Laptops in Class

Cessie Ryder

Most colleges require their students to bring a laptop to school instead of a desktop computer. Laptops are portable so students are easily able to carry them and bring them to class. The use of laptops in class can be seen as both a positive and negative supplement to the overall learning environment in classroom.
Laptops can be a big source of distraction for students in class. It is hard for students to stay completely focused the whole entire time in class and laptops can just add fuel to this fire. The temptation to check your email, facebook and chat with friends on skype is extremely large and hard to resist. I know this from experience. Whenever I go to sit at my computer I automatically type in the facebook website by habit, so in class, when I am supposed to be paying attention, it is hard not to always check facebook instead. Laptops can be such a distraction that it takes away from students ability to focus and learn, thus resulting in lower grades.
Not everything about laptops is bad though. Laptops can also serve a good purpose in learning and teaching techniques. Studies have shown that student’s attention in lectures tends to fade as the class goes on. So, some professors are utilizing laptops to promote active learning where students must solve problems, provide feedback and discuss ideas using their laptops. By doing this, students are actively processing information and learning the material in a meaningful way.