Learning
and Teaching in an e-Classroom
Imagine students coming to your next class, equipped with powerful notebook computers
(laptops) with standardized application programs and wireless network connections.
Are you ready to teach in this new classroom?
This Web site is intended as a campus-wide resource for faculty who are exploring
ways of integrating notebook computers (laptops) into their courses. The decision
by the University to establish a “notebook-only” computer requirement
beginning Fall 2003 will provide faculty with the opportunity to redesign learning
around notebook computers. One of the key objectives of this site is to provide a
comprehensive "community forum" that identifies resources and best practices
in support of notebook computing within and beyond the classroom.
Please feel free to send your suggestions for links and examples that may be of interest
to your colleagues to David.Wright@notes.udayton.edu.
Background Information
In Fall 2003, all entering students at UD will be required to purchase a notebook.
This follows a period of time since 2000 in which students had a choice between notebooks
and desktop computers. In the Fall of 2002 the School of Business Administration
became a "Campus Pilot" by implementing a mandatory notebook requirement
for all SBA first year students. The knowledge gained from the SBA pilot and the
existing pool of laptop users on campus have helped define the new student computer
initiative for the Fall 2003 semester.
Faculty may be unfamiliar with a mobile computing environment and the possibilities
and challenges this brings to enhancing learning. To help UD faculty investigate
and experiment with notebooks in the classroom, this Web site and a number of other
initiatives have been created to showcase nationally recognized best practices and
to create a forum for sharing ideas about the application and use of notebook computers
and wireless communications.
What is an e-Classroom?
Because of the flexibility associated with a mobile computing environment, we can
think of an e-classroom as either:
- A traditional classroom space with students and teacher using notebook computers.
In other words, a regularly-scheduled class where students use computers for
some portion of the class period.
- A virtual classroom where students and teacher interact outside a traditional
classroom space across the Internet.
In either of these situations, students can work synchronously or asynchronously,
either alone or in teams. The most obvious change we can expect with the transition
from desktop to notebook computers is the rise in the use of computers within traditional
classrooms. Many faculty at UD have already successfully incorporated e-learning
enhancements to their courses by providing activities that employed desktop computers
outside the classroom. Fostering student learning with the Web and e-mail are examples
of this virtual e-classroom. Faculty now have the option of considering using
e-learning technology enhancements within their classroom.
Educational IT professionals at UD wish to enable faculty competence in the use of
technology-enhanced tools for learning. We fully understand that a campus-wide collaboration
will be needed in order for us to successfully implement learning centered applications
around mobile computing. We also realize that not all or even most classes should
be jumping on the "notebook in the classroom" bandwagon. Students, like
faculty, will need some time to adjust to these new models of teaching.
Using Notebook Computers in the Classroom
In considering the use of notebook computers within the classroom, we can reflect
on both the advantages and disadvantages. As with other pedagogical approaches, faculty
must weigh the pro's and con's of the notebook computer and determine how and to
what extent they can use notebooks in their classes. Note that in considering the
advantages and disadvantages, you should seriously think about the choice of software
to be used. Although the UD notebooks are pre-loaded with powerful software, you
may need to consider discipline-specific programs. It is also important to consider
whether your classroom contains the appropriate choice of furniture and wireless
access points needed for the notebook computers.
Using Notebook Computers Outside the Classroom
In some cases, students can be required to take notebook computers with them to work
outside their classrooms in external settings. For example, geologists and environmental
biology students can take advantage of notebooks to record experimental data in the
field. SBA students can teamwork with business partners in the community using the
notebook to collect information or make presentations. As with any use of the notebook
computers, students must be made aware of when they need to bring their computers
and that the notebooks must be fully charged for extended work away from the campus.
For situations where course materials need to be distributed outside the classroom
or for courses that have no traditional classrooms (distance learning), the Internet
offers the most convenient mechanism for interaction between students and the teacher.
We recommend faculty investigate the UD e-Learning Lab for additional resources about
producing courses that use the Internet.
This Web site is maintained by David J. Wright for the Educational
IT division of UDit.
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