Should Students Be Allowed to Use Laptops in Class?
Introduction>>
More and more schools have begun incorporating technology into their classrooms, with laptops in particular viewed as valuable learning tools for students. However, some educational institutions and instructors still do not embrace the use of laptops within the confines of the classroom. So, which side is correct? Should students be allowed to use laptops in class? Let’s find out.
Constructive Debater 1 Henry Yes, students should be allowed to use laptops in class. Laptops allow students to actively engage in their lessons and access resources in ways that paper and pencil cannot. In allowing laptop use in class, teachers will provide students with digital resources such as educational websites and programs. It will encourage students with short attention spans to stay focused on the lecture and retain more information. Laptops will also allow students to quickly look up information without disturbing the class, thus improving their performance in the classroom and giving them a better understanding of the subject material.
Constructive Debater 2 Ashley No, students shouldn’t be allowed to use laptops in class. Laptops are too distracting to be used for teaching. Laptops will open the doors to hundreds of diversions, such as social media, online gaming, and other forms of entertainment that will tempt students away from the lecture. Furthermore, plenty of studies suggest that taking notes by hand reinforces learning in a way that typing them on a laptop cannot provide. It may be because writing by hand pushes students to process and synthesize information, whereas typing allows students to transcribe what they hear almost automatically.
Rebuttal Debater 1 Henry While it’s true that laptops can be distracting, teachers can employ security measures such as website blockers, internet filters, and close supervision to discourage their improper use. Lessons in “netiquette,” or proper internet use, will also instill good judgment and habits at an early age. Moreover, laptops are far too convenient to be excluded from learning. No one can deny that laptops would make it easier for students to stay organized and manage their time better. But laptops can also foster teamwork and collaboration among students, allowing them to share documents, hold online discussions, and easily access necessary materials.
Rebuttal Debater 2 Ashley Laptops come with some severe drawbacks. For one, it would increase the disparity between those who can and cannot afford one in the classroom. Furthermore, laptops pose a security risk as they can be stolen or hacked. Using them in a public place like a school increases the danger as the WiFi may be unsecured, enabling hackers to capture passwords, read private emails, and distribute malware. Even disregarding all the safety issues that may arise, laptops are detrimental as they make it incredibly easy to copy and paste any content, allowing students to regurgitate information they find online.
Judge’s Comments
Both sides have made some intriguing statements today. What do you think about this issue? Research on your own, and let me know what you think!
Yesel Kang Copy Editor
1. Why does Debater 1, Henry, believe students should be allowed to use laptops in class?
2. What are some potential distractions that laptops may bring to the classroom according to Debater 2, Ashley?
3. What is the Judge's Comments on the debate?
1. What are some of the benefits of using laptops in the classroom, and what are some of the drawbacks?
2. What are some strategies that teachers can use to ensure that students use laptops in class appropriately and minimize distractions?
3. Do you think that using laptops in the classroom increases the gap between students who can afford one and those who cannot? How can this issue be addressed?
4. Ultimately, do you think students should be allowed to use laptops in class? Why or why not?
Introduction>>
Constructive Debater 1 Henry
Constructive Debater 2 Ashley
Rebuttal Debater 1 Henry 
Rebuttal Debater 2 Ashley
Judge’s Comments
