About a week ago, my laptop stopped charging. As a digital notetaker with a job in journalism, I knew I needed it fixed as soon as possible. I went to a place recommended by a friend to buy a new battery and get it installed. Unfortunately, they did not have a battery for my laptop model, which meant they had to order one. My battery is still on the way, so this week, I have been living laptop-less. And as you can imagine, it has not been easy.
Going a week without my device has opened my eyes to how reliant I am on it. I have seen so many negative criticisms of people’s dependence on technology. While I understand that there are dangers in being addicted to screen media, I think it is an oversimplification to merely say it is bad to rely on our technological devices — in this day and age, it is almost impossible not to.
For instance, technology is essential to our academics. Everything from our course syllabi to our lecture slides are digital. I am in my second year now, and I cannot think of a single time I received a paper handout in any of my lectures (excluding, of course, exams and midterm tests).
No device means I would have no access to my school material and essentially no chance of succeeding in any of my classes. There are also online textbooks which are sometimes linked to the quizzes in courses like WileyPLUS is to CHEM 1100 and CHEM 1110. Furthermore, certain courses offer remote learning opportunities. So, students who cannot get ahold of a technological device cannot be enrolled in these courses. Having access to a device gives students the opportunity to take online courses for certain classes where in-person lectures are perhaps filled.
Technology has become so integrated in tertiary education. And not without reason.
Devices have proven to be far more time and cost-effective than paper resources, especially in a university setting where there are tons of students and a large amount of information. Attempting to print out notes, even for a single unit, for an entire lecture hall would cost so much for both the ink and the paper. And it would take an inconveniently long time to do so.
Comparatively, uploading a syllabus that students can download is cheaper and takes far less time. Devices also provide slight health benefits. The introduction of digital textbooks and notes has caused the average weight of students’ bags to decrease, which helps prevent back injuries and back pains.
It is important to note that without access to a computer, laptop, iPad or tablet it can be very difficult to go through university. While cellphones can be sufficient for many online functions, it may be straining for the eyes to read longer documents or documents with smaller fonts on phones. I find it harder to type longer assignments and essays on them. When typing on my phone, I run into challenges with the smaller keyboard. Because the letters are so close together, it’s hard to write without making a typo every few words. But you are reading this article, and my battery is still in transit, which means there is a solution to this drawback.
The university provides computers for students to use in various library buildings on both campuses. This greatly advantages students who cannot otherwise access a large-screen device. The computer access is prepaid in the tuition under library fees and so no payment is needed before access. This is also convenient since most people will probably already be on campus for lectures, clubs or studying with friends.
Technology continues to be an integral aspect of tertiary education. We have seen paper resources being edged out and a dramatic increase in device usage over the years. And, we can estimate that this dependence on technology in academia will only grow.
