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March 29, 2006
Shenanigans!
Ah. So what these students are really trying to say is, "I need the laptop because I want to play Free Cell and chat on instant messenger during class."
Over the past week, dissent has been building in the student lounge, in hushed conversations in the library and halls, and in fervent debates over e-mail.
All because one professor at the University of Memphis law school banned the use of laptops in her class. Other professors are considering a ban.
...
Professor June Entman's decision hit first-year law school students abruptly, dampening their spirits just as spring break was beginning.
"Beginning on Tuesday, March 14, the use of laptop computers and other similar devices will not be allowed during Civil Procedure class sessions. Please be sure to bring with you ... paper and pen or pencil for taking notes," Entman's March 6 e-mail to her students read.
Entman said students were spending too much time typing notes on laptops, and not enough time listening and discussing.
"My main concern was they were focusing on trying to transcribe every word that was I saying, rather than thinking and analyzing," Entman said. "The computers interfere with making eye contact. You've got this picket fence between you and the students."
Pish-posh. If you ask me, the reason for the ban is simple: half the time, students aren't paying attention. I take my notes the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper. Sure, I get distracted every now and then. But with a computer, you have a virtual entertainment library at your disposal. When distraction hits you at the computer, you can very well end up on a ten-minute excursion to espn.com. When all you have is a blank piece of paper, you can't be distracted forever. Computers have the added bonus of allowing you to talk on instant messenger during class, further adding to the goof-off. Although I am sure laptops allow you to type much faster, I am not accepting the argument that that is their sole advantage. If a professor thinks it is reasonable to ban laptops in the classroom, I think it is that professor's prerogative. In fact, I had one of my professors ban laptops in his class last semester after he got pissed because all the people with laptops were surfing around the internet instead of paying attention.
entry no. 463
Posted by oz115 at March 29, 2006 08:29 AM
Comments
Saying they're furiously transcribing every cherished word that crosses his eloquent lips is extremely wishful thinking on the Professor's part. I'm guessing Tetris, or whatever the kids are playing these days.
Posted by: Pete at March 29, 2006 12:50 PM