Professors Banning Laptops In the Lecture Hall 664
Pickens writes "The Washington Post reports that professors have banned laptops from their classrooms at George Washington University, American University, the College of William and Mary, and the University of Virginia, among many others, compelling students to take notes the way their parents did: on paper. A generation ago, academia embraced the laptop as the most welcome classroom innovation since the ballpoint pen, but during the past decade it has evolved into a powerful distraction as wireless Internet connections tempt students away from note-typing to e-mail, blogs, YouTube videos, sports scores, even online gaming. Even when used as glorified typewriters, laptops can turn students into witless stenographers, typing a lecture verbatim without listening or understanding. 'The breaking point for me was when I asked a student to comment on an issue, and he said, "Wait a minute, I want to open my computer,"' says David Goldfrank, a Georgetown history professor. 'And I told him, "I don't want to know what's in your computer. I want to know what's in your head."' Some students don't agree with the ban. A student wrote in the University of Denver's newspaper: 'The fact that some students misuse technology is no reason to ban it. After all, how many professors ban pens and notebooks after noticing students doodling in the margins?'"
Re:False analogy. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:False analogy. (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, he should have gone with a car analogy instead...
Well... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:False analogy. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:First Post (Score:3, Funny)
There
Hey, stop surfing around and reading /. and start taking notes!
None of there Buisness (Score:3, Funny)
Re:None of there Buisness (Score:2, Funny)
I can tell from the way you write that your education was remarkably effective.
Re:This is College (Score:5, Funny)
Re:This is College (Score:4, Funny)
It's madness, I know. The idea that teachers might want to think about the best way to ensure that the information they are trying to impart is absorbed and retained by their students.
When I was a student, I found the best way to enjoy lectures was with my eyes closed, listening to my Walkman. I didn't disturb anyone, so I have no idea why the lecturer took exception to my stance.
Re:Not your dime... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:False analogy. (Score:2, Funny)
Apple would only allow proprietary Fermats in the iMargin.
Re:False analogy. (Score:5, Funny)
I find your ideas intriguing and would like to subscribe to your newsletter (provided it includes drawings of monkeys and hunters, of course)
Re:What's next? Burkas? (Score:1, Funny)
I think I speak for all the men here, when I say that there's nothing more distracting on Earth than a beautiful 19 year old girl in a tank top and a short skirt...
I'm a Mac user, you insensitive clod!
Re:False analogy. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:First Post (Score:1, Funny)