By Harrison James IV / Staff Writer

For some students, laptops are essential tools for note-taking, accessing digital textbooks, and quick research. For others, they’re distractions that open portals to social media or online shopping. The debate over laptops in class isn’t just about technology—it’s about focus, learning, and personal responsibility.

To find out how Missouri Valley College faculty handle laptops in their classrooms, The Delta spoke with several professors across disciplines.

Sociology professor Dr. Joshua Tetteh said he encourages laptops for note-taking and e-books.

“Yes they are good and I do allow them and especially if they have Ebooks or take notes in my syllabus,” said Tetteh, “or cover over the chapter we learned about.”

Tiffany Bergman, associate professor of history, takes the opposite approach, banning devices that distract from discussion.

“I do not allow materials that detract from class participation. Very often individuals that have electronics open during a class meeting are not concentrating or participating in the class that they should be participating in. It does not benefit a student to be doing homework for another class, while they should be learning in another. This will eventually put them behind in both the classes,” said Bergman. “I have no issue utilizing electronics during class, if it is part of the instruction or benefits the class. I have students that have asked permission to use alternative note taking devices and this is not an issue or complication. I love that technology has found ways to assist students and support learning. I am opposed to the use of electronics that deter from the learning in a class or detract the learning from the students around them.”

Dr. Andrew Linsenbardt, dean of School of Science & Agriculture and professor of biology said laptops can be helpful depending on how they are used.

“I do allow them and yes it depends if there’s no good or bad,” said Linsenbardt. “Although phones I think are the worst and laptops are easier to take notes and watch slide shows, I don’t think laptops are bad itself.”

Matt Arni, professor of mathematics, said he sees laptops as useful instructional tools when applied correctly.

“I allow them and they are a tool and sometimes I’ll invite students to my online math class, where they do some of their homework and work through things in class together,” said Arni. “It’s neither good nor bad, it’s how we use them.”

Dr. Christopher Libby, dean of the Honors College and professor of religion and philosophy, said laptop use depends on the student’s responsibility.

“Whether laptops in class are good or bad depends upon how they’re used. If students find them to be effective for taking notes or organizing their work, for example, there’s no problem with them in my mind. If, however, they use them to scroll the internet to look at content unrelated to class or watch YouTube videos, then they’re a problem,” said Libby. “I allow them in class. College students are adults, and they can make their own choices, wise or not, about how they use their time in class. If they become a distraction to other students, I would address the particular offending student.”

Mathematics professor Gerry Baygents said he generally does not allow laptops in class.

“They are more bad than good and not really,” said Baygents, “unless they have special permission.”

Across campus, opinions differ, but most faculty agree that technology in the classroom is only as useful—or as distracting—as the student behind the screen.