Laptops and Mobile Devices

As the use of laptops and other mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets continue to increase, they have become much more prevalent in the classroom. While they can facilitate learning via activities such as note-taking and classroom research, they can also serve as distractions for students. The resources below look at some strategies to manage laptops and mobile device use in the classroom.

University of Washington Bothell Policies

Electronic Devices in the Classroom Policy

An instructor can choose to ask students to switch off cell phones, pagers, laptops or similar electronic devices if they are disruptive to the classroom experience. Students may use laptop computers in the classroom to take notes or do work that is relevant to the class. Checking or sending e-mail, playing games and surfing the web are considered disruptive activities when the class is in session. Per the Student Conduct Code (Chapter 1, Section 2, Part III)- An instructor has the authority to exclude a student from any class session in which the student is disorderly or disruptive.

• Electronic Devices in the Classroom Policy

Network Policy

Refer to UW's Knowing the Rules. The guidelines, policies, and laws referenced on this page are intended to help you to use computing and networking resources appropriately. Use of the UW computing network is made available to those who work and study at the UW and also to those who are a part of the UW communality. We welcome authorized use of the UW systems for research, learning, teaching, administration, and outreach to the community. Authorized use carries with it the responsibility to know the rules that govern the use of UW computers and networks. Many of the laws and policies are as you would expect. Note, however, that the UW also has some restrictions that apply to us as a state agency.

Best Practices, Articles, and Examples

• M-Learning and Mobility - an Educause page that contains various articles and resources on how to use laptops and mobile devices in the classroom. Here are a few sample reads: Using Mobile Technology to Enhance Students' Educational Experiences and Mobile Technologies and Learning.

• Miracle or Menace: Teaching and Learning with Laptop Computers in the Classroom - a study of integrating laptops into classroom instruction found statistically significant improvements in student learning.

• Students Stop Surfing After Being Shown How In-Class Laptop Use Lowers Test Scores - a professor found exam results improved among students who stopped using laptops.

• Dealing with Laptops in the Classroom - a few questions to think about when drafting mobile device rules in your classroom by Princeton University's Scholar as Teacher.

• Mobile Learning and the Connected Campus - Abilene Christian University's page on mobile devices and mobile learning.

More UWB Resources and Information

• Check Out a Laptop - University of Washington Bothell students may borrow laptops from the Library for a 72-hour period. All of the laptops have built-in wireless access and can connect using a valid UW NetID.

• Wireless Networking at UWB - read this page if you need more information about the wireless network on the campus.

• Protecting Your Laptop - a guide on how to install anti-virus software keep your laptop virus and spyware-free.