Protests Erupt After Law Professor Bans Laptops in Class

Prof. June Entman of the University of Memphis School of Law noticed something that I have seen in class way too often — students who use laptop computers turn into “scribes” or “court reporters” attempting to type every word spoken rather than thinking about what is being said and taking well-reasoned “notes.”  In addition, she noticed the inability to make eye contact with students because the laptop screens block the view of the students’ faces.

Prof. Entman decided to take action.  On March 6, 2006, she sent an e-mail message to her students prohibiting her first-year students from using laptops in class.

Student outrage followed.  Students are collecting signatures in hopes a petition will lead to a reversal of the new policy.

The students also filed a complaint with the American Bar Association.  The ABA did not take too kindly to the complaint and dismissed it quickly stating that a professor is entitled to make the decision regarding use of laptops in class.

See Law professor bans laptops in class, over student protest, USA Today, March 21, 2006.