Untitled Document

Suggestions Related to Laptops in the Classroom

In spring 2005, the Academic Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) worked with Faculty Instructional Technology Support (FITS) and other groups to develop a set of suggestions that we recommend faculty members consider in light of the laptop initiative.

As you will see in the short statement below (the text of which is pasted below), our suggestions are guided by the principle that "individual faculty members set guidelines and expectations for student use of laptops and other technologies during class." We urge you to consider addressing this issue in your course outline whether you (a) require students to bring laptops to your class each day (all first and second year students will have laptops next fall), (b) require students to leave their laptops at home, or (c) take an more intermediate position.

Suggestions Related to Laptops in the Classroom

Faculty Instructional Technology Support (FITS) and
ATAC (Academic Technology Advisory Committee)

May, 2005

Individual faculty members set guidelines and expectations for student use of laptops and other technologies during class. Expectations will naturally vary from course to course, instructor to instructor, and even from class period to class period based on differences in teaching and learning objectives. Expectations can range from requiring students to bring laptops with them to some or all class meetings, to allowing students to use laptops at their discretion, to prohibiting the use of laptops during class. When laptops are in use, faculty members may reasonably require students to refrain from tasks not related to class. Faculty members may find it helpful to explain their expectations as part of the course outline. Students will benefit from a clear statement of faculty expectations in this area just as they benefit from a clear statement of faculty expectations with respect to attendance and other course related matters.

The Faculty Instructional Technology Support (FITS) office can provide advice and assistance to faculty members who are determining appropriate guidelines for their courses, and can serve as a conduit for faculty members who wish to share their experiences with others.

Note: The Americans with Disabilities Act gives students the right to use assistive technology in the classroom if it has been determined to be an appropriate accommodation for their disability. ADA procedures require that such accommodations be reached by the campus ADA coordinator in consultation with the student and that they be communicated in writing to the instructor with the student's consent. Instructors may work with students to determine the most effective way to implement the accommodation. Whenever possible, students should be allowed to use the assistive technology without disclosing their disability. For advice and guidance please consult with DePauw's ADA Coordinator