By Sue Schmid
 Center for Academic Excellance

Laptops Make Lessons Come Alive in Honors UNV 101

This fall first year honors students each received their own Gateway laptop computer, equipped with wireless internet access.  This initiative was the first of its kind at Pace University.

Not surprisingly, students are thrilled to have their very own portable computer.  After all, they feel more engaged, involved, and in control of their own learning. In class, computer projects allow the students to “play” both independently and in small groups as they experiment with newly taught features instantaneously. The laptops have truly been an enriching experience for all, opening up new doors for both the students and professors.

Sue Schmid’s UNV 101 class has used their laptops in a variety of ways throughout the semester.  The first day of class, students were introduced to the UNV 101 website and all of its interactive modules. These modules were used in preparation for, and/or response to, themes discussed in classes throughout the semester.

Blackboard has been used extensively throughout the course for everything from posting important announcements, to sending mass e-mails, planning a Halloween party for children from the Pleasantville Cottage School, discussing pertinent issues, and using the Digital Drop Box.   Also, students electronically submit weekly journals on how they are adjusting to college life. These journals have proven very effective in sharing their triumphs and tribulations as well as in connecting them with appropriate resources when needed.

On October 3^rd, all students in the Honors College went on a field trip to The New York Times in NYC.  In preparation for this trip, students used their New York Times Newsstand (which had been installed on their laptops) to analyze articles on Iraq and diversity. They posted their analyses Blackboard’s Discussion Board, sharing their thoughts and viewpoints with one another. Students also used the Newsstand to evaluate articles of general interest and respond to each other’s critiques.

Honors students learned all about Pace’s new core curriculum through a laptop-based presentation. They were guided through every aspect of the core on our website while also being taught how to register online. Students were instantly able to find out their registration time and date; AOK, honors and writing-enhanced courses being offered next semester; worksheets for various majors; as well as many other helpful tidbits.

The laptops also proved helpful in Co-op and Career Services’ presentation as students were able to learn how to navigate their extensive website and explore information pertaining to their particular career and job/internship goals.

Needless to say, Honors students are very enthusiastic about having their own laptops as they have truly enhanced learning in and out of the classroom.

"The laptops have truly been an enriching experience for all, opening up new doors for both the students and professors."

"Also, students electronically submit weekly journals on how they are adjusting to college life."