The use of laptops or computers is a great way to run a classroom as long as members of the group don’t loose sight of the reasons why they are there. Both students and teachers need to take ownership in order to get the most out of the class. Instructors should remember the content of the class, laptops or computers should not be a substitute for instruction, rather they should supplement instruction. In other words, the computer should not teach the class, it should help the instrutor teach the class. Students should also take ownership in ensuring they get the necessary content from the class. They should come to class and be prepared to work and participate versus using the laptop or computer to surf the internet or email friends. The computer should not be a place to hide behind for students or instructors. Instructors should move around the room and have class discussion or even move out of the computer room setting ocassionally as suggested by our very own instructor. In environments like this, once a classroom culture is set up and everyone learns their role, the class runs smoothly. Students get the information they need and teachers get to do what they love doing.
I’ll be interested in emphasizing this issue in discussion. What are the best strategies for making use of laptops (or of navigating computer classrooms in general)? What activities might work well with laptops? One point the author makes is that it’s important to have an activity involving laptops every day or risk students deciding not to bring them to class.
Comment by chutry — February 27, 2007 @ 7:04 pm |