Organising laptops for learning

Many training institutions are, instead of using desktop computers, moving onto mobile devices e.g. laptops, tablets and smartphones. We will explore laptops in this chapter. 

Laptops can either be owned by the training institution or by the learners themselves. However, we must be cognisant of the fact that not ALL learners are able to afford a laptop or other mobile device. The training institution should therefore be able to provide such learners with the necessary ICT tools in order that they do not feel discriminated against or that their learning process is not compromised due to them not having a personal laptop / mobile device.

Laptops are more practical than a desktop because:

• They are mobile - they can be moved from classroom to classroom. Some schools even have a laptop trolley to help move them around.
• A dedicated computer lab is not required. However, some schools still have such a venue with laptop devices installed
• Your teaching can remain in the classroom as opposed to having to move to another location 
• From a security point of view they can be locked in a safe place when not being used.

An immediate disadvantage that comes to mind is:

• If it is the learner's personal laptop, they can easily get distracted and not focus on the task at hand.
• Laptops can easily be lost or stolen because they are mobile.

Can you think of any other advantages? What about other disadvantages? 

View the short video below. It provides an interesting perspective, from the learners' point of view, of the advantages and disadvantages of using laptops in the classroom.