The New York Times had an article last week about the implications of the proliferation of wireless networks in academic settings such as classrooms and conferences. Students are using these networks for instant messaging, for browsing the web, and checking and writing email.
For example, two or more students could instant message each other (on their PDAs, cell phones or laptops) about what a professor was saying - commenting on his or her content, delivery, or attire. (Or they could just be making plans for getting together for a beer). Someone else could be doing an internet search on something the prof said and then post a message in a class chatboard contesting the prof's point of view or providing support material.
Some professors are embracing this technology. Others are fighting it. But the technology itself is neutral, and really, it's just an extension of what's being going on in lecture halls for centuries. Students have always communicated with each other, by whispering -- or talking loudly or by passing notes, or through gestures. And they've flipped through reference books to gain background or alternative points of view on what the prof has been saying. And they've stood up to comment on his or her lecture or to challenge the prof's point of view.
So it's not what's going on that's changed. It's just how it's done. And really, the modern way is more efficient. To be able to instantly challenge an incorrect statement by a professor; to be able to initiate a background discussion about the forefront presentation. It should ultimately add to the experience.
Posted by wetcoast at July 26, 2003 01:43 PM