Generated by participants in January
27, 2000 workshop
What are some advantages to using a laptop as a teaching tool?
Direct interaction with electronic resources
Direct interaction with someone knowledgeable about the resources
Communication with students/linking students together
Direct library resource link
Size--smaller than a regular PC; less awkward than the Nomad.
Don't have to drag a cart around.
Save time instead of writing notes on board--can use PowerPoint,
etc.
Notes are more legible to students
Less tiring for teacher than writing notes longhand
More professional-looking presentation
Can use programs and demonstrate them to students.
Can link into Web pages
Eliminates need for overhead "technology"
Students may contribute ideas about quicker/better ways to
use the technology--team effort.
Present legible course lectures.
Able to present your own software as opposed to sharing with
other instructors.
Helps students to know they are receiving cutting edge pedagogical
tools.
Presents a better way of communicating.
Allows creativity developing communications channels(Web,
On-line journals, syllabus on line, power point, various discussion
groups, E-mail capabilities, test banks)
What are some obstacles to faculty using laptops as a teaching
tool?
Lighting/room conditions
Not every student has a laptop or a connection
Hard to type on a laptop!
Expensive--may be discriminatory
Removes attention from the class process
Keeping students' attention on class work vs. email, web
surfing, etc.
takes more time for class preparation
Need to know how to type!
Possibility of technology not working.
Teacher may be a novice at the technology--may be uncomfortable
with looking stupid/inexperienced
Need to change style of teaching--can't translate directly
from lecturing
Need to devote time to learning how to do it/might be more
time-consuming initially to transfer materials and learn techniques
If students are using, they may have differing levels of
comfort w/technology.
What happens if your disk crashes? Or the web server isn't
working?