Technology’s Effect on College Lectures and its Evolution from Chalkboards and Whiteboards to Visual Presentations

Today’s typical college student attends a variety of courses, all of which feature a lecture given by a professor educated in the subject.  The way the lecture is presented however depends on the preference of the professor, who chooses between blackboard and chalk, whiteboard and dry-erase marker, or a visual PowerPoint.  Certain classes make this decision easier as the majority of the time, subjects like Math, Physics and Chemistry feature chalkboards while English, History, and Biology tend to utilize dry-erase whiteboards.  But with the technological phenomenon of PowerPoint growing in popularity year after year, professors are breaking down the stereotypical wall of customary teaching methods and beginning to use PowerPoint as they please

So are we approaching an era of college lectures that are chalkboard-less and whiteboard-less, and eventually adopt visual presentations?  With necessary input from my Calculus and Music professors, and two advisors from the University Career Center the main questions of “Which method of presentation do you prefer and why?” and “What does the future of lectures look like?” have been answered in significant detail.

Blackboards and Chalk Provide Clarity and Swift Flexibility in a Calculus Lecture Hall, Which May Soon Adopt PowerPoint

Quadruple Blackboards are crucial for equation-filled math lectures.

For years, students taking mathematics classes have copied down notes and examples from one of two options: chalkboards or whiteboards.  Calculus II professor Kasso Okoudjou felt that his preference between the two is easy: with “messy handwriting,” he chooses chalk over dry-erase markers because chalk “allows definitive strokes and a glow effect that is easy to read.”  Okoudjou talks about the convenience of teaching mathematics by hand, yet leaves the door open for a transition to some form of PowerPoint in his lectures next year.

listen to ‘REAL kasso’ on Audioboo

While Chalkboards and Whiteboards are Crucial for Brainstorming, PowerPoint Presentations are Essential for Visual Stimulation and Efficiency

Whiteboards and dry-erase are an acceptable alternative to chalkboards.

When whiteboards and dry-erase boards quickly started to replace the green and black chalkboards, teachers had to adjust and find a middle ground.  Crystal Sehlke, an academic advisor and workshop lecturer at the University Career Center, mentions that while PowerPoint has been growing (and will continue to grow) in popularity, it is simply a method of presentation as opposed to a method of instruction like a chalkboard or dry-erase board.  She feels that students brainstorm better on a blackboard/whiteboard but are more attentive when it comes to following along during a lecture.  

Dr. Richard King, a professor in the School of Music, strongly prefers not only PowerPoint, but also musical and video elements as well.  He states that many students nowadays are visual learners, and therefore PowerPoint presentations tend to be a more efficient way of conveying information to the class.  For his lectures, he prepares outlines in advance to follow along and keep the students engaged during the PowerPoint, videos, and songs, and minimize the amount of information students miss while they frantically try to write down everything on the slides.

listen to ‘REAL king’ on Audioboo

Dr. King goes on to conclude that professors will never and should never “move away from blackboards and dry-erase boards” but that they should keep in mind the more efficient and entertaining method of showing pictures, video, and interesting PowerPoint slides.

listen to ‘REAL king 2’ on Audioboo

Chalkboards and Whiteboards are “Completely Done” and PowerPoint Presentations are Not Far Behind as Technology is Becoming More Dynamic

As we look to the future of college lectures, can we assume that PowerPoint is, in fact, the future?  If so, do blackboards and dry-erase boards have any chance?  University Career Center advisor and workshop lecturer Megan O’Rourke was quick to jump to the conclusion that the future of lectures is certainly not with chalk or dry-erase markers, but also not with PowerPoint either.  She mentions that sites like Prezi, which are more dynamic with moving parts, are more engaging and can eventually be a tool to link the professor’s lecture to an iDevice, for example.  O’Rourke prefers PowerPoint, but is preparing for the inevitable scenario where PowerPoint is outdated and chalkboards/whiteboards are a second (or even third) thought.   

The Next Step for Colleges and Universities is to Begin Immersing its Students with This Generation’s New Technological Devices

In 2008, Abilene Christian University became the first college in the nation to provide iPhones and iTouches to all incoming freshmen and launch an "innovative new learning experience."  At the University of Maryland, iSeries “Blended” courses are allowing students to use more technology for their classes than ever before, some even specifically stating that the course is “paperless.”  With the future of the tablet upon us, it is intriguing to wonder how lectures will look in the next 5-10 years.

