Classroom Tech at UB Law

Based on a few recent posts and comments, it seems as though a post about technology on campus at UB is in order. In this post I am going to talk a little bit about laptops in the classroom, the kind of technology available at UB, and how various professors are implementing that technology. Also at least one hilarious story included, so read on.

1) Laptops
In the law school, almost everyone brings a laptop to class. This is well established. The pros are the ability to keep your notes neatly organized, in one space. Also, the latest versions of Microsoft Word (especially Word for Mac), Powerpoint, and Open Office make this a breeze. Word for Mac has the amazing notebook mode that supports outlining fluidly, as well as subject tabs. Additionally, I know of one student who has figured out a way to take notes on the Powerpoint slides, so at the end of the class, he has exactly what the professor said while talking about each slide.
There are cons, as well. I have already written about the various distractions, one fellow classmates opened his laptop to full volume ABBA during class. "SEE THAT GIRL, WATCH THAT SCENE, SHE IS THE DANCING QUEEN!!!" Lingerie shopping, farmville, raunchy spring break facebook albums, not conducive to learning. Also, when your computer bugs out on you, you are left high and dry.

Last semester, my computer went everywhere with me. The unintended side effect was a TON of physical wear and tear on my laptop, to the point of needing repairs. This semester, it sits at home. I actually like taking notes by hand, and am much less distracted in class without it. But, some professors talk to fast to catch notes when writing, but I can generally keep up typing. The biggest downside, however, is things like checking email during the day (yeah, even in law school we are serious enough to need to check email every five minutes, god forbid when we get out and actually work). Logging onto UB's computers to check your email requires, for me at least, three different login names and passwords.

2) What is available at UB
Uh, everything. First of all, I have recently discovered the Business Center computer lab. It is a computer lab with desks and cubicles. It is like a real office. If you ever have trouble feeling motivated, go to the basement of the Business Center, and you will have no choice but to do work. Additionally, the law school has a decently sized computer lab. The printing on campus is awesome. I have never had a problem with a printer working. Also, they print double sided now, saving your page allotment. I have yet to go over my page allotment, so I don't know how that is handled. But every time I am running around with my thumb drive two minutes before class trying to print, I have no problem.

Also, did you know UB has a laptop loaner program? When my computer first crashed, I was loaned a laptop for the weekend FOR FREE so I could work on my paper. Head to the desk in the Business Center computer lab to find out more.

3) How Professors at UB are using it
First of all, the law school has these "Smart Boards." They are projector screens, so the professor will put up their Powerpoints, or documents, or as my criminal law professor used to enjoy, mug shots. But the awesome thing is they are touch screens, so the professor can write notes ONTOP of the powerpoint slides! It is really cool. For example, in Constitutional Law, the professor will take a section of the Constitution, and use red "virtual" pen to mark certain clauses, green pen to circle other clauses, and blue slashes to divide clauses. It is so much easier, and best of all generally, the professors seem to understand how to use it. I know in undergrad we had similar boards, but most of the professors just used dry erase because they couldn't operate the other equipment. Then again, these are all lawyers, who generally refuse to be ignorant of anything, ever.

4) Other Tech
I have to say, my iPhone is getting me through this semester. I can check and send email with it, use the internet (although I can't write blog posts...), and most importantly, it has iCal, the Mac calendar program. Seriously, I live out of it. The address book is another bonus, plus I must admit to being a PicCross addict... iPhones and Blackberrys abound at law school, but for my money, it would be an iPhone any day.

5) Funny Technology Story
As promised! With so many laptops, and classes lasting 3.5 hours, outlets tend to be at a premium. Well, during one class two weeks ago, the guy sitting next to me when to plug in his charger. He was greeted with a loud pop, and then we both got a nice shower of sparks for half a minute. Then, the Smart Board went dark.
Luckily no one was hurt, and his computer wasn't fried, and class continued on the dry erase board. Amazingly, it was fixed that very weekend.

No lawsuits were filed.

Yet.