have web access they’re often a source of distraction. For these reasons I ask that you not use a laptop.
Crackberries, iPhones, etc. don’t put up the same barrier because the screen doesn’t get in the way but they present a different problem. If you’re looking at your device, worse actively using it you’re telling people around you that the distraction is more important than the class. You’re saying it’s more important to interact with the device than your classmates.
Breaks are the perfect time to use your electronic devices, but the rest of the time honour us with your presence.
Come join us for Certified ScrumMaster Training in Ottawa
Good reminders here. Often we want to be tolerant of people’s (communication needs). But if they’re paying to learn and to experience, they should play by the rules!
The problem if is that those communication needs can interfere with the class for everyone not just the person who is having the issue.
How about people doing origami, pencil twirling or doodling? Are idle background activities frowned upon as well?
Sandy – I’m having trouble trying to figure if your just being funny or if you think that there is different way I should run a class.
With everything to be taught and the limited time you have to provide training, it’s pretty sad if you have to explain basic respect to them.
Derek – to be clear most people don’t have these problems, but I’ve seen it once recently and want to be on a stronger footing when it comes to dealing with it.
The only effective way I have to take notes is using evernote, but I always advice that I am taking notes and not texting or something.
Have you tried taking notes on paper? I ensure that my students have as much paper as they need.
Cheers
Mark
have you seen this:
@Sandy: doodling actually helps people to focus on what is being said.
I start most classes with a simple set of rules – The rules of the playground.
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Fun to Play With
While discussing the rules, we cover what it means to be respectful and present in the moment is part of respecting others.