Are Laptops Beneficial in the Classroom?

Beyond the dinosaur mentality: Laptops are beneficial in the classroom

In this debate, I will argue in favor of laptops in the classroom. Having spent a considerable amount of time in classrooms, both as an educator and a student, I will suggest that the use of laptops in the classroom is beneficial, although there are those who will argue to the contrary, stating that the use of laptops is a distraction.

We have to acknowledge the reality that using laptops in the classroom is a relatively new phenomenon that has taken place, only in the last few years. At the same time, there is a trend toward the increasing use of laptops in classroom settings. This is because they are proving to be beneficial to professors, teachers and students, in many ways.

The introduction of anything new into a classroom setting has always been a reason for concern and may cause those locked into tradition, to oppose the changes. Many people including parents and even educators are afraid of computers and will not try to learn how to use them.

"Why do I need a computer?" they may ask. "Particularly a laptop?"

Times are changing rapidly, regardless of the dinosaur mentality of those who refuse to go with the flow of change.

"I am a dinosaur," they will argue. "Laptops in the classroom? Not for my children!" or "Not in my classroom!"

Certainly, there are issues that have to be dealt with, but these cannot and should not be the criterion 

for the introduction of laptops into the classroom.

For example, in order to have laptops, there has to be a network system that is functional and there will be cost involved in setting it up. There are going to be those who argue against the cost, but they would probably be the same ones, who would try to disallow the purchase of any other equipment for the classroom setting.

It is not that difficult in our day and age, to set up a network system that is fully functional for a classroom. Every student could have a laptop to use, once this is properly set up.

In the meantime, individual professors, teachers and students may need to operate their laptops on batteries alone. This can create problems, but at the same time, every person can take the responsibility for the operation of his or her own laptop. Extra batteries can be purchased easily or provided for the laptops. Battery chargers could be used, as well.

Technical issues could be a concern too, but these are certainly resolvable, as businesses manage to deal with technical problems, all the time. A technician could be hired by the education department to deal with this or each person could take the responsibility for his or her own laptop. They also need to take responsibility for any damages or loss of equipment.

Discipline and etiquette issues are important for any classroom, not just in a setting where laptops are used. It will always be the responsibility of the person in charge of a classroom, to maintain discipline. Etiquette is something that is  taught and learned.

It is relatively easy to set up rules and regulations for the use of laptops and this is certainly not beyond the scope of a true educator. If there is a course curriculum, the guidelines can be given to every person in the classroom. Classroom tutors or teaching assistants can assist with monitoring the use of laptops.

Distractions could include issues like surfing the Internet, but again this goes back to the discipline and etiquette realm. Students using e-mail communication while in class, could be an area of concern, but there can be time allotted for both Internet surfing and e-mail communication, as these are part of using laptops or desktop computers. This is certainly not sufficient reason to outlaw the use of computers.

The advantages of laptops in the classroom far outweigh the disadvantages. This is particularly true in terms of ongoing research and development.

Part of this whole issue goes back to the appropriate training of educators. At this point in time, there is resistance to training, but that is not something new or different. In every era, there are those who fight against more advanced training, arguing that it is not necessary or appropriate.

Instead of wasting time and energy arguing against the use of laptops in the classroom, a educator's time might be put to better use by introducing courses on "How to use laptops in the classroom", or "The effective management of laptops in the classroom". Courses could also be offered on topics like discipline and etiquette, Internet surfing and how to use e-mail communication properly.

Every person who is continuing to be educated, will need computer skills, at some point in time, so what better place is there to learn than in a classroom setting? Anyone who has ever used a laptop, knows that it is far superior to using many of the other, outmoded means of communication and education.

Those who argue against the use of laptops will be left behind as progress will continue, with or without them. There will always be those who continue to think like dinosaurs, but the majority of true educators are far beyond the dinosaur mentality and will realize that laptops are beneficial in the classroom.