Cedars, April 2019

April 2019 4 CAMPUS by Zach Krauss I n the 21st century, most students own a laptop, and just about every student writes papers on a word pro- cessor. The use of laptops and other technology in the classroom is permitted by some professors but com- pletely prohibited by others. What do Cedarville professors think about the use of laptops for learning? Mary McCulley, assistant professor of English, said laptops are important and necessary. She said she usual- ly doesn’t judge whether students are listening or not but instead just focuses on levels of engagement with the stu- dents. “I teach a lot of composition classes, and we do a lot of writing online on their computers,” McCulley said. “So I absolutely ask them to bring their laptops to class and work and save the materials they’re working on.” McCulley said she’s in some way on both sides of the debate. In education, laptops can be a mixed blessing. She said the way professors implement and encourage use of technology in the classroom is important in creating an effective learning environment. “I do think there is a way to incorporate more active learning using laptops,” McCulley said. “Trying to figure out what’s going to work and how that’s going to fit into a dis- cussion or lecture — I haven’t quite sorted out, but I’d be open to it.” Dr. Joshua Kira, assistant professor of philosophy and theology, has a contrasting opinion. He feels that the use of Students and Technology Cedarville professors give insight into the increased use of laptops in the classroom Photo by Carrie Bergan Connor Creekmur, Suzanne Grant and Lukas Benson (left to right) work on class projects. Laptops are necessary and permitted in many classrooms at Cedarville.