Technology’s Growing Influence on College Students and Their Quest Toward Finding a Job/Internship

We live in a generation where technology is making much of our everyday lives a whole lot easier. While in high school, looking up information about colleges of interests is only a few clicks away; in college, choosing your classes and schedule is a breeze when you can flip between webpages and professor reviews; and despite what upperclassmen and graduates say, looking for internships and jobs via the Internet is pretty easy too.  But the question remains:  will the ever-evolving world of technology soon completely replace crucial qualities of job-searching such as advising, hard-copy resumes/cover letters, and even the main interview process itself?  I interviewed Rachel Wobrak, Program Director and Undergraduate Advisor at the University of Maryland Career Center and the President’s Promise to get her expert feedback on this topic.

The Internet is Proving to be Extremely Helpful to Students, but it Simply Cannot Fully Replace Face-to-Face Advising

Websites such as ResumeBuilder and Optimal Resume have been crucial in truly helping students create interview-ready resumes and cover letters for potential job/internship positions. Ms. Wobrak addresses the importance of these resources, but also how face-to-face advising will be around for years to come.






When Companies are Displaying “We’re Hiring!” on a Window,Do They Actually Mean “Apply Online!”?

Years ago, job-searching meant physically bringing copies of your resume from company to company and inquiring about open positions.  Now, simply going to Internships.com or (as a Maryland student) Careers4Terps allows you to job-/internship-search from the comfort of your home.  Ms.Wobrak discusses how the future of job/internship searching still needs to include in-person visits to the company that’s hiring.





FaceTime Video and Skype Can Begin to Replace Phone Interviews, Not Face-to-Face Interviews

Finally, Ms. Wobrak solidifies her argument that while the evolution of technology is quickly adapting and improving its accuracy, a form of technology that completely replaces human interaction during the job-/internship-searching process simply cannot exist. 


 

“G” Whiz……What’s with all the 1G, 2G, 3G, etc. for cell phones??

Getting Educated

You know that feeling you get in your gut when a grandparent or aunt/uncle is struggling with an iPhone or tablet, because they “never had anything like it as a kid”?  This consequently is why that generation of the human race constantly prefer snail mail over email, handwritten Thank You notes versus a wall post, and a big smile in person over a J via text.   Fun fact:  the first analog cell phone (meaning all it did was send and receive phone calls) was invented in 1970.  It was a monumental discovery and immediately opened the technological doors wide open to a chain reaction of events we know today as “upgrading.”  This “first generation” (1G) of phone users could communicate through the device wirelessly, voice to voice.  Not even a decade later, the world was introduced to 2G – the Second Generation of cell phones.

Digital set out 2 Generate Wider Interest

While 1G (first generation) cell phones focused simply on verbal communication, 2G introduced the ability to utilize a “short message service,” more recognizable as SMS or texting.  Suddenly you did not have to wait for the person to pick up their phone, as you could just leave them a message of text explaining why you called.  Also, 2G offered “seamless roaming” which let subscribers text/call between phone providers.  This new addition of data capabilities paved the way for a brief upgrade at the turn of the 21^st century before the grand unveiling of 3G in 2004.

2.5G – Halfway to Greatness

Sandwiched between the multi-dimensional 2G and seemingly unlimited 3G, the little-known 2.5G was released as data usage and the Internet grew in popularity.  Multimedia services and web browsing (always assumed to be used strictly on a computer) could now be accessible on your mobile phone.  Although very few phones had this new capability, an interesting tidbit is that 2.5G was the generation that began using the term “mobile device” more often than “cell phone” as phones started resembling basic computers.

3G – You can do what?!?

Click here to open interactive graphic



In 30+ years, we saw a large boxy phone with only one function transform into a multi-tasking sleek device now utilizing 3G.  These Third Generation phones enhanced the digital qualities of 2G/2.5G to become Digital Broadband, which provided universal access across different devices.  3G also brought faster speeds, Internet, mobile TV, gaming, video calls and conferencing, and multi-media messaging services (MMS) to text pictures and videos with the click of a button.  In comparison to 2G and 2.5G however, 3G users were billed at much higher prices for all of the available additions.  A couple years later was a brief release of 3.5G, mainly due to technology that sped up browsing/messaging/calling even more. 



3G -- Overwhelming Awesomeness



4G – The Future is Now

Wow.  4G.  The Fourth Generation.  We live as part of that generation right now, as we look forward to the soon-to-be-released iPad3 and iPhone 5 which promise ridiculous increase in speed, substantially improved Wi-Fi (wireless connection to the Internet), and High Definition so life-like, life itself may soon appear blurry.  With the future approaching faster than ever before, there can’t be anything better than 4G, can there….?

