CILA Event: Considering the Low-Tech or No-Tech Classroom

In response to a wave of new research, student concerns, and their own experiences with technological distractions in the classroom, Department Chair of Political Science Doug Casson and Kenneth Bjork Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Anthropology Tom Williamson have both been experimenting with minimizing or eliminating tech in our classrooms. For them, this has meant creating a space where students can take a break from their phones and laptops and focus on paper books, handwritten notes, and discussion. They have also tried to minimize tech outside of the classroom, encouraging students to spend time preparing for class away from tech and communicating as much as possible face-to-face during class and office hours and not through online teaching platforms. Although some students have been surprised, the response has been overwhelmingly positive with fewer accommodation challenges than they anticipated. During this session, they hope to share their reasoning and experiences, and hear from colleagues about the benefits as well as the drawbacks of this approach. Please bring your lunch! There will be drinks and cookies. Please RSVP to this event here.