Home | Site Map

Laptop Computers Instigate Classroom Revolution!

Have you noticed that laptop computers are beginning to dictate what happens in the classroom? Additionally, mobile technology is changing where learning takes place. This is especially true as laptops are entering the educational arena in ever increasing numbers.

Yet not all educators are quick to jump on the notebook bandwagon. They are waiting to see if laptop use is truly changing learning for the better. That's why schools such as Framingham State College in Boston and the Myron B. Thompson Academy in Honolulu are being scrutinized. Both schools have elected to use laptop computers as a major resource in their curriculum.

It must be noted that simply having laptop computer access does not change the learning process - the entire curriculum must change and merge technology with academics. Using a laptop is more than replacing paper and pencil with electronics. The entire relationship between the teacher and students must change. Teachers are no longer merely dispensers of knowledge but become facilitators in a learning process that takes place with additional tools for communication with students. This encourages greater student involvement, long recognized as a key to learning.

Professors actively engaged in education via technology see laptops as a way to give real life experiences to otherwise insipid theories. For instance, physics students can witness the breakdown of radioactive materials, math students can apply their knowledge of logic to projects that use spreadsheets, and english majors can evaluate peers' poetry and prose. With laptop availability in the classroom, access to additional information and knowledge is readily available.

So what do students think of the laptop trend? Well most find it invigorating. Rather than dealing with one dimensional lectures, teachers can engage the internet to show relevancy to daily life. Out of date, static texts can be set aside for breaking news stories - and so much more.

As schools show the link between laptops and learning effectiveness, the trend for laptop use will certainly grow. For those opposed to the technological revolution taking place in today's classrooms, perhaps the words of Maria Montessori should be heeded.

".....If education is always to be conceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be hoped from it in the bettering of man's future....."

Tom Fox writes for the The Laptops Weblog, a web site providing information and articles related to notebook computers.

MORE RESOURCES:

Yahoo! News Search Results for hardware
Yahoo! News Search Results for hardware

• Mooney's hustle nets hardware (Daily Herald)
If North Suburban Conference teams didn't already know it, it's official now. Lake Zurich guard Connor Mooney is a hustler. And he's got the hardware to prove it.
• Aishwarya Tele gets 3 acre in electronic hardware SEZ (Business Standard India)
Aishwarya Telecom Limited, a Hyderabad-based player in the telecom testing and measurement segment, has been allotted three acres at the electronic hardware special economic zone (SEZ) on the outskirts of Hyderabad by the Electronic Industries Association of Andhra Pradesh (ELIAP).
• Hardware Is Cheap, Programmers Are Expensive (Slashdot)
Sportsqs points out a story at Coding Horror which begins: "Given the rapid advance of Moore's Law, when does it make sense to throw hardware at a programming problem? As a general rule, I'd say almost always. Consider the average programmer salary here in the US. You probably have several of these programmer guys or gals on staff. I can't speak to how much your servers may cost, or how many of ...
• The Hardware Behind WebOS: Palm Pre (Digital Trends)
Palm has released a smoking new piece of hardware to accompany its long-awaited OS, and it brings many of the features hardcore smartphone users have been waiting for.
• IBM layoffs will impact hardware workers (Muzi)
Employees of IBM's hardware segment are likely to be most affected by the axe hanging over the jobs of 16,000 Big Blue staff. Media reports of 16,000 job cuts have created a sense of fear and insecurity in the minds of IBM employees here in Bangalore.

RELATED ARTICLES

How To Buy The Perfect Student Laptop
If you are like most student's, money isn't exactly growing on trees. Choosing the right laptop can be a matter of saving yourself a lot of heartache and money at the same time.

A Review of Refurbished HP Laptops
HP refurbished laptops can be found on their website hpshopping.com.

Buying a New Computer
Someone recently asked me "I teach senior citizens in a community based free computer lab. They often ask what to look for when buying a computer, what software they need for email, basic Internet usage, word processing, etc.

ABCs Of DVD Drive Abbreviations
The number of different formats available in DVD drives can be confusing to anyone in the market for one. The list is much longer, but to address a few of the common formats, we have DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM ,DVD+R DL and DVD�RW.

Laptop Computers Instigate Classroom Revolution!
Have you noticed that laptop computers are beginning to dictate what happens in the classroom? Additionally, mobile technology is changing where learning takes place. This is especially true as laptops are entering the educational arena in ever increasing numbers.

How to Read Zener Diode Code
Many technicians are confused on how to really read a zener diode code. There are many types of code number indicated on it's body.

Testing a Transformer- How To Accurately Test A Transformer
There is two types of transformers in the market- linear transformer and switch mode power transformer. The transformers design is different.

Tips To Select Proper Motherboard
Selecting motherboard is really simple. As name suggests "Motherboard" acts as a protective mother of CPU, RAM and other add on cards since these components stand firmly on motherboard.

USB Key Drives - Useful Tool
There are many different names for these drives, just so we are all on the same wavelength about what I'm talking about, here are a few of the other names:USB Key Drives, Thumb Drive, USB Pen, Key Drive, Microdrive, Flash Drive.These drives, regardless of what you call them, are an extremely handy tool for anyone who uses computers at different locations.

Your Hard Drive is Going to Explode - Why a UPS is Essential
It's most peoples worst computing nightmare. You wake up in the morning, flip on the computer, and it doesn't boot.

The Merging of Humans and Computers
Soon the human brain will be completely interfaced with the computer. The benefit to mankind will be truly significant.

The Right Way To Discharge Capacitor In Switch Mode Power Supplies
Switch mode power supply contain some large filter capacitors that can hold dangerous charges even if the unit has not been used for several days. Typical values of this type of filter capacitor are 220uf 250volt and 330uf 400volt! If you are going to work on the power supply circuits, it's a good idea to discharge that capacitor first.

Toner Cartridges - How They Work
In the past computers and their accompanying printers were huge. Toner reservoirs and toner cartridges were used instead of ink cartridges like the ones in use today.

Routing, Routed, and Non-Routable Protocols
ROUTING PROTOCOLSA generic term that refers to a formula, or protocol, used by a router to determine the appropriate path over which data is transmitted. The routing protocol also specifies how routers in a network share information with each other and report changes.

Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It?
Notebook Computers Are Sexy!Granted, the notebook computer may just be the sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra! But are they worth the extra money? Should your next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? More importantly, which notebook is best for you?There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy! Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across as looking sexy, the ultimate in high fashion accessories.Maybe sexy isn't the most appropriate word -- we are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal.

LCD Vs. CRT
When buying a new computer, or upgrading your monitor, you may be in somewhat of a conundrum deciding between an LCD or CRT monitor. That's understandable because for most people the difference is just size.

Computer Components for Idiots
There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, it's not a computer.

A Guide to Refurbished IBM Laptops
IBM boasts a very large array of older and newer refurbished laptops on their website ibm.com.

Flash Your ATI Video Cards BIOS
Flash your ATI video card BIOS.You will need the following:1.

Rackmount Computer Keyboards
The other piece of vital equipment to accompany the rack mount computers and the monitors are the rack mount computer keyboards. Rackmount computer keyboards are built with durability and reliability in mind.