Wireless or Mindless?

In an article titled "Digital Distractions in a Wireless Classroom" (published in the Chronicle of Higher Education), "Michael Bugejia discusses some current realities faced by American universities as they integrate IT into the classroom. Even though it may still take quite a few years for Chinese educational counterparts to face similar challenges, the article insightfully probes several important issues related to the incorporation of IT in a classroom, which should be concerns of all educators in the 21 century.

• Laptops: Friend or Foe?

Before we decide whether we should allow students to use their laptops in class, it is useful to ask ourselves the question: "is it a real necessity or a pure luxury?" I believe almost ten out of ten times, it is a luxury that can be done without. A parellel question comes into my mind is: "is it really necessary to have an e-dictionary to be able to understand a language class?". For me, the distraction and temptation of misusing laptops in class is too strong for young students to face and handle alone. It is up to our teachers and educators to make a decision for them. As what Dennis Adams, chairman of the information-sciences department at the University of Houston wrote about shutting off wireless networks, "while classroom access to the Internet may be a wonderful teaching tool, it can also be a barrier to learning."

• Courteous etiquette or mandatory enforcement?

Then the next question we should ask is how we should educate our students about the issue and how we should deal with offenders? It is always wise to approach the problems of our stuents "nicely" first, therefore, I really like the idea that there are Syllabus clauses warning against the misuse of technology. In my opinion, a clause like the following should drive off most of the potential offenders:

"If your cellular phone is heard by the class you are responsible for completing one of two options: 1. Before the end of the class period you will sing a verse and chorus of any song of your choice or, 2. You will lead the next class period through a 10-minute discussion on a topic to be determined by the end of the class. (To the extent that there are multiple individuals in violation, duets will be accepted)."

• A Beatutiful Mind

I believe universities should spend more energy, time and expenditure to come up with constructive ways to intrigue students to develop their mental capacity, rather than set up more computer labs in a competing fashion to mislead students into a belief that IT is the single most important thing to be successful in the 21st century. Computers should be servants and never masters. The following quote from Roszak should be a motto in every future classroom:

"What kids need to learn," he says, "and what teachers must commit themselves fiercely to defending is the fact that the mind isn't any sort of machine, that thinking with your own naked wits is a pure animal joy that cannot be programmed, and that great culture begins with an imagination on fire. We should remind our children at every turn that more great literature and more great science were accomplished with the quill pen than by the fastest microchip that will ever be invented."

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