Laptop-free classrooms and electronic device use

Research indicates that the use of laptops to take copious notes in class at tertiary level can have detrimental effects on learning outcomes. In particular, using laptops to transcribe lectures and class discussions reduces critical and analytical thinking during class. Jackman Law discourages students from attempting to transcribe lectures on laptops and instead encourages students to think critically about class material, participate actively in class discussions and take concise notes by hand where necessary.

Individual instructors may choose to teach in laptop-free classrooms. Students should pay close attention to course syllabi for each instructor’s choice about laptop use.

 When an instructor chooses to teach in a laptop-free classroom in a course with 30 or more students, the following rules will apply:

      Students may not use laptops or any device with a physical keyboard in class. Students wishing to take notes in class must do so by hand, either with pen and paper or on a tablet with a stylus.                   

      In every course with laptop-free classrooms, the Faculty will provide a written record of each class to support all students’ learning. Instructors will choose to provide this written record in one of the following forms:

·         AI-powered notes of each class;

·         Collaborative note-taking, in which a roster of rotating students will take notes for each class (these students will be allowed to use laptops); or

·         Class slides, speaker notes, an annotated case list, summaries or a similar record of material covered in each class that the instructor provides.

      The existing policy on class recordings will continue to apply. An instructor may choose to make recordings freely available, but doing so will not displace the requirement for a written record of each class as set out above.

      Students with disabilities registered with Accessibility Services who are concerned about the impact of laptop-free classrooms should consult their Accessibility Advisor to determine appropriate accommodations. Students with a disability who have not registered with Accessibility Services should consult with the Accommodations and Considerations Committee.

      Students using a tablet with a stylus, another assistive device or technology, or a laptop as an approved accommodation, may use their device only for purposes related to the class. They may not use email or messaging apps, check social media, read the news, play games or engage in any other non-class-related activity.

      The unauthorised use of any device for the purposes of recording or transcribing lectures is absolutely prohibited, as per Jackman Law’s policy on class recording.

In seminar-style courses with fewer than 30 students, AI-powered notes or student note-takers may suppress the free and open expression of viewpoints and discussion of sensitive topics. When an instructor chooses to teach a course with fewer than 30 students in a laptop-free classroom, they may choose to provide a record of each class but will not be required to do so.

Please note that both AI-powered notes and notes made by designated student note-takers may be inaccurate. Both human beings and machines make errors. Written records of classes provided through either of these methods are intended to support in-class learning and are not a substitute for attendance. It remains students’ responsibility to verify the accuracy of these notes. Students who rely on these written records alone do so at their own risk.