A ban on laptops has been enforced in various classes at the University, raising concerns among many of our students. In cases where the ban is in full effect, professors forbid the use of electronics in the classroom – including laptops for note-taking purposes. Violation of these policies is often met with requests to leave the class, verbal call-outs, and in some cases, even academic penalties. The UTSU strongly believes in an accessible education – one where students can learn in ways that are most suited to their learning style.

We’ve highlighted a list of reasons why we find these bans ineffective and limiting to our students:

Interference with student autonomy

UTSU stands by the idea that students must have the autonomy to determine which learning methods are most conducive to their academic success – including self determination with regards to note-taking.

Punishes students who use laptops appropriately

We acknowledge that laptops should be used solely for academic purposes in lecture, and can otherwise be disruptive for surrounding students. However, the laptop ban penalizes all students under a common assumption. For students who rely on laptops for notes, their experience in lecture is significantly impacted.

Forces students with access needs to out themselves to their peers

Some students require laptops for note-taking as part of their accommodations with Accessibility Services. While these students are granted exceptions to laptop bans, they are then forced to “out” themselves to their peers, placing many in an uncomfortable position. Additionally, not all students with accessibility needs are registered, making them ineligible for these exceptions.

Reduces likelihood of students becoming volunteer note takers

There is already a major shortage of quality, volunteer-note takers on campus. In a system where students can type their notes, it is easy to upload these documents for their peers. When written notes are taken, students must take an extra step of scanning their notes before sharing. We believe this would severely reduce the number of note-takers, despite already being too low for the demand.

Wastes paper

When laptop bans are in effect, many students must switch to taking notes on paper when they would otherwise take them electronically. In a class of 200 students, this adds up to be a lot of extra paper throughout the term. Laptop bans work against the University’s commitment to sustainability and actively contribute to increased paper waste.

Harder to stay organized for many students (digital folders are helpful!!)

Programs such as OneNote, Simplenote, and Evernote have been specifically catered towards digital note taking, and provide streamlined access to digital folders and files relating to a student’s coursework. Centralization of information is a tremendous organizational asset that helps with course assignments, studying for exams, and collaboration with classmates, ultimately fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Laptops are essential for many aspects of student life

The online centralization of resources such as ACORN, Blackboard, Turnitin.com, and UofT Libraries demonstrate that UofT has integrated itself to the digital sphere, making laptop bans counterintuitive to the university’s operational trajectory of digitization.