Surfing through class
wow, two blog entries in one day . . . i am on fire. ;~)
Tallahassee Democrat | 10/15/2005 | Surfing through class
Bringing laptops and wireless Internet access into classrooms was supposed to enrich classroom discussions by, for example, allowing students to import information from the Internet and share it with the rest of the class. But instead, some students are using their laptops to message friends, shop online, peruse Web sites and pursue part-time jobs. The result: There is a rising backlash against classroom computer use from professors and schools.
you know, this article got me to thinking . . . i teach almost exclusively in computer labs or in classrooms that have wireless laptop carts. i know this going in — in fact, i request it. when you teach in this environment, you learn to use this internet access to your advantage. sure, a few students here and there will check their email and get off-track, but professors who use the technology to supplement and enhance what they are teaching will find a more captive audience. and, the article touches upon this:
Some professors have responded to the prevalence of networked computers in class by changing their teaching styles. The University of Houston’s Adams, for instance, now peppers his lectures with enough questions to reduce students’ Web surfing. When he is discussing a particularly complex subject, he says, he tells students to close their laptops.
i think technology opens up more opportunities for distraction, but many of these students probably daydreamed for portions of classes in the past . . .or passed notes . . . or doodled . . . or (you get the picture?)
i have stopped requiring attendance in-class. and all of my in-class sessions can be taken online if a student decides not to come to class. i still get about 1/2 of the students who want to come to class, but the other students complete the requirements online and they get the same kind of credit. when students come to class knowing they could be sitting at home sleeping during the time, i think they are probably more motivated to learn. and, i don’t notice the same issues being described in the article. i hope these professors learn to embrace the technology because it’s not going away any time soon.
November 7th, 2005 at 5:13 pm
You just have to adjust to the times! I think the article did raise a good point about students using the internet to do things other than classwork during class, but Sean you’re right as well! When we use paper and pen, students draw pictures and write notes! I think that there will always be some form of distraction no matter what. If a students wants to pay attention, he will, if he doesn’t, he won’t–no matter if there is a computer in front of him, or just a notebook. In this scenario, I think the good of all the internet access for students definetely outweighs the negative. A good teacher will just have to learn to adjust and modify their teaching in order to get the most of this new wave of technology. Asking more questions so students have to be on their toes, and having the students shut their laptops when not using them is a great example from the article. There are new advancements in education and technology every year, we just need to be wise in what we implement, and adjust with the times.
November 8th, 2005 at 3:16 pm
There have, and always will be, pros and cons to each teaching style. What it comes down to is whether or not the pros outweight the cons. In this case, the positive effects of integrating laptop use into the classroom outweigh the negatives; assuming instructor adjusts their teaching style appropriately. As previously mentioned, the instructor may need to ask more questions, or even have the students close their computers to keep thier attention. By integrating technology into the classroom, we only have to modify our teaching style to make it beneficial. Teachers have always modified thier teaching to reach the needs of their class. If students are not responding to information in an appropriate manner, instructors re-word information and ask more questions. Like closing a laptop, teachers may tell this students to set down their pencils and to look up.
There have always been distractions in the classroom. As responsible and capable instructors, we should be able to manage these distractions to better reach the needs of our students. Teachers need to embrace technology. In doing so, they will be forced to accept and implement the change needed to successfully teach with it.
November 8th, 2005 at 5:34 pm
wow it is so true what you have said about the students daydreaming and doodling even if they didn’t have computers in front of them. Students are always going to find ways to distract themselves even if they don’t want to. the way i see it; yeah students might get a little off task at times with the comuters, but at least they are not interupting the teacher, which in turn interupts their classmate’s learning. To be totally honest, this kind of learning is still new to many schools, so when students go into these kinds of classrooms they are going to want to learn a lot more from the computers than a regular classroom. Teachers need to adapt their teaching to the learners environment and way of learning, that is how it always has been and how it always will be.
