f we examine the
world around us
in 2007 it is
clear that
technology, in
some form or
another, has
become a
constant
companion in our
daily lives. Our
college campus
is arguably one
of the most
prominent places
that Saint Rose
students are
exposed a wide
variety of
technologies
which they can
utilize for
educational
means. With the
constant
additions and
incorporations
of this
technology into
our classrooms,
we must begin to
ask if there are
more benefits
than flaws in
digitally
transforming our
learning
environment.
Take a moment to
think about just
how many
sections of our
campus are
digitally based.
We have
accessible
computers almost
everywhere you
look with entire
labs in the
library,
residence halls,
and classroom
environments.
The majority of
classrooms in
Albertus Hall
are designated
“Smart
Classrooms”,
relating to the
fact that they
are wired with a
projector
capable of
showing feeds
from a computer,
DVD/VCR player,
and a document
camera. The
instructor’s
podium contains
fairly simple
controls for
operating and
switching
between the
various
functions. In
addition, we
have a digital
recording studio
and several
sections of our
property
offering
wireless
connection to
the internet.
Having these
types of
services
available can be
extremely
valuable to the
learning
process. As
stated by Mary
Alice Molgard,
an assistant
professor in the
communications
department,
being able to
answer questions
from students in
real-time with
the assistance
of a visual aid
can greatly
assist the
learning process
as well as
provide other
opportunities
for discussion.
In addition,
Saint Rose uses
the virtual
“Blackboard”
software to
offer digital
access to class
documents,
assignments and
discussion
boards which can
be used both
inside and out
of the classroom
to provide
greater
resources to
both students
and professors.
Students in the
communications
program rely
heavily on the
campus provided
technology to
complete
assignments and
learn about
their future
work
environments.
Paul Conti, an
assistant
professor and
former news
director of WNYT
Ch. 13, believes
the Journalism
Lab is an
example of
technology that
is extremely
valuable to the
college’s
curriculum. This
is the only
classroom on
campus offering
the software
packages to
create and
produce several
different forms
of media.
Of course there
are many
negative aspects
to having this
much technology
as well. The
most obvious
problem is how
much all of this
equipment costs.
Alfred Antico,
chair of the
communications
department, has
explained that
each of the
smart classrooms
on campus
requires “tens
of thousands of
dollars to set
up and a
considerable
amount to
maintain.”
Because the
college does not
have an
unlimited cash
flow, we cannot
always acquire
the most current
technology as it
is released.
This is not
always a
negative in the
respect that
having competent
faculty members
who can properly
instruct
students in
presentation
styles and
techniques can
greatly
out-weigh having
the latest
gadgets.
Other large
problems
regarding
technology are
the issues of
plagiarism and
the breaching of
copyright laws,
both of which
can result is
extreme
punishment from
the college as
well as legal
ramifications.
These
are problems
that seem to
remain through
the years, no
matter what
steps are
instituted to
inhibit them.
Being a student
studying
journalism, who
uses technology
on a daily basis
for both school
and recreation,
I believe that
the many
benefits of
having a college
so far into the
digital age are
far greater than
the problems
that may arise.
Technology has
been a rising
force throughout
our lives and
has no signs of
slowing down. In
my opinion, we
need to learn
how best to
adapt and use
this to our
advantage. My
only advice
would be to
think it over
for yourselves
and see what
side you come
out on.
~