5G – Golden.  Great.  Gallant.  Gorgeous.  Goodness me…

When someone mentions “5G” you can hear music from heaven.  In a world where everything must happen the instant we want it to (or even just before), using 5G is said to feel better than winning the lottery.  With 5G technology one will easily be able to connect his or her laptop with the Internet through a cell phone.  Since cell phones nowadays more resemble portable computers than phones (as almost all of these phones include audio and video playback, cameras, etc.), the emergence of 5G technology will bring an enormous revolutionary change into the media market of electronics.  It is said that with 5G, distant calls will be made smoother, more accessible and local.  Future cell phones embedded with 5G technology will most certainly lead to a decrease in competition from normal PCs/laptops/tablets.  However, since 4G technology is still under development, the possibilities for 5G technology are endless and unpredictable, and not expected to be completed until 2020.

Links:

http://www.teknocrat.com/1g-vs-2g-vs-3g-vs-4g-vs-5g-comparison-differences-and-analysis.html

http://kevin-peter.hubpages.com/hub/3G-and-4G-Mobile-Services

http://information-technology-topics.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html

http://blog.mylookout.com/blog/2011/02/03/evolution-of-cell-phone-to-smartphone/

http://5g1.org/

SiriusXM Protects Your Private Parts

You know those lines and lines of words in a size-7 font at the bottom of most websites?  Ever tried to listen to the end of commercials on the TV or radio when the announcer speeds through a bunch of gibberish like “something-something-something is prohibited….must-be-18-years-or-older-to-apply”?  Those, are privacy policies and copyright: no one reads them or listens to them, but everyone cares about them the instant he or she is worried about their personal information.  As an example, I researched and read through the Privacy Policy for SiriusXM Radio, and confirmed that the only times a listener’s information must be accessed by the radio are during contests/promotions/giveaways.  Regular listeners have nothing to worry about: the only time your personal information must be provided is when you call or text into the station.  And most likely, if you’re calling in to comment or try to win something, you’ll want them to send your concert tickets or vacation giveaway to the right address…! 

 > >   http://www.siriusxm.com/pdf/siriusxm_privacypolicy_eng.pdf

I've Got the Powaaaa!!......not?

            Over the last decade, technology and science has made voicing your opinions and thoughts to the world easier than ever before.  Websites like Blogger, social-networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, YouTube…the list goes on.  Phrases like “Breaking News!” and “Did you see that?” simply sound ridiculous when as soon as you’ve finished saying them, a few hundred thousand people probably broke the news first or saw it seconds before you.  With this never-ending galaxy of data we call the Internet, we can write, tweet, post, and blog whatever we want because of the First Amendment’s “Freedom of Speech” clause, right?  As people from the United Kingdom would learn, apparently there exists a grey area that is constantly watched carefully by the government, who feels that in the event of a threat to National Security, it has the power to remove or block any information on the World Wide Web.

            In 2011, British authorities ordered YouTube to remove 135 videos because of “a perceived threat to national security” (Halliday).  According to a story by The Guardian, YouTube reported a “71% rise in content removal requests from the UK government…and the request that almost 200 YouTube videos be taken down following complaints about privacy, security, or hate speech.”  This questionable move by the UK government affected almost 1500 users and accounts, leading users in the United States (myself included) to wonder if the US would ever consider following the lead of Egypt and completely shutting down access to the Internet, a clear threat to our right of free speech.  Robert Niles of the Online Journalism Review writes in his article about the topic that a proposed federal legislation would “allow the government to shut down parts of (or completely) the Internet in a ‘national emergency’.”  Called the “Internet Kill Switch,” controversy arose that this proposition would give the United States Government the authority to cut us off from the Internet like President Mubarak of Egypt.  A similar report stated that the President would only turn off access “where necessary” which could lead to granting him more power to censor the Internet as he chooses.  Maybe this is just me, but I feel as though the ability to create blogs and statuses and tweets implied that we now had an easier way to express our feelings, opinions, and beliefs to a large audience in a quicker amount of time: most of all, that we could utilize our right of free speech.  I like Obama, but he is not going to delete my Facebook because I chose to post “Obama looks like a camel lol” on a friend’s wall.  However, I stand by the proposed bill 100% if it means censoring the Internet ONLY in the event that a site or blog poses a true threat to the security of this country.

