Why students should not use laptops?
|
This page is for students and faculty weighing the pros and cons of using laptop computers to take notes during lectures. Show
 Laptops cause lower gradesMost students who use laptops to take notes during lecture are fully convinced that doing so will help them do better in class. Randomized, controlled experiments, however, show the opposite is true (Mueller and Oppenheimer 2014, Hembrooke and Gay 2013). The usual explanation behind the drop in performance is that students are distracted by multitasking — students believe that they can effectively absorb lecture material while also keeping an eye on the emails, texts, etc. Students don’t perceive that they are paying less and less attention to the teacher. It’s also the case that some lecture material is fundamentally visual and students simply cannot transcribe that into text. Laptops distract other studentsBut laptop use does not just reduce a student’s learning, it can do the same to students sitting nearby (Sana et al. 2012). One source of the distraction is visual — students sitting behind laptop users are often transfixed by what the student is doing. I’ve witnessed students play movies during lectures, for example, and nearby students simply couldn’t look away. Another distraction to students nearby is the noise — some people find keyboard clatter and mouse clicks just as annoying as listening to somebody chew gum or compulsively click a pen. One study revealed that 20% of undergraduates suffer from misophonia. Laptops can reduce your fertilityAside from the pedagogical reasons why laptops might be bad, there’s a physiological one, too — the heat produced by laptops might cause a drop in sperm count. Just like skinny jeans. Laptops are indispensable for some studentsOne important reason for allowing laptop use is that they can be extremely helpful to some students. E.g., a visual or other disability might prevent somebody from writing as quickly as they can type. And a professor who banned laptops but allowed students with accommodations to use them would create a situation in which disabled students are outed as such, and that’s not good. Tips
Some literatureCole, D. 2007. Laptops vs learning. Washington Post April 7. link Dynarski, S. 2017. Laptops are great. But not during a lecture or a meeting. New York Times Nov 22. link Fried, C.B. 2008. In-class laptop use and its effects on student learning. Computers & Education 50:906-914. link Hembrooke, H., and G. Gay. 2003. The laptop and the lecture: the effects of multitasking on learning environments. Journal of Computing in Higher Education 15:46-64. link Sheynkin, Y., et al. 2004. Increase in scrotal temperature in laptop computer users. Human Reproduction 20:452-455. link Thagard, P. 2010. Banning laptops in classrooms. Psychology Today Blog. July 9, 2010. link Timmer, J. 2009. In-class laptop use sparks backlash, possibly lower grades. Nobel Intent blog @ Ars Technica, March 16. link If you need more, run this search. Laptops serve as valuable learning tools for students, but some educational institutions and instructors discourage or even prohibit their use. The primary argument against allowing these computers is that they distract students during lectures. One concern is that if students have access to the web, they will spend more time surfing, shopping online or checking their Facebook or Instagram pages. Some instructors also believe that students learn and retain information more effectively when taking handwritten notes instead of typing them. However, the benefits of using laptops in class can far outweigh any drawbacks. With both students and teachers taking advantage of the internet and various technology, they can experience a better collaborative learning environment. 10 Benefits Of Laptop Use Using laptops in the classroom does provide numerous benefits, especially for today's students who have grown up in the Information Age. 1. Meet Today's NeedsSince most kids today were exposed to mobile devices starting at an early age, computers have become a central part of their lives. Students rely on them for just about everything, and not allowing students to use a laptop in the classroom could place them at a disadvantage. Some students may not function and learn as well without the ability to look things up or take notes without a computer. 2. Access to Supporting FactsOne advantage of having a web-connected laptop in the classroom is immediate access to relevant information. For example, a student can perform a quick Google search on a topic the instructor is covering and use the information to contribute to the discussion. This input can also benefit others in the class. 3. Increased EngagementAttention spans can be short in today's fast-paced world. The ability to look up additional information can help students stay engaged during a lecture. A point made by the instructor can often pique interest and make students want to learn more about the topic. Computers can also help students quickly clarify a fact or area of confusion without interrupting the instructor to ask a question. 4. Enhanced Organizational SkillsAs many students grow up with laptops, tablets and other mobile devices, they are already proficient at using all the devices' features. They understand how to create computer files, significantly reducing the need for paper notebooks, documents and folders. The lack of paper makes it easier for students to stay organized, leading to a more efficient learning experience. Other organizational benefits include scheduling, tracking assignments and accessing the school calendar online. 5. Fewer Copying ErrorsCurricula such as engineering or mathematics make extensive use of complex figures, formulas and equations. In a traditional classroom environment, students must write these by hand. Their unfamiliarity with these symbols can easily lead to transcription mistakes. Instructors can help alleviate this issue by supplying copies before class that students can access with their laptops during the lecture. Then, students will spend less time writing and copying and more time paying attention to the presentation. 6. Better Than WritingSince students are adept at using laptops and likely developed excellent typing skills at an early age, they can use laptops more efficiently than writing by hand. Many kids type more quickly than they write, which proves invaluable when taking notes in the classroom. Laptops also eliminate legibility issues — students do not have to make cross-outs or try to read hurried, indecipherable scribblings. 7. Access to SoftwareLaptops can enable students to use software programs that serve as valuable classroom aids. Examples include active learning tools, such as video clips and PowerPoint presentations, and statistical analysis programs. 8. Improved CollaborationLaptops allow students to collaborate with their classmates inside and outside the classroom. They can ask questions, compare notes and share what they have learned more readily. They can also work together on group projects even if they are not in the same location. There is no need to waste time traveling to the library, a nearby coffee shop or someone's home. 9. More Efficient Review ProcessMobile computers allow instructors to review student-submitted papers and assignments and provide feedback digitally. The instructors can go into more detail and provide more direction than when handwriting the information, which ultimately enhances their students' educational process. 10. Environmentally FriendlyTraditionally, instructors and students have relied heavily on paper for everything from notebooks and handouts to folders and textbooks. Using laptops to replace these items can substantially reduce paper consumption in an educational setting. The effort to go paperless saves trees and minimizes the use of destructive processes to harvest and process them, helping to protect the environment. |
