Laptops in the Classroom: Back Row or Front Row?

Recently, Sidneyeve Matrix (@sidneyeve) shared a link on Twitter to an Augusta [Georgia] Chronicle article on the contentious issue of students using laptops in the classroom.  In her tweet, Sidneyeve includes a quote from the article from Stephanie Myers, a chemistry instructor at Augusta State University.  Myers said, “My syllabus says if you use a laptop you have to sit in the back row.”  The article notes that this is to prevent students with laptops from distracting students who sit behind them.

This policy struck me as problematic.  I tweeted some initial thoughts:

• Thoughts on having laptop users sit in the back row? (http://is.gd/bk1Kl, via @sidneyeve) I would argue putting them on the front row is better.
• Asking laptop users to sit on the front creates accountability for their laptop use (since other students can see their screens)…
• …and highlights their use of laptops for engaged, in-class learning. The message is “Be engaged!” not “You’re just going to goof off.”

I recalled a blog post I had read recently about a student who used concept mapping software to take notes on his laptop during class.  Why should a student using his laptop to learn in ways that work best for him (leveraging his visual thinking skills in this case) be required to sit at the back of the room?  What about other students who would prefer access to the Internet during class so they can find supplemental resources and fact-check claims made in class?  Should they be forced to sit at the back of the room, too?

I understand that Dr. Myers’ policy is aimed more at students who would use laptops for non-productive purposes during class (checking Facebook, shopping for shoes, and so on).  Perhaps I’m overly optimistic in thinking that students using laptops who sit at the front of the room–in full view of their peers–are more likely to use those laptops in productive ways.  However, the expectations we communicate to students are important.  Why not communicate an expectation that students will be attentive and engaged during class?

Back on Twitter, Paige Moore (@paigedoliver) responded to my tweets:

@derekbruff laptops in front would magnify the student culture of the class – front folks engaged breed engagement – front slackers = slack

Paige makes a good point here.  Moving laptop users to the front of the room is perhaps riskier than relegating them to the back of the room.  It requires instructors to have the classroom management skills up to the task of handling front-row laptop users who goof off.  I would think it would help, however, that making clear to students not using laptops that they are responsible for helping to keep the laptop users on task.

I’m not necessarily recommending that students using laptops should be put in any particular section of the room.  I’m more in favor of empowering students to learn in ways that work best for them no matter where they’re sitting. What I’m arguing here is that if you are going to put them in a particular section, then there are some reasons to make that the front of the room.

Thoughts?

Image: “363/365: A laptop” by Flickr user DavidDMuir / Creative Commons licensed