University of Toronto’s law school to ban laptops in some classes
A new policy at the University of Toronto's law school that would make some classes laptop-free is getting push back from students.
The University of Toronto’s law school is set to ban laptops in certain classes, rather than implementing a full prohibition. The Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law will allow individual professors to decide whether to permit or prohibit laptops in their respective lectures. Associate Dean Richard Stacey explains that the primary concern is not student distraction, but rather the impact of note-taking on deep learning and class discussion.
Research suggests that handwriting forces students to process information more thoroughly, encouraging them to select and prioritize the most relevant details. Dean Christopher Essert emphasizes the school's commitment to transforming students into skilled lawyers capable of careful reasoning and collective analysis. He acknowledges the growing concern over technology usage, including AI tools, during lectures.
Several students expressed their perspectives to CityNews, suggesting that the ban could be contingent on the subject matter. Some students prefer typing notes for subjects that require drawing or complex calculations, while others believe the policy limits individual learning styles. The Students' Law Society (SLS) has conducted a survey, receiving responses from approximately 30% of the student body.
Of the 208 respondents, 163 disagreed with the policy, often highlighting the need for student autonomy and the potential accessibility concerns. The society plans to continue discussions with the faculty regarding the policy. Students will learn which courses are laptop-free when their course outlines are published next month.
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