Link to: Using Computers to Assist in Teaching and Learning.
Link to: ITSS Laptop Workshop Small Group Ideas from 1/27/00.

ITSS Workshop: Using a Laptop in the Classroom

Disclaimer: These are outdated materials provided for historical interest. They are provided AS IS. Use them at your own risk.

We give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy or applicability of any of the contents of this archival material.

For newer materials please visit Current Materials From Our Workshops, eClasses, and Presentations.

Al Roline & Helen Rallis, ITSS Faculty Technology Consultants


Part I: Teaching with a laptop in the classroom

Why use a laptop in the classroom?

Some suggestions:

  1. To replace existing media e.g chalkboard, the overhead, video projector, slide projects (can do all in one).
  2. To enable instructor to face the class while showing visuals or while entering information on the computer (and projecting this information onto the screen for the class to see).
  3. Unlike the large and cumbersome desktop computer, the laptop does not form a large, physical barrier between the instructor and the students (thus easier for instructor and students to see each other).
  4. Easy for the instructor to move the computer depending on the location of outlets, or on the way in which the laptop is to be used in class (e.g. on podium, on instructor's lap during a round table discussion).
  5. Easy for students to use (e.g. to assist the instructor by taking notes on a discussion; for students to project work they have created in or out of class).
  6. Ongoing record of class (as opposed to erasing what is on the board). This record can then be posted onto the class web page or e-mailed to students via the class alias.
  7. To integrate the Internet "live" in the class (e.g. to show web sites relating to the day's topic; to refer to the course web-based discussion).

When should you use a laptop in the classroom?

  1. Everyday?
  2. Selected days?
  3. When during the flow of a lesson?

How can you use the laptop as a teaching tool?

Some suggestions:

  1. Introduction to class: overview of the topics for the day w/ hyperlinks
  2. Linking class discussion to course web-based discussion
  3. Demonstrating any kind of software package
  4. Power Point (text, pictures, video)
  5. Demonstrating web searches; have a student "useful web links" page
  6. Using the Internet for teaching: projecting a site and integrating it into class discussions (have students or you bookmark the sites before class starts)
  7. Projecting Course Web Page
  8. Using any kind of word-processing application to record class ideas (to replace the chalkboard or overhead)
  9. Students in small groups, with one laptop per group
  10. To have students share the results of in or out-of-class group work


Part II: The logistics of connecting and using your laptop

  1. Demonstration of how to connect the laptop and make the settings
  2. Hands-on: Participants practice hooking up the laptops, making settings, experimenting with font size, resolution, distance from screen, zoom
  3. Troubleshooting: typical problems that occur when connecting and using your laptop in the classroom


Useful web pages to help you with using your laptop in the classroom: