How Tech Has Changed Student Life

Smith, C. (2014) How Tech Has Changed Student Life. Retrieved fromhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/student-life/11256382/How-technology-has-changed-student-life.html

In this article Smith goes into the topic of how technology is changing the life of students.  He begins by telling a story about  having dinner with his mom.  His mom is struggling to remember an actor's name.  Smith takes out his smart phone and within seconds has the answer.  That sparks a conversation about how life is much easier on students these days.  While Smith eventually concedes with the notion that his mom might be right, he starts to compare his generation to older generations.  Both generations have libraries and schools, but the new generation has far more educational benefits on hand.  Just look at the ability to continue the learning and communication process once students leave the classroom.  Students can communicate with educators via e-mail and twitter.  Students can buy books online by picking up their phones and pressing a few buttons.  No need to walk down to bookstore anymore.  College students have the ability to look for housing all in one place all on one application.  The possibilities are endless to improve the life of a student.

I completely agree with Smith and his thoughts on the subject, but with technology comes technical issues.  Technology can make our lives easier, but there are also negatives that come along with technology.  There's always a con to the pro.  It becomes a balancing act.  We should use of technology to improve our lives, but don't let it take away the experience.  Technology shouldn't be the end all be all.  Technology should merely be a way to enhance or improve our lives.  I'm very excited to have started this Masters program in Educational Technology.  Just in the last 4 days I've realized how far behind the times I am.  I haven't done a good job of staying ahead of the curve, in fact I feel like i'm behind the curve.

Here's a Link to the article.  Enjoy!