Laptops vs. Learning

Georgetown University law professor David Cole wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post Laptops vs. Learning. He describes why he banned laptops in his class.

"I did this for two reasons, I explained. Note-taking on a laptop encourages verbatim transcription. The note-taker tends to go into stenographic mode and no longer processes information in a way that is conducive to the give and take of classroom discussion. Because taking notes the old-fashioned way, by hand, is so much slower, one actually has to listen, think and prioritize the most important themes."

"In addition, laptops create temptation to surf the Web, check e-mail, shop for shoes or instant-message friends. That's not only distracting to the student who is checking Red Sox statistics but for all those who see him, and many others, doing something besides being involved in class. Together, the stenographic mode and Web surfing make for a much less engaged classroom, and that affects all students (not to mention me)."

He thinks the ban has been effective in generating more participation. He surveyed the students too and they seemed to like it. "About 80 percent reported that they are more engaged in class discussion when they are laptop-free. Seventy percent said that, on balance, they liked the no-laptop policy."

I remember when we added wi-fi at work and more people brought laptops to meetings. Everything above happened to us too.