Just thought this post on Engadget was pretty interesting, especially the comments that follow. I know that this is a problem in just about any type of meeting situation where wifi and laptops are present. Which, of course, begs the same question that the podcasting of classes begs: If the content isn’t for the most part interactive and engaging (which, in theory at least, would preclude students from surfing the Web) why are we teaching it? I’m about ready to do an RSS workshop here at MICCA. Should I have them close their laptops when I’m talking???
Disruptive technologies indeed…
How this plays out in a college lecture is quite different than in a seminar or workshop, and particularly different from a K12 school. The college lecture case is relatively uninteresting. Your attention, interaction or even presence is neither required nor noted in a college lecture. The much, much more interesting question is the habits we should use in schools where kids have laptops. I think telling them when NOT to use their laptop is essential.
Leave them open! If a person is attending a workshop or for that matter a college class, it is their choice if they want to be engaged or not. I would much rather a person be blogging (for example) about what I am presenting than chatting with the person next to them.
Thanks for stopping in on my session on blogging. I know that you couldn’t have gotten anything new out of the content I was providing, but I hope you enjoyed my presentation style.
Thanks for this great post. You’ve got some really good info in your blog.
David Jefferson
http://www.Ownwebpagedirectory.com