November 9th, 2005 at 9:09 am
I’ll admit that prior to entering college, I had some doubts about the use of computers during a regular lecture based class period. I’ve actually yet to bring my laptop to a lecture based class. Maybe because it’s a think the process of physically writing helps me to commit things to memory, or maybe it’s just because I’m scared of change. However, I now believe that there is no reason to band laptops because of distractions that they may allow. You’re absolutely right, Sean. If a student is not interested in the lecture, he/she has a million things that they can do without a laptop like create elaborate doodling patterns (guilty), daze off into daydreamland (guilty), make a grocery list (guilty), or doing other homework (guilty). At least having a laptop, these unattentive students might possibly be able to do something semi-constructive. The crux of it is is that if a class is engaging, students will pay attention. I know it’s not always easy to present material in an engaging manner, but it’s awfully hard to pay attention if it’s not. Now after writing this, I think I might be ready to bring my laptop to my Intro to Computer Science Class!
November 9th, 2005 at 10:51 am
Of course distractions happen to students during class. I have seen many laptops in my other classes this semester, and some I’ve noticed are playing poker or checking emails, but I believe that most people use them for taking notes in lectures, or finding valuable websites to go along with the lesson. It’s obvious that students don’t need a laptop to be distracted. I’ve played games on my calculator before. It’s the students responsiblity for their education, they will either take it seriously or they won’t.
November 9th, 2005 at 12:54 pm
I really enjoy this posting. It is obvious that students are going to get off-track when having a computer sit in front of them. There is a drawback to most teaching methods. The drawback to using wireless laptops is the possibility of students surfing the web while they should be listening.
I think if a teacher knows how to manage his or her classroom well, the MAJORITY of the students will do what is expected from them. A good example from the article is the professor who instructed his students to shut the laptops during important segments of the lecture.
Just as Sean mentioned, before using wireless laptops, there were distractions happening in the classroom as well. When I was in school, I remember having notes passed, daydreaming, writing notes, whispering to friends, etc. Distractions are going to happen with or without technology. As mentioned, technology isn’t going anywhere but forward. Therefore, teachers are going to have to learn how to manage their students with technology in mind.
November 9th, 2005 at 2:58 pm
I always wondered how profs felt about this. In all of my computer classes both in college and highschool, there would always be someone who would be checking their email or what ever during class, I think that it is so rude. However I don’t see it as being any more different than daydreaming while aprofessor lectures, other than it’s more obvious.
I think that it is the teachers responsibility to keep his/her students engaged in the lecture so that they don’t have time to daydream or check their email.
This is so minor, as with all teching methods there will be pro’s and con’s but we just have to deal with them and try to create new ways to get around them.
November 9th, 2005 at 4:58 pm
I agree with you that students can always find something to do instead of listen. Coming back to school after many years I was suprprised at how many students use laptops in class. At first I thought it would be difficult for them to type, listen, and comprehend a lecture, but….I have seen the light. I now use a laptop in class and everywhere else I can find to use one. We also have decided that our children will use a computer daily in class while in high school. Even if there are some distraction for both students and teachers I believe they can be overcome and technology will improve students and teachers educational experience.
November 9th, 2005 at 11:03 pm
I think that laptops should be allowed in class and are becoming more popular in classes. There are always going to be students that do not pay attention or goof off. Having a computer there doesn’t change that. The professors and teachers that are worried about attention in classes should engage students more. I personally, have been considering using a laptop for notes because it is more organized and typing is easier than writing. I think the quality of the notes exceeds the minor distraction the laptop might cause to the student using it, the teacher, or other students in the class.
November 10th, 2005 at 10:43 am
A good teacher will already know this may be a possiblility and have ways of handling it. As the majority of the people on here have already stated, realistically, you know it will happen. You will never have a class that is 100% rapt in your teaching. Some doodle, some stare out the window, some can’t sit still..you will always have these students. As others have state, you have to weigh out the pro’s and con’s. I think in this situation, with having laptops in the classroom, the benefits would greatly outweigh the little things you would have to deal with anyways..just in a different form. Again, a good teacher will know this will happen, and know how to effectively handle it so it is kept at a minimum. (Or make it non-existant by going Drill Instructor on their behinds if they get caught–problem solved.;) (I’m kidding, by the way.))
