The world we live in now is full of the ever-evolving technology. Apple keeps coming out with new products, especially iPhones and iPads.
It used to be CD players. You know, Sony Walkmans and boomboxes. Remember those?
Now there’s Pandora and using iPhones as an MP3 player. Do people still use portable CD players?
Face-to-face communication has since then taken a turn, sometimes towards the deep end. While most things should require personal interaction with someone, like payments and searching for school information, a lot of that is being converted to an online format.
The positive is that it provides students with 24-hour access to get things done and not have to worry about the administration office closing or spending extra time to walk down to the financial aid office.
The downfall, on the other hand, is that not all students are familiar with online access and some tasks are just so important that they should be dealt with using face-to-face communication.
Also, sometimes not everyone is comfortable with providing their credit or debit card or even address online, because of possible security issues, even though this is done a lot of the time when ordering things online or filling out applications.
Regarding the conversion of all school-related applications going completely online, I think it could end up being difficult. Don’t get me wrong, online applications are great to help students who take all of their classes online and for those who work a lot.
But everything online will bring about problems and a lot of questioning.
Another thing is that not all students have constant Internet access, or let alone access to a computer. Yes, it is possible to go to school and use those computers. But students end up having to go to school anyway, then physically stopping by the office or wherever they need to complete a task works also.
Although we are in the age of technology, especially with iPhones and the accessibility video conferencing, not everyone has the skill set to be doing everything online. Not just because, but by choice. Maybe they prefer the physical and personal touch to communication.
Online courses require the usage of the computer and online programs, although some classes instruct for students to physically come to class still take place online.
Some math classes have the option with the textbook to access MyMathLab. This is a program in which students can do their homework submit quizzes at any time, 24/7. This can be quite difficult trying to figure out how to input numbers and symbols like multiplication and division.And 10 to the x power? How is that written? It takes some figuring out and really taking time to look through the site.
After all, shouldn’t you solve math with a pencil and paper?
Some courses should still be conducted in person and homework still be turned in by the usual handing it in after or when class starts.
Converting majority of the applications and processes online will perhaps cause quite a hassle due to Internet connection failure, difficulties in having computer access and the lack of human communication.
I’d like to think that people still have the need and skills to be able to communicate properly and efficiently with coworkers, or even a significant other. There are just too many things available online now.
Dating websites have been popping up left and right: dating sites for Christians, match.com, and even locally, honolulu-singles.com. It’s getting crazy. What ever happened to just meeting someone in class? or at work?
Despite being able to find everything online, an article posted by the University of Nevada at Reno explained that the because of the lack of face-to-face communication due to emails, discussion groups and chat rooms, feelings of loneliness and alienation are likely.
The article even mentioned that a small number of marriage breakups were due to the Internet.
I just find it interesting that with the increase in Internet usage, younger kids, even at the age of five, are playing on iPads and carrying around an iPhone 4.
Last semester I taught young adults and little kids at a modeling and talent agency about acting, modeling and how to keep a positive self-esteem level. The latter of the groups I taught had kids ages five to 10.
Through my eyes as a college student and teacher, I saw that five-year-olds grow up too fast, and are heavily influenced by the Internet. It’s interesting to see the effects of media on little kids. When I was growing up, I didn’t watch nearly as much TV as they do now, let alone watch any of those reality shows.
What is seen as a reality show now, is definitely not true to form reality.
There is too much access to the technology we carry around on a daily basis with us, regardless of age. Having the option open for students to have access to online, but also physically communicating with people, keeps the communication doors open and efficient.