University of Maryland Implements Tech Lock-Up in Classroom, Gains Student Approval
College Park, MD – November 17, 2025 — At a time when schools across the country are increasingly restricting cellphone use, a University of Maryland class is taking a bold step further by requiring students to lock away all their technology during sessions—a move that has even won approval from the students themselves.
The innovation comes from Sara Herald, director of UMD’s Southern Management Leadership Program (SMLP), who introduced the policy in her “Strategies for Innovation in Entrepreneurship” class this semester. Unlike typical cellphone bans seen in high schools or lower education levels, Herald’s class mandates that students put away all electronic devices, including laptops, phones, and smartwatches.
Locking Devices to Enhance Focus
The process begins right after activities such as quizzes. Students place their laptops inside their backpacks while phones and smartwatches are sealed inside special magnetic Yonder pouches. These pouches, widely used in school districts nationwide and at public venues like comedy shows and concerts, prevent access to devices by locking them securely.
Herald explained that the impetus for the measure was the growing distraction technology has become in the learning environment. “They are in class, ready to go, and suddenly you see them glance at their wrist to swipe away a notification,” Herald said. “Even that small distraction pulls them out of the learning zone and makes it very difficult to immediately engage again.”
Student Adjustment and Positive Outcomes
Initially, students were skeptical about the new requirement. Seniors Kaylee Mendoza-Diaz and Isai Castillo described how strange it felt at first to be separated from their devices.
“I found myself hearing a buzz and instinctively reaching for my phone before remembering it was locked away,” Mendoza-Diaz said. “It was a weird feeling, but it made me realize how often I rely on my phone,” Castillo added, noting how the adjustment was especially unfamiliar given how long phones have been integrated into their daily lives.
However, both students quickly recognized notable benefits. The absence of distractions led to deeper and more meaningful class discussions and fostered stronger connections among classmates. Castillo remarked that the environment motivated him to reach out to peers he hadn’t spoken to before, enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Beyond class dynamics, the students reported positive effects on their own habits. Mendoza-Diaz shared that her average daily screen time has dropped from six to seven hours during her first year at UMD to about three hours currently, with a downward trend ongoing. Castillo also noted that when he needed to focus on work, his first thought was to “get my phone out of here,” highlighting a newfound discipline and productivity.
Accommodations and Future Prospects
Herald acknowledges that not all classes can operate without technology, especially those requiring laptops for note-taking or accessibility accommodations. Students with special learning plans or urgent needs to access their devices are provided exceptions.
While the initiative is still in its early stages, Herald confidently calls the experiment “a huge success.” She encourages other educators to consider adopting similar tech-free approaches, underscoring the clear academic and social benefits observed in her classroom.
The Southern Management Leadership Program primarily serves transfer students from Montgomery College and Prince George’s Community College, making the program’s success potentially influential for other institutions seeking to enhance student engagement and reduce digital distractions.
Broader Context
This program is part of a broader movement across educational levels to address increasing concerns about screen distractions in learning environments. While cellphone bans are more common in K-12 settings, the University of Maryland’s comprehensive tech lock-up in higher education stands out as a pioneering approach.
As digital devices continue to permeate every aspect of student life, educators like Sara Herald are exploring creative strategies to reclaim focus and foster authentic engagement.
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