Laptops

I feel that having laptops in class can be a very positive addition to a class.  I've had students read back questions that I've stated verbally that they've keyed into their word processor, look up information and report back to the class, and even check out on-line resources in small groups.  A colleague of mine has used laptops very effectively to conduct in-class polls (students responding to questions via Google docs or other applications) and to have students engage in web-based activities.

Laptops in the classroom

Of course, from a professor's perspective, challenges can also exist with having laptops in the class.  Students who are updating their Facebook pages or MSNing can be distractive to me (and maybe to surrounding students).  A student who is intently reading what's on his/her screen and/or is quickly typing away on the keyboard when it is obvious that it has nothing to do with the course material makes me question why the student is in the classroom.  Perhaps the student is able to multi-task; however, I wonder if the student loses out in the fullness of the learning experience when not fully engaged with the discussion or materials that are being presented.  I must say, when I notice a potential inappropriate use of a laptop in my class an automatic response triggers in my brain the question of whether I am communicating the information as effectively as I could.  This is no different than if I notice a student getting restless or changing his/her body position.  This may not lead to a change in a professor's teaching style or content, but it does help the reflective practitioner engage in continuous assessment of the learning environment.  In the end, I sometimes wonder if it boils down to an issue of civility and respect:  we are in the classroom together, I've worked hard to prepare for this time and will give you my full attention, please consider the same for me.