The interaction between teachers and students may be changing as technology becomes the norm in most aspects of everyday life.
According to the New York Times, universities around the country are installing wireless networks that allow students and teachers to access the Internet anytime. This gives professors the chance to teach entirely from the Internet.
Some LSU teachers already use the Internet for most of their class materials and assignments, such as Jay Perkins, a professor in the Manship School of Mass Communication.
Perkins said he prefers using the network for his classes because, “I keep losing things.”
He said now that all of his files are on the network, he saves on paper and time because he makes fewer copies and searches for fewer files. He believes this method helps his students as well.
“The students seem to like it,” Perkins said. “It allows them to see everything in advance, and they can plan ahead.”
Perkins said as far as face-to-face interaction, there is far less now than 10 or 12 years ago. However, communication as a whole has increased through e-mails.
For some teachers, the advantages of using the Internet in the classroom far outweigh the disadvantages. But for others who need more contact with students, such as chemistry professor Patrick Kolniak, the use of laptops in the classroom may be a distraction.
“It seems redundant to have a teacher if everything is on the Internet,” Kolniak said.
Kolniak said most students do not skip his class because they do not want to miss out on understanding the lectures. He also said he supports one-on-one interaction with students as a personal preference.
“I encourage students to see me so that we can develop a personal relationship,” Kolniak said. “I like to give the students the feeling that I’m learning names.”
In his opinion, using computers in class depends on the teacher and the subject.
The University could find itself in the midst of even more technology if student leaders and administrators implement a proposed freshman laptop requirement.
A Student Government committee currently is examining the costs and benefits of requiring all entering freshmen to purchase a laptop computer.
Some schools have implemented required laptops for students, such as St. Joseph’s Academy, a private all-girl high school in Baton Rouge.
Sister Judith Brun, St. Joseph’s Academy principal, said the use of laptops in the classroom has improved student-teacher interaction rather than hindered it.
“The teachers say the quality of communication is up because of e-mail, and it eliminates the need to go over the small things like directions,” Brun said. “It gives them more time for discussions.”
Brun said students always will be tempted to do other things whether there are computers or not.
“Without laptops you can still daydream and write notes,” Brun said.