Technology: Can I have my phone nearby for playing music and keeping the time in my practicum?

Yes! You can absolutely have your phone nearby to play your music and keep the time in your practicum. 

Be mindful to keep your phone out of the frame of the video if possible, so it is not a distraction to yourself or your evaluating teacher. It should also go without saying that the phone should be on silent and not on vibrate while you are recording your practicum.

Another option would be to have a little clock out of the frame of the video to follow the time and perhaps consider playing your music from a device that has a little remote to allow you to press play/pause from your mat. If you have a watch that plays music and has Bluetooth that can connect to a speaker and play your music, this would also be a great option.

As you step into the world of teaching, you may find that having a phone with you in class is not appropriate even if it is for telling the time and playing your music. Many yoga spaces encourage students to leave their phones out of the yoga space, and so as the teacher you may consider doing the same to set the example. Perhaps choosing another option for telling the time and playing your music in class as your teaching journey expands.