It's something I always looked forward to when entering college. I was so relieved when I no longer had to deal with hand cramps and nasty blisters on my fingers. My laptop saved my life. I can still remember how excited I was when I heard that I could finally put my quick typing skill to use. The thought of me not having to deal with taking my time to actually write out notes was the best feeling. So, what I want to know is, why are professors even discussing of banning them from class?
Amy Rolph, a Seattle Post-Intelligencer, wrote an article for the Houston Chronicle discussing why professors of Seattle Pacific University are considering banning all electronic devices from class, especially laptops. She states that the professors believe that these devices "interferes with learning on several levels". She first introduces the many reasons that SPU professors are providing to support their ideas. They believe that in general, it's just a matter of courtesy. Professor Kenman Wong states that students should "be courteous by paying attention during his lectures", rather than typing away at their laptop. Another reason for the ban is that laptops may ironically effect their note taking skills. SPU professors are concerned that laptops resort to students actually "tak[ing] down every word" instead of actually attentively listening and writing down the important facts. However, not all professors are standing behind this new idea. Some on the other hand, believe that banning them is too drastic, especially with all the classrooms now being equipped with wireless Internet access. Others believe that some of the data that students come across online actually improves their level of thinking and aids in the improvement of class discussions. Although some of the professors provides good reasons on banning laptops in classrooms, I believe that by taking away these devices, they are equivalently taking away our pens and pencils.
The points that the SPU professors provide is very true. It is very rude when someone is trying to talk to you and you type away on Myspace or Gmail. I understand that because students do this often, professors get the idea that they are simply talking to themselves and wasting their time. As for laptops effecting a student's note taking ability, I believe it could cause a problem. Because students have the ability to type very quickly today, it does become a habit to just type every word they hear because they can. I, a student, am guilty of all these things. There are times I get so bored in class that every now and then I'll open Gmail and check my e-mail or send one out.
The professors are overlooking the positive and focusing more on the negative qualities these devices have. Yes, it causes distractions and the learning process through note-taking, but what about it providing more information on the things we're learning. Technology is growing faster and faster that you could find anything on the Internet these days. Enabling wireless Internet access in classrooms today proves how the Internet is growing stronger and providing more and more information that could help us not only in classrooms, but outside as well.
What professors are not thinking about, is that electronic devices are not the only cause of disruptions in the classroom. If you take away the students laptop and they get bored in class, will they not use their pen and paper to doodle or write notes? Will they not talk during the professor's lecture, or even sleep? I believe that if the student does not want to learn and resorts to chatting online or sleeping, then that's their business. Yes, I know one of the teacher's main goal is to motivate kids today to be more studious and achieve their goals, but there is only one teacher and so many students. Maybe once the student sees that bad grade on a test, they can learn from their mistakes and pay more attention. Professors must remember that college students range from 18 years old and up. These students are old enough to know what they need to get done. They are also capable of standing on their own feet and learning from their own mistakes.
In conclusion, professors at SMU needs to reconsider the thought of banning these devices that may cause disruptions, but at the same time, expand our knowledge. They need to remember that laptops are not the only distractions that take place in classrooms and remember the positive things that it can achieve.
