Some schools' laptop ban means no facebook, cyber pornography, poker in class

By By Nate McGinnis

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Students who enjoy the convenience of using a laptop computer during lectures might have a tougher time doing so as some instructors begin to ban them in their classes.

Some teachers from the School of Journalism, School of Architecture and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have implemented a rule banning laptops.

Lisa Wright, first year PhD student from Overland Park, teaches Sociology 104 in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Wright has had a ban on laptops during her classes for the past two semesters. Wright said that when she was a TA in larger classrooms, such as the ones in Budig Hall, she often saw students checking Facebook, playing online poker and even looking at pornography.

Zach Leritz,Econ 104 GTA,left, prepares to close a laptop as Allison Haggerty, Chicago Sophomore, middle, and Laura Fisher Clark CO sophomore,right, surf the net in Budig 120. Some teachers are banning the use of laptops in class because they are fed up with students bringing them to class and surfing the net or playing games.

Photo by Megan True

Zach Leritz,Econ 104 GTA,left, prepares to close a laptop as Allison Haggerty, Chicago Sophomore, middle, and Laura Fisher Clark CO sophomore,right, surf the net in Budig 120. Some teachers are banning the use of laptops in class because they are fed up with students bringing them to class and surfing the net or playing games.

“It’s one of those things where one student can ruin it for everyone,” Wright said.

Wright said that in a smaller classroom, laptop computers were not as much of a problem because she could see the students more easily. She said she didn’t think laptops were necessary for students to succeed in her class, because she used mainly overhead transparencies and didn’t post anything online.

Laura Fisher, Steamboat Springs, Colo., sophomore, admitted to surfing the Internet during class, but only at the beginning. Fisher said she primarily used her laptop to take notes during her Economics 104 class. Fisher said it was easier for her to type her notes because she can type faster than she can write.

“When I have the option, I definitely get more out of it typing,” Fisher said

Fisher also said that when she studied for her class, having typed notes made the material easier to print off and study.

Colby Guthrie, Fredonia freshman, recently brought his laptop to class for the first time. Guthrie used his computer to register his CPS clicker before class and review notes online. Guthrie said he liked the advantage of being able to view his notes in class when he didn’t have time beforehand.

“I think it helps out a lot to see what your going to cover that day,” Guthrie said.

Unlike the students that caused Wright to implement a laptop ban, Guthrie said he only used his computer for academic work that day in class.

“I got on, looked at my notes, and turned it off,” Guthrie said.

Kansan staff writer Nate McGinnis can be contacted at nmcginnis@kansan.com.

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