The debate over laptops and cellphones in classrooms

Over the past few weeks, the Fletcher faculty has been having an online debate about disruption caused by the use of laptops and phones in the classroom. It is clear that there is no easy yes-or-no answer.

Earlier today, I sent my colleagues an article by Clay Shirky--one of the country’s most influential thinkers, writers, and teachers on the Internet and society. He has has written a thoughtful and compelling piece on why he has just asked the students in his social media seminar to put their laptops away during class. He’s the last person you’d imagine would advocate this.

Read his arguments, and come to your own conclusion. Click on the post title to see the article.