Blog #4

Blog Post on the 4 video clips:

The concept of using the iphone as a "life-link" for incoming university freshmen, at first, seems innovative and refreshing, but there are some noticeable drawbacks. Although instantaneous communication and information retrieval has its obvious benefits, such as immediate contact with professors and the option to implement direct instruction with online resources, having a direct link to nearly unlimited resources 24/7 could potentially be a major source of distraction for students. For college freshmen, in particular, the iphone could become a sort of social/technological "crutch" which they might use in place of face-to-face interaction. There is also the possibility that they could become "addicted" to using the iphone and become obsessive in checking their email, text messages, etc.

I suspect that universities will be hesitant to implement a plan like this into action. With our economy in its current condition, financial luxuries like buying an iphone, let alone one for every college student, will seem unrealistic for many families. In addition, there would have to be mandatory training for faculty members to keep them up-to-date on how to use the iphone most effectively. Students also might not be at the same technological skill level when entering college. How would a student with special needs/disabilities be accomodated in a classroom and college environment where everyone depends on a single piece of hardware (the iphone) being their information link to their university? Though the picture painted by the four video clips is enticing, it is ultimately impractical and unrealistic, at least in our present time. Perhaps, in the future, technology will be implemented in the way so described...however, for now, it is merely a dream, filled with the potential of possiblities, but as yet just something to consider.