November 10th, 2005 at 4:10 pm
I think that there will always be something that could distract students while they are in class. When I was in elementary school it was notes and then in middle school it was texting on my cell phone, and now in college I can’t sit on my laptop during class and chat with friends. I think especially for college professors they should attempt to integrate the new technologies into their teaching, but if there are still students not paying attention in class it is their own fault if they do not learn the material.
November 10th, 2005 at 4:21 pm
I feel this is a stringent subject. Students are no matter what going to find a way to be distracted if they don’t care or don’t want to pay attention. Sean, your comment about the day dreaming or doodling, etc. is so true. If they aren’t doing that then they might be falling asleep so in my opinion if it is required to attend the class and the student isn’t going to utilize his or her time for the reasons in which they are there in the first place without a computer…then so what! Who cares if they are on a computer, ultimately the eduction part is their lose. But at the same time at least whatever they feel is more important can be accomplished instead of them not paying attention and nothing being done. I mean yeah its an unfortunate situation but hey…just like any other time you should make the best out of it. Right?!?
November 11th, 2005 at 12:44 am
This is definitely an issue on campus. More times than not, the person next to me is surfing around, which makes me want to see what they found, and it just perpetuates this horrible cycle of inattentiveness. BUT— I am guilty as well. I think that you are correct in saying that there just has to be interaction and utilization of the technology in the lessons to curb that problem. The times are always changing and there is always resistance between cohorts. This will never change. resistance is futile.
November 11th, 2005 at 10:48 am
I think that a good teacher will realize this early on and adapt their teaching style accordingly. Some students find that it’s easier to take notes on lap tops; I think there are some students who truly do take notes and not play games or talk with their friends. But there are those that play games, talk with friends and do other stuff besides take the notes. I have yet to bring my lap top to class; I do not bring it because I know it will happen to me. I’ll get distracted and play a game instead of listening to the teacher. So I take notes with the good old’ pen and paper, I’ll admit though, I do daydream, stare out the window and doodle. But actually, sometimes doodling helps me pay attention.
I like the second article mentioned about the professor who asks his students to close their laptops when is it something really important. By involving more questions into their lectures, professors will be better able to involve the students in their lecture. You will always have those students who will daydream, play games, and chat with their friends.
November 11th, 2005 at 3:14 pm
There are times when I am talking to friends online and they will say, “I have to go, sorry I’m in class.” Kids are going to take advantage of technology, whenever they want to, and if professors have a problem with that, they are going to have to deal with it. Technology does have many pros as well as cons, but doesn’t everything? Nothing in this world is perfect, but I think the benefits that technology provides is much more prevalent than disadvantages is brings. The two times I have come to your class (because I’m in the online one), I never had the urge to surf the web. You keep your class interested at all times, and if oter professors aren’t doing that, then thats there problem. Technology at this point isn’t going away, and there is always going to be some people who aren’t happy with that. I personally have never brought my laptop to class, for one because it would be a pain, and two, I know it would distract me. Those kids who want to do that, thats their choice. They have full responsibility of what they are doing. I’m not always completely with it in class either…it doesn’t take a computer to do that. I will sit there and draw picture, or stare ou the window, or work on other homework. I think those people who complain about technolgy are just bitter about it all, and trying to find excuses why it’s not good. But like i said, there are pros and cons to everything, and in this case the pros deffinately outweigh all the cons.
November 11th, 2005 at 8:03 pm
I completely agree with everything that Sean said in his response. I go to a school that is 100% wireless, and all students are provided with laptops. This can begin to be distracting, but I have seen many teachers embrace the chance to use the technology, or just change their teaching style to fit around the technology. A few of my teachers have certain items they would like looked up during the class period. This gives a chance to show supplementary material. All powerpoints are also posted on blackboard, therefore all students can access them to take notes. I find it easier when I can flip through the sides as the teacher does, and add my notes right on the slides. I think it is much easier this way, and I benefit from that teaching the most. The other teachers that don’t use the technology in the classroom, have made a habit of wandering during lectures. This keeps students on task, because if they are seen on-line (off-task) they can get their class computer priviledges taken away. Also, the teachers do ask more questions just like the teacher in the article did. I can admit that some days I have used the computer to check email or chat with friends. I would have I have found another way to daydream/not pay attention either way. I find computers and wireless in classrooms are beneficial. I’m glad that I go to a school that has this kind of technology!
November 12th, 2005 at 3:10 pm
i feel that one of the best points made in this article was the fact that the students who surf the web are the students who draw or daydream during class, meaning that no matter what a professor does some students simply arent going to pay attention in class. technology is simply going to become a bigger part of education, and there is no way of avoiding the negative aspect of it. i feel that much of the issue lies upon the teacher. you gave a good example with the prfessor who told the students to close their labtops…simply knowing how to prevent (as best as possible) the distractions available to the students is crutial for the professor to keep the attention of these students. the idea of asking a lot of questions is aslo a good idea as students will be less likely daydream and more likey to become involved in the lecture. your idea of optional class is also great idea because like you said the students who actually come to class are going to be the ones who are there to learn, and not simply surf the web because if they wanted to do that they could simply stay home and take the class online. teachers need to find ways similar to these to keep the attention of the students because technology is just going to become a bigger part in education
November 12th, 2005 at 6:15 pm
Some things are just so tempting to students, like e-mail, chatrooms, games, IM, and certain websites that inappropriate. There are now programs where the teacher can see exactly where the student is on the computer and what they are doing. I think this is a great program, it keeps the students more on task if they know by just a click of a button someone can see them. Technology is a good thing and students need to know how to use it. The better the teacher the less chance the students will be goofing off. I have seen teachers in touch with their students and you know the students are learning and I have seen teachers completely ignore the students and those are the ones surfing the internet.
November 12th, 2005 at 6:28 pm
I also agree with what you have to say Sean. It’s amazing how far we’ve come and what we can do over the internet. This is a great way for students to learn who need help because they are getting the help they need probably in a way in which they feel more comfortable. Although this is a great idea, I wonder if how effective this tutoring method is for students. It would be intersting to see the statistics (if there are any) on how this method is helping students. For the student who doesn’t like to talk in person this method is great and one that’s recommended.
November 12th, 2005 at 7:39 pm
I have heard about this argument before, and how many professors are becoming worried that labtops in classes, especially lecture halls, open up the possibility that students will not pay attention, and will talk to friends online or surf the web. While this may be true, it is also true that this is college and students are paying for their education. It should be up to them if they want to attend class, or pay attention because i personally feel that it only harms the student and they should know that. This isn’t like high school where you feel like you’re learning useless knowledge, we need the information we learn for our future. Also, labtops make taking notes faster and more efficient with fast-paced teachers. I also really liked this quote. “The University of Houston’s Adams, for instance, now peppers his lectures with enough questions to reduce students’ Web surfing. When he is discussing a particularly complex subject, he says, he tells students to close their laptops.” I think that this is an excellent way to handle computer use in a classroom. I feel that if other professors follow this example, that the issue of labtops causing students to not pay attention will be dismissed.
November 12th, 2005 at 8:40 pm
Kerri makes an excellent point. College is not just for the imparting of information upon students it’s also finalizing the phase of life where students are becomeing independant. College is a totally different sphere of education as opposed to primary, or secondary. College is a choice that is made by the student. Therefore, if a student wants to be distracted by something…he or she will be, regardless of the media they choose to be distracted by (i.e. a book, doodling, napping). In my opinion, the laptop is a far too valuable tool to waste. Just because it is abusable, doesnt mean its disposable. That said, I think we as educators need to be sensative to laptops in our classroom. We should make sure that we are testing students understanding frequently (perhaps more than normal) in order to make sure there is not a problem.
November 13th, 2005 at 1:36 am
I think Allison was exactly right. A student that is often distracted doesn’t have to have a computer in front of them to do so. There will always be day-dreamers in class that are not paying attention, and it doesn’t matter if they have a computer sitting in front of them. I think the best way to keep students interested and on task with computers is to ask a lot of questions, monitor whether they are following along, and keep whatever they are doing on the computer interesting. That way, even if people are daydreamers, they will have to be able to keep up and not get caught not paying attention.
