computer notetaking
Should computers be allowed in the classroom for taking notes? If so, how should they be monitored for misuse during the class?
Hi William,
You took care of the problem immediately! Even adult students will try to take advantage of you. Let students know that you are not going to tolerate their foolishness.
Patricia Scales
I practice TBWA (Teaching By Walking Around). The first time a student brought a laptop to class, I was impressed by his diligence as he sat typing away. Then I wandered around behind him and noticed he was playing Donkey Kong (yes, this was a few years ago!). I quietly unplugged his computer from the wall socket and solved the problem, at least for that one student.
Hi Tim,
Great Tim! Nice setup of room as well! Students love being able to use their electronic devices during class time as much as possible. They get excited when technology is invovled.
Patricia Scales
Hello Ms. Scales,
I encourage students to use their electronic devices during class but I outline on the first day what are the acceptable uses. We have two computer labs at the school I teach at and we just reconfigured them so the computers are around the perimeter of the room and the students only sit in front of the screens during independent work time. Otherwise they are seated at the tables in the center. So far, it is working out beautifully.
Thanks,
Tim
Hi Nic,
In math, it sounds like paper notes will work better. The instructor has to control the classroom. Implement rules and enforce them. You really get from students what you expect.
Patricia Scales
Hi Erica,
We are in a very technological age. Generation Y makes good use of their cell phones. They will snap shot a photo in a minute. It takes us minutes to write the notes on the board, and they take a picture of the notes within seconds. It is certaninly the era we now live in.
Patricia Scales
Hi Matthew,
Yes I allow my students to use computers for notetaking, and I have them sign documentation that if the computer is being used for nonclassroom use they lose the privlege of taking class notes utilizing their computer. Works well.
Patricia Scales
I think that while the computer can be a valuable learning tool it serves as too powerful of a distraction for a lot of students. I've been encouraging my students to take paper notes and have them take out their computers for guided exercises.
I'm curious how this applies to different subjects. I've found in particular that it's very unlikely students on their laptops are taking decent math notes. Does anyone have a different experience?
I have wondered the same thing. My classes are conducted in a computer lab,so often the students are looking at their monitors anyway and I'm sure a portion of them are not on task.
Maybe it's a separate policy that is discussed on the first day of class? Maybe they have to email you the notes taken at the end of the session so they can prove they were actually paying attention.
I've found that the ones off-task are focused elsewhere in more ways than one and their work shows it. It quickly becomes clear which ones need more supervision and reminding to stay on task.
On the other hand, anytime I write anything on the board, they all just snap a photo of it on their phones.