            In an interview at the 2011 Personal Democracy Forum Conference in New York City, Jillian York of the Electronic Frontier Foundation asserts that national security cannot become “a guise for censoring the Internet.”  York discusses Amazon’s ban of WikiLeaks, and how that may have opened a new can of worms that would lead to Internet censorship happening to anyone.  She, too, brings up the example of Egypt and how accounts and posts were deactivated and removed due to possible examples of “hate speech.”  The full 4-minute interview can be see here, but the first 90 seconds remain the most crucial to this topic.  As far as granting the government more power to censor the Internet, I stand by my aforementioned opinion that only in the event of censoring for the protection of the country would this idea come to fruition.  Oh, and to all the highly educated veteran officials of the Supreme Court, Congress, etc.: in case you didn’t know, once something is posted on the Internet, you have a zero percent chance at completely removing it forever.  Wanna bet your government salary on those odds?...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/25/google-youtube-national-security?CMP=twt_gu

http://nationalsecurityzone.org/site/test/

http://www.thenation.com/video/161353/jillian-c-york-using-national-security-concerns-hide-internet-censorship

A Trilli, A Trilli, A Trilli......15 Trilli

One of the most mind-blowing pieces of information out there on the Internet is the ever growing United States National Debt.  The fact that it is over 15 trillion dollars is not even the craziest part; statistically speaking, the debt goes up $100,000 every four seconds.  A petroleum engineer is lucky to make that much in a YEAR.  There are constantly updating counter clocks on the Internet that show the real time increase of the National Debt.  The counter refreshes so fast it is impossible to watch the last four digits rise from one to two to three…to zero.  For an up-to-the-millisecond debt counter, see the attached link or visit it here: : http://www.usdebtclock.org/

GPS: Good People Stalking....why?

From gesturing with hands and body movements, to drawing in the sand/dirt or on paper, to pointing on a map, to calling a friend and looking on the Internet…to GPS; the King of all options for directions.  Global Positioning Systems have grown increasingly popular since its invention in the 1990s.  Today, GPS can be bought as a separate device, or one can find it included in the dashboard of their car or as an application on their mobile device.

GPS is just another example of society’s ever-growing reliability on technology; however, like with any type of technology, there are quite a few negatives to combat the numerous positives.  In a New York Times article entitled “Personal Use of GPS Trackers Growing Fast,” the author warns that new compact GPS trackers have recently been used not as cartographic devices, but rather as a way to track spouses or the elderly against their will.  With society beginning to rely more and more on GPS technology for direction, where is the line drawn between acceptable and unacceptable usages of the device?  Can parents track their teen’s vehicle as they choose?  Can family members track their elder relatives for safety purposes?  Will agreeing to these and other positive usages with potentially beneficial outcomes open the wrong can of worms that causes worrisome wives to track their husbands under the suspicion of an affair?  While society should definitely embrace this revolutionary technology, there must be civility when and how these devices are used.  Scott McNealy, then-CEO of Sun Microsystems felt as though the end isn’t near, it has already passed: “You have zero privacy anyway.  Get over it.”  Mr. McNealy is incorrect.  Google’s former CEO Eric Schmidt correctly stated that “If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.”  This is the direction of attitude society needs to take; private information is no longer private once posted onto the Internet.

Personally, I feel that there are far more benefits than risks with GPS.  For example, as a Civil Engineer I look forward to learning how to use GPS technology on the job (http://www.asce.org/Product.aspx?id=12884907802).  Specific tasks such as surveying, positioning, and a number of other engineering situations are enhanced with the accuracy of GPS.  If and when society completely adapts to GPS technology in the workplace and out in the world, in my eyes the only “electronic stalkers” should be law enforcement and emergency responders.  Any other such usages can and should be viewed as criminal intent, and of course, unCiVil-ized.

I think technology is definitely playing a role in society. With the newfound popularity in Facebook and Twitter, society has bowed in favor of technology, as breaking news and information has become instant and faster than ever. For me, I certainly depend more on newer technology because in a fast-paced and ever-growing generation of intelligence, "waiting for the morning paper" and "I'll check the mailbox this afternoon" just won't cut it. For example, if I hadn't gone onto my email right after I got back from the Maryland-Duke game, I may not have seen this assignment since it was sent out around 11PM. Finally, although nothing can ever replace the feel of newspapers and magazines, technology is definitely taken a turn for the better in this rapidly approaching future.

>> "Good examples (and actually the deadline for this "assignment' was asap before the next class so no worries...I don't post late assignments due the next day).  Your need for info "on demand" is an interesting effect of what technology has made available...." R.Y.