Laptops in Class

Friends:

This morning at the orientation of new students by the Pontifical Faculty [Dominican House], the Dean Father Gabriel O’Donnell raised an interesting point–do laptops in class hinder or help the learning process. He meant this for students and faculty.

This called to mind an article I noticed in the latest issue of the Chronicle for Higher Education. This article also had questioned whether the high-tech class presentations of faculty aided the learning process.

Does attention to the computer hinder the interaction of faculty and students.

Dean O’Donnell, being a wise man, did not answer this question. He just pointed out that it is being discussed in academic circles.

I think this question is well considered–does writing rather than typing, and looking at the professor rather than the screen aid learning.

We will see how this discussion develops.

Peace,
John