Cell phone classroom policy

So this post from Barclay Barrios is something to keep in mind. His syllabus policy is this–“use cell phones responsibly or not at all.” Given the multiple ways in which we all use our phones now–calendars, internet access, spell checkers, and so on–it does feel disingenuous of me to tell students to turn their phones off completely. Of course, I could also use this “epiphany” as an opportunity to change the way I create class syllabi: I could give out my syllabus on the first day, ask students to read it for homework, and spend the following class session revision the policies based on student feedback (within reason). Hmm…am I that brave?