Misuse of Digital Boards: A Growing Concern in the Faculty
Robiat Oladele
In recent years, the university has made strides to enhance digital learning, equipping faculties with advanced tools like digital boards and projectors. However, a concerning trend has emerged within the Faculty of Arts: these digital boards are frequently used as makeshift writing surfaces, undermining their intended purpose.
The issue is not confined to faculty members alone. Students from various departments, as well as visitors from other faculties, have adopted this practice. Despite the availability of digital tools, the projectors and digital boards in the faculty classrooms have remained largely unused this semester. This misuse is compounded by the fact that many students and faculty members take advantage of the absence of clear guidelines regarding the use of these tools.
A notable incident occurred a few weeks ago during a Philosophy 102 lecture in the Large Lecture Theatre (LLT). Professor Tade Adegbin faced difficulties explaining basic valid argument forms, including symbols, due to the lack of a traditional writing board. The absence of a functional digital board further hindered his ability to effectively teach the material, which could have been addressed more efficiently with proper use of the technology.
The normalization of writing on digital boards has sparked concern among students. Many believe that the boards should be reserved for their intended purpose, enhancing the learning experience rather than being defaced. The faculty administration is encouraged to address this issue and ensure that digital tools are used appropriately.
Student feedback highlights the growing frustration with the current state of digital board usage.
Momoh Favour, a 100-level History student, stated, “Since the boards are digital, they should be used for their intended purpose. I haven’t seen the projectors in use either. The faculty executives should post notices on the digital boards, clearly stating that writing on them is prohibited.”
Another 100-level History student, Badirudeen Nabeelah, added, “The misuse of the boards is problematic. The executive needs to take action to address this issue.”
The misuse of digital boards has unfortunately become a routine practice within the Faculty of Arts. To improve the situation, the faculty administration should take steps to ensure that these valuable educational tools are used effectively and in accordance with their intended purpose. By doing so, they can enhance the learning environment and maintain the integrity of their digital resources.
