Technology Etiquette

[amykhar]

I just read a good article on the etiquette of using devices such as cell phones, PDAs and ipods in a business environment.

I have my ipod at work to tune out the recruiting staff, and I now have a cell phone that lets me keep in touch with the kids. I've been around people who seem to have cell-phone ADD, and every time the thing rings, they have to check and see who called and then scamper off to take the call.

I'm trying to avoid this by giving very few people my cell phone number. My cell phone is for personal use only, which makes it easy for me to ignore it when I'm with somebody.

What is it like in your company? Do you have rules about devices in meetings and such? Are you comfortable with the way technology is used in your office?

[thinkerlady[$]]

We, at my school base our day on the various forms of technology. As far as inner school notes, and/or a memo, we are completely paperless. All is done through email. We have a voice mail system which allows parents to talk directly to our voicemail, rather than going through one of the secretaries. the school has provided each of us a laptop, and we use it all the time. All of our grades are done on a software program too.

Cell phones are not allowed to be on during the day--ie when we have children in front of us. On our prep periods, we are free to use them as we wish. Our emergency plans include our cell phone numbers, in the event that such an emergency would happen.

Our lunch program is very unique. It is a point of service, the parents deposit money into an account for their children, and the children use their id card to purchase lunch items. No cash is exchanged. Parents are notified when their child is "overdrawn", usually monthly.

This is the first school where I have taught that is so technologically advanced. In our area it is one of the few, if any.

[magenta321]

We're not allowed to use our cell phones at either job, for any reason. Only during breaks when we are off the clock.

I used my ipod at work before, but using my itrip so it was broadcasting to my stereo where I hang the mammos.

I'm shocked anyone could use their cell phone at work and NOT get written up.

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

We're allowed to use cell phones at work - in fact, it works out better for me and Hubby to call each other on our family cell plan than to use a land-line to call a cell, where we start generating billable minutes. If I'm in a meeting, I refuse the call and/or turn off the ringer, unless I'm expecting an urgent message.

My boss will text-message with his Blackberry during meetings, as do the city and state officials with whom we meet. It's often meeting-related though - a question comes up, an attendee emails someone from the meeting, gets an email in reply a few minutes later and answers the question at the meeting instead of us all having to wait until later to hear.

I am un-Podded, but I'll turn on live365 Internet radio on my computer, especially when the woman in the next office over gets too loud on her phone or with her radio.

[pippadaisy[$]]

thinkerlady said

Our lunch program is very unique. It is a point of service, the parents deposit money into an account for their children, and the children use their id card to purchase lunch items. No cash is exchanged. Parents are notified when their child is "overdrawn", usually monthly.

Actually, most schools around here and where my sister lives in Washington already have it or are heading to it.

[mtomm[$]]

I will praise the day when I no longer have to write checks each month for my kids' lunches! I have no idea when/if it will happen but it would sure be nice. Now they come home with an L markered on the back of their hands. Not very technical.