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2.16.2004

Internet use in the classroom

First, read Podraza's take.

I no longer have the ability to check anything internet related in the classroom. My Orinoco Silver card has stopped transmitting the signals it's getting from the network to my computer. That's the reason I only use my computer for Commercial Law where I simply need the ability to take notes as quickly as possible. Otherwise I'd rather just carry around a notebook, like I do to Employment Law and Advanced Crim.

Ok, so I don't have a dog in this fight anymore. I'm not going to be IMing people either way, and unlike Podraza, FreeCell bores me. The only problem I have with extraneous computer use in class is that it cuts down on participation because fewer people are paying attention. So in classes where you're going to have policy debates, I think it's not too hideous to ask students to refrain.

But, what I do not agree with, and will oppose strongly is any attempt by the administration to actually cut off the wireless web during classroom instruction. For one, it will kill the network for those who are waiting for class to start just hanging out with their friends. Second, it affects way too many people for a barely-existent problem. Third, it runs counter to our school's advertising to prospective students that our network is always up and running. And finally, I agree with Podraza's liberty / autonomy argument about how at this point in our lives if we want to waste our time playing Minesweeper or Yahoo!Golf, and pay the faculty to keep us company while we do then that's our prerogative. 
.. | @ 2/16/2004 03:05:40 PM » » (talkback)