It’s no secret that while the need for modernization grows on the UTM campus, so too does the implementation of technology in class.
Case in point: using a laptop or tablet device to take notes in class. Some teachers hate it, others love it and some just don’t care. Honestly, a case could be made for all three schools of thought.
First, let’s consider the naysayers’ point of view. There’s no way to know whether or not a student using a laptop or tablet is actually taking notes during the lecture. Sure, the teacher could stop and have a look over the student’s shoulder, but let’s be reasonable and say that most teachers wouldn’t bother.
That alone is reason enough to ban the use of any LCD screens in class, especially for teachers who can’t count on students not to get distracted by a plethora of digital distractions at the touch of a button.
But that’s not every teacher; some see the usage of technology in class as a fast and convenient way of keeping up with the lecture. This means that the lesson doesn’t have to come to a screeching halt every time a student asks the teacher to stop the lecture so that he or she may catch up on writing notes.
When you put it that way, it kind of does sound like a good idea. Besides, digital notes are more environmentally friendly anyway.
And then there are those who simply don’t care how a student records information in class. This point of view actually makes sense too if you think about it.
How can an instructor have no strong feelings about how his or her students operate? Well, let’s consider the facts.
College students are normally not children under the direct control of a parent, so how they spend their time on campus will directly affect their performance in class. If a student fails a class in college because he or she can’t stay focused, then one could probably wager that said student would have found a way to stay distracted in class with or without technology.
Furthermore, why would a student go through the trouble of signing up for scholarships, saving money, taking loans and any other means of paying for college only to ignore the information being presented? Knowledge in any capacity can help more than hurt, and if the classes cost hundreds of dollars apiece, you might as well learn something.
With that in mind, it doesn’t sound like the responsibility of an instructor is to beg students to pay attention in class. After all, they say teachers don’t give grades; students earn them.
In the end, it’s good to know that right now the decision is on an individual basis. Sure, there will be some classes you may or may not like based solely on whether or not laptops and tablets are restricted, but it’s better than having it only one way and ensuring someone loses every time.
