Thanks again to all who responded to my query about a week ago.

Several people asked for a compiled list. Because of the sensitive nature of this topic, I removed names. If you would like me to credit your words, I would be happy to revise this list accordingly. Just let me know. (vdilorenzo.rumsey@gmail.com)

"It's really an issue of courtesy and professionalism that should be a given instead of a policy.  I totally understand the issue-over the years have seen such behavior. I would think it would best be addressed with the individuals who are behaving in such a manner.  What are your thoughts?"

"Great question, but tough at the same time! Currently our district does not have a policy regarding appropriate use of technology by educators (other than our acceptable use policy in our faculty handbook that was really created for use of desktops) . Admin reminds us it is part of our professional responsibilities to use it appropriately."

"Isn't it sad that an administrator needs to think about this regarding professional staff? I'll be curious to know what you find out? It sounds more like the staff meeting needs norms rather than a tech policy."

"No policy should be necessary, it's called common courtesy."

"Not to be snarky, but the state professional code of ethics??  I can't imagine anyone trying this during any of our meetings - PD or other.  If someone here were unprofessional enough to do this, they'd be called in for a chat about expectations for professionals in our learning community.

Since any device in our building, BYOD or school-owned has to use the network or our wifi to get net or signal for phone service, logging in is required - and that makes you subject to the Board policy on electronics.  I'm attaching that in case it's useful. [I did not attach since person sent it directly to me, not to whole list-serv.]

 I have heard that our BoE is considering making the policy even more all-encompassing to cover anything used on the premises.  Your principal might want to consider suggesting that as well."

"We are a high school with a 1:1 ipad program.  We are expected to bring our iPads to meetings - there are regularly activities that they ask us to engage in during meetings using our devices.  There is not a policy about their inappropriate use during meetings.  Inappropriate use does happen - but the primary culprits are the teachers who usually talk, plan, or grade papers through meetings anyway.  The electronic device is not changing their behavior.

Inappropriate use by faculty members is very frustrating but I don't think you could create a policy about it without creating intense antagonism.  We all know teachers are often the worst audiences.  In my opinion, the best you can do is have the principal say something during meetings from time to time.  "Please make sure we have your full attention," or something along those lines.  You can create standards and expectations and discuss them - but making a *policy* about this issue is, in my opinion, a recipe for anger and hurt feelings/antagonism.  Not worth it."

"We don't have a policy however at different meetings we've set norms that include not using your devices unnecessarily during those meetings. I think it gets more difficult to manage this as everyone has a device and people take notes using these devices (including phones.) Our administrators share all of the presentations through Google Drive, so everyone at our meetings (as a full faculty) is using a device to follow along, or add information as necessary."

"At my former school we did have one in place that clearly outlined that cell phones, tablets, computers should be out of sight during meetings/PD unless necessary for the task at hand.

It was,at times, uncomfortable to enforce.... But made everyone present."