Laptops in Class

Friends:

This morning at the orientation of new students by the Pontifical Faculty [Dominican House], the Dean Father Gabriel O'Donnell raised an interesting point--do laptops in class hinder or help the learning process. He meant this for students and faculty.

This called to mind an article I noticed in the latest issue of the Chronicle for Higher Education. This article also had questioned whether the high-tech class presentations of faculty aided the learning process.

Does attention to the computer hinder the interaction of faculty and students.

Dean O'Donnell, being a wise man, did not answer this question. He just pointed out that it is being discussed in academic circles.

I think this question is well considered--does writing rather than typing, and looking at the professor rather than the screen aid learning.

We will see how this discussion develops.

Peace,
John