Should Laptops Be Banned from the Classroom.

The world is rapidly progressing to a more technologically advanced era. Information and Communication Technology has influenced individual’s behavior, thinking skills and ability to fulfill daily tasks and responsibilities. As a result, the education system has incorporated technological tools into the curriculum. These tools include: radio broadcasting, computers, audio visual systems, the Internet, virtual learning centers, networks, instructional software, and projectors. Thus, the Ministry of Education’s philosophy (2005, p.10) states that “Applying technology in education would enhance human capacity, dynamize the teaching/learning environment, promote creativity, innovation, critical thinking, decision making and lifelong learning.” This predominant point suggests that laptops should not be banned in the classroom at the University level. Reasons are distribution, media, productivity, Internet, software, virtuality, management and environment. From the inception of the People’s Partnership government in 2010, an innovative approach has been implemented to endorse literacy, numeracy and critical thinking skills. The People’s Partnership (2010) acknowledged that, “Information Technology based learning will be infused in education at primary and secondary levels to support and complement other forms of teaching, learning and basic research.” As a result, The Prime Minister declared that, “Every child going on to secondary school from the Secondary Entrance Assessment will be provided with a laptop to begin their secondary school education.” (2010) With reference to this statement, I deem it necessary for laptops to be used at the University level. Students spend majority of their time doing research, completing assignments, downloading notes from e-mails or the internet and most importantly, engaging in computer aided instruction at classes. A Laptop is an effective tool that facilitates learning to all students in and out of the classroom. The

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