November 13th, 2005 at 10:28 am
I really do think that this is a huge issue that has actually come up a lot lately in my life. There is a girl in one of my classes who always brings her laptop. Everyday in class she sits there looking at sites and talking to her friend next to her about what she is looking at. It gets very annoying for me who sits directly infront of them to hear these girls doing this every day. It really distracts me from learning and taking in what is going on during class. I think that every student should bring a laptop to class, or no one should be allowed to, because for some it can get really distracting. I think if I had my laptop with me all i would be doing would be surfing the net during my lectures! I think that professors just need to come up with ways to integrate the technology in the classroom, but keep the students busy with something that actually involves the lecture. I dont think that teachers will ever be able to stop kids from doodling or daydreaming, but they can stop them from surfing the net the whole hour.
November 13th, 2005 at 10:44 am
This does get students off a little in class. Especially when they bring laptops to classes when the class is not technology base. This was a good point that was brought up in an article, but I agree with you Sean.”professors who use the technology to supplement and enhance what they are teaching will find a more captive audience”. Now I do believe that some students take things to far. I mean they like really pays no attention to class, and thats when I believe that it becomes a distraction. Then too those are probably the students who would not perform well anyways.
November 13th, 2005 at 1:27 pm
I was pleased to see that you had a post about this. This issue is one that is really popular right now. I can think of all the classes that I had where kids had laptops in them and I can’t even count on my hands how many times the kids used the laptops for other reasons then class. Even the classes that I have had in computer labs kids don’t use the computer just for class. They are chatting with friends, emailing, and what not. Kids just get so distracted these days. There are those students though that can multitask and still do real good at their class while multi-tasking on the computer. I know I can admit that I tend to chat with my friends when I have a class in a computer lab.
November 13th, 2005 at 2:23 pm
When first reading this post i was thinking that having a laptops in the classroom is a big distractation. but thinking more about it and reading what others had to say laptops are not anymore of a distraction then anything else. i remember back in high school anytime we got to have the laptops everyone would just play games on it instead of work or listening to the teacher but one the other hand any other time we where all do something else well they were talking or giving us time to do our work. i think having laptops in classrooms are a great way to teach things in a new way and as long as the teacher keeps it interesting the students who get distracted with laptops would have without the laptops.
November 13th, 2005 at 6:13 pm
I think that this article raises important questions but it is true that those students who are not paying attention to the lecture probobly would not be paying attention with computers. I think that computers are also very useful in the classroom they enhance the learning experience and as in the case of the profesor in Houston I think it was he changed his teaching style to a more engaging one to minimize the use of computers for surfing. When you do this you also enhance the learning experience for most students because you make it interactive instead of simply a lecture. In this way using computers is not enhancing the teaching style but also improving it. I think that wile it is scary this is the way of the future and teachers simply need to come up with their own ways of combating students not paying attention.
November 14th, 2005 at 3:45 pm
I agree with what a lot of people have already stated. I don’t think that only labtops cause distractions. If a studnet doesn’t want to engage in a lesson and pay attention, they don’t need a laptop to keep from doing that. From personal experience, if I don’t feel like paying attention or if my teacher is boring I will doodle on my paper or write a letter, work on other homework. I have never had a laptop so I have never been able to surf the net during class but I know that I don’t always pay attention in class. I think it has more to do with a teachers teaching style. Some teachers know their subject area but they just don’t know how to teach it in a way that keeps studnets engaged, it doesn’t matter if laptops are involved or not. I feel that laptops are just a way to help enhance education and sure some distratctions might come with them but nothing that is so huge that we should try to take them away.
November 18th, 2005 at 5:59 pm
Surfing the web during a class has never really been a problem for me. I spend more hours a night talking online, shopping online, checking facebook, and reading xanga’s than I would care to admit. It gets old after awhile! There are only so many things you can do, and once I’m in a class with a computer lab, I’m actually ready to get a little work done. My computer will always be at home if I need to do a little web surfing.
Students might check e-mail once in awhile, but I really don’t see the difference between that and not paying attention in a regular classroom setting. To check e-mail is probably less of a distraction than a child drawing pictures on their desk.