MathPath students may not bring high-tech devices to camp (aside from a phone – see below), such as computers, tablets, e-readers and high-powered calculators. These devices are not ever required for the work that students do at MathPath.

Additionally, as of 2018, MathPath owns a mobile laptop lab, which will be available for student use (with adult supervision during specific times which will be made known to students during camp). This negates almost every need for students to bring their own laptops, as the MathPath mobile lab will be available for email and mathematical research on a regular basis.

Parents must sign a Personal Electronics Agreement Form, consenting to our use policy. If parents wish their students to bring a high-tech electronic device, they must first ask for special permission for the device on this form and give the reason. Exceptions are sometimes granted for serious learning disabilities. Parents can also use this form to authorize their student to bring low-tech electronics (devices which cannot download apps and games) but they must absolve MathPath (and the host institution) of any responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of any of these devices.

We do not discourage bringing cell phones, including smartphones; indeed we require it, because they have become necessary for communication, certainly during transit to and from camp, but also with parents during camp, as colleges no longer provide land lines in dormitory rooms. Phones too must be used appropriately. Our current policy is that, with rare exceptions, cell phones can only be used for about a half hour every day for phoning home, and they are kept by the counselors at all other times. Once again, you may not hold MathPath or the host institution responsible for their damage, loss or theft.

All electronic devices (excluding calculators – see later) are prohibited from breakouts and plenaries except where allowed as an aid for learning disabilities. We have found that if students bring these devices to classes and lectures, they provide undue and unnecessary distractions from the mathematics at hand.

Electronic games of any sort (computer games, games on smartphones, tablets, calculators, game machines), movie/TV-streaming (such as from Hulu, Netflix, or other similar sites), and non-academic internet-browsing are not allowed at MathPath. We believe that students do not come to MathPath to do these activities. Rather, they come to MathPath to do mathematics and engage with peers who have similar interests. We believe that the above listed activities are not beneficial to the environment at MathPath. Students have ample math activities at their disposal throughout camp, and non-math time is spent playing board games, field games, athletics, music, etc. There is never such a lack of good things to do that would require students to engage in any forbidden electronic activity.

If the MathPath staff has reason to suspect that a camper has been misusing their electronic device in any way, the MathPath staff will impound that device, and any further use for the duration of the camp will be at the discretion of the staff.

High tech electronic devices are also unnecessary for MathPath courses. We give one or two courses about mathematical explorations one can do with mathematics software, but we will have a dedicated computer lab on-campus for such courses; and may at times be able to use the MathPath mobile laptop lab for outside-of-class work. Thus, personal computers are not necessary. Graphing calculators are not necessary because the one or two courses that use calculators (typically Glen van Brummelen's courses) use at most trig functions. We recommend that students bring a cheap scientific calculator to camp if they have one; however, calculators are not required.

The leadership of MathPath is not anti-computer. First, we use our own laptops in running the camp. In addition, we recognize that computing can be directly useful in doing mathematics, and, conversely, mathematics is precisely the tool needed to study the theory of computing. Some of us use computing in doing our own mathematical work. But MathPath is meant as a time of intense engagement in mathematics. The issue for young students is: will the presence of their own computer (and other electronic devices) be more of a help or a hindrance? Our experience is that it will more likely be a hindrance.

Cell phones: Yes, cell phones are allowed. Indeed, now that colleges have eliminated landline service to dorm rooms, cell phones are the best way for families to be in touch with MathPath students. Cell phones will be primarily kept by the counselor outside of times for calling home, but may occasionally be distributed during field trips. In these cases remember: cell phones are easily lost, especially if you are not used to carrying one and keeping it safe. Be sure to have your name and another contact number readily accessible both on the outside of the phone (indelible ink? etching? sticker label?) and when the machine is turned on (on the home/lock screen).

Other electronics. The number of small electronic devices is proliferating, and their power is growing: MP3-player, iShuffle, iPod, iPod-touch, iPad, Kindle.... Many students own one or more.

The same general rule applies to all these devices:

1. High-tech devices can only be brought if the parent has asked for, and received, special permission for the item to be brought, using the Personal Electronics Form. High-tech devices include ANY device that can download or access apps, games, or phone capabilities (such as Kindle Fire, iPod, iPad, AppleWatch, etc.).
2. Low-tech devices can only be brought if the parent has indicated permission for the student to have them on the Personal Electronics Form. Low-tech devices include iShuffle, Kindle PaperWhite, alarm clocks/clock radios, and other devices that are NOT able to download apps, games, or phone capabilities. If you are unsure whether a device will be allowed, please ask first!
3. They are easily lost and we are not responsible for the cost if you lose them.
4. Email and webbrowsing is available in the MathPath mobile laptop lab, so you should not bring a handheld/portable device for this purpose.
5. We don't want these devices to get in the way of engagement with mathematics or engagement with other campers.

• Playing computer games at any time – this is strictly forbidden at MathPath.
• Listening to your device through earphones in the dining hall, common lounges, or any other place where this will keep people from talking to you. (Listening to music as you drift off to sleep in your room is fine.)
• Texting or emailing or using social media in any public place.
• Using any of these devices at all in a plenary or breakout – unless you are using it as a calculator with the consent of the lecturer or breakout instructor. (Or unless you have been granted special permission because you need your device during classes.)

If you don't use any of these devices regularly, and are not already used to keeping track of them in new places, then leave them at home so you don't lose them. If you do bring them (with permission), as with cell phones, make sure contact information is on your device in an un-erasable manner.