Issue
26(1)
Enhancing
Learning with Laptops in the Classroom
(New Directions for Teaching
and Learning). Number 101. Spring
2005. Linda B. Nilson
and Barbara E. Weaver, (Eds.). Jossey-Bass Publishers. 112 pp.
Price: $29.00 (paperback). ISBN 0-7879-8049-8.
Review
by: Patricia
Griffin
Academic
Advising and Career Exploration Center
Fort Hays State
University
Technology is changing the way the
academe teaches and how students learn. As technological advances
are introduced throughout higher education, institutions are more
and more attracted by the promise and potential of technology
for enhanced learning and access.
The intention
of this book is to address the movement within higher education
to make computing a more integral part of the everyday classroom:
the laptop initiative. This is addressed by making the argument
for the pedagogically productive and novel use of laptops in the
classroom. Pedagogy does not need to be compromised and the student
workload does not have to increase for all to benefit from the
implementation of laptops within the classroom.
The
Higher Education Survey on Leadership, Innovation and Technology
participants ranked "Enhance teaching and learning" the highest
and most important strategic objective to attain with technology
(Bassett, 2005). The movement towards using technology to achieve
and improve student learning outcomes is evident within this text
and others (see references). Faculty who serve as advisors also
want to meet the student learning outcomes; opportunities for
enhanced learning through advising can be part of the initiatives.
The
editors indicate that the key to success of laptop initiatives
is Laptop Faculty Development Programs. As it is with any new
implementation, professional development must occur to increase
the knowledge base of individuals who will utilize the implemented
technology. Professional development should be backed by consultation
opportunities and technical support.
This
book provides approaches by faculty from a wide range of academic
disciplines and institutions. Each chapter provides information
that impacts student learning and student attitude as well as
the faculty and their discipline-specific issues. The diversity
of experiences represented, the varied discipline perspectives
included, and differing levels of experience with technology bring
a true awareness of the possibilities that all faculty can enhance
student learning and engagement if they have the appropriate skills
and knowledge.
As
a faculty member and administrator at an institution with a newly
announced Mobile Computing Strategic Two-Year Plan (http://www.fhsu.edu/live/wireless.shtml),
I found this book very interesting and enlightening. A variety
of discipline related questions are addressed that will serve
as a resource to academic units and our Center for Teaching Excellence
and Learning Technology as we move forward with our initiative.
This
book's purpose was to demonstrate that laptop initiatives can
create new opportunities for student learning and student engagement.
Faculty advisors, administrators and professional advisors can
garner information from this book that can help them be more informed
and able to discuss laptop initiatives in their campus technology
planning conversations. Additionally, included information will
enable faculty to assist students who seek information about how
this can impact their educational experiences. NACADA as an association
works to enhance the educational development of students. This
book provides an insight into a technology segment that is part
of many students' educational development and their learning.
References:
Bassett,
Eric. (2005, June). The Non-CIO Face of Technology Decision-Making:
CAOs, CFOs, and presidents weigh in on the relevance of technology.
Campus Technology, vol. 18 no. 10, 14.
Sheey,
K; Kukulska-Hulme, A; Twining, P; et al (2005). Tablet PCs in
schools: A review of literature and selected projects'. Becta
ICT Research. Retrieved - July
6, 2005- from: http://www.becta.org.uk/corporate/publications/documents/tabletpc_report.pdf
Villano,
Matt. (2005, July). Imagination on the Move. Campus Technology,
vol. 18 no. 11, 32-37.
