ITSS Workshop: Using a Laptop in the Classroom

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

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

• Using a laptop: Provides detailed, illustrated, step-by-step guidelines on how to connect your laptop and set up all necessary equipment, in order to use the laptop in the classroom. These guidelines are for Campus Center 120 but are essentially the same for most classrooms. For details on the set up in specific classrooms, refer to the classroom resources guidelines for that room (see links below). (http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/classroom/SCC120/laptop.html)
• Troubleshooting Hitachi Projector Problems: If you are experiencing trouble with the projector, follow this list of steps for you to follow if to see if you have everything properly connected. (http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/classroom/troubleshoot/hitachi.html)
• UMD Classroom Resources
  • User guides for specific classrooms: Provides a list of high tech classrooms. Once you link to specific classroom's page there is a list of the technology available there, with links to detailed guidelines on how to use each piece of equipment. (http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/classroom/Resource.htm)
• Checkout equipment: If you need an additional projector or computer cart (or any other equipment for your class), this page list the equipment that is available for checkout.