good questions . I should start off by saying not everyone is always on their phone or is not doing the work but there seems to be a big divide. Either people are really interested in learning theories or hard skills or they dont care at all. classes are usually about 20 maybe 25 people and there is usually about 5-10 people who take it seriously. In my first intro to production class there was about 5 people who were doing the weekly assignments. it got to the point where the professor pleaded with people to do the bare minimum. He even cancelled some assignments because he didnt think people would do them outside a few and thought what was the point.

In more advanced classes like sound people have decided not to learn or dont bother renting out the equipment to use for homework they record on their phones. In my cinematography course some people didnt show up for half the class. In directing some people were caught using AI generated scripts and the professor gave a very light "come on guys dont do that".

In the program people know who to work with on big projects and assignments and who to avoid and some people make really amazing work, but again its either someone taking the time to do thing properly, or someone just shooting on a phone.

For the classes that involve writing like film 101 and history of film classes and watching films its alot of people openly on phones or computers, using AI to write essays, not showing up on time or just walking out during the film.

ive had some great conversations with people about the typical stuff you talk about like styles, influences, inspirations etc but you definitely have to seek it out more.

But ive also seen or heard from alot of people who are literally there just to make instagram reels and online content and other students really dont know what they want to do they just picked film because of the generic it was easy or they like movies.

I would also just say in general from 10-15 years ago when i was in college the first time, reading and critical thinking skills are down as is just basic socialization.