Today's college students have access to more technology than ever before.
With the rise of notebook computers, iPhone technology, online networking and the like, students are beginning to take steps toward the lifestyles that were idolized in shows such as the Jetsons.
As these new technologies provide us with easier access to information, though, few people take full advantage of our resources.
According to a 2007 study by the Educause Center for Applied Research, a non-profit group that promotes technology use in higher education, students are taking huge strides in terms of applying the Internet and other technologies into their everyday lives.
The number of students who own smart phones, a combination of cell phone and PDA technology, has increased from 1.2 percent in 2005 to 10.1 in 2007. Comparatively the increase has spread across other media with music device ownership such as iPods increasing from 37 to 74 percent, and laptop ownership increasing from 52 to 75 percent in that same time period.
The report also showed that 54 percent of college students own five or more electronic items, and only 1.6 percent of the 457 students surveyed did not own a computer.
And as new inventions arise, students want to grab them and take hold.
"These days, you can get a laptop for about $400 and iPods are getting cheaper as well," said biology major Desiree Slaughter. "Every time they come out with a newer version of something, the price of the previous model drops, so it's making it easier for people to access technology."
In fact, many college students say they could not function without their cell phones or iPods.
"I use my phone for everything," said freshman Amanda Mitchell. "I have the Internet on here so when I need to look something up or just waste time playing games online, it's convenient."
With so much information at our fingertips, some might be right in assuming that college students are powerhouses in terms of accessing information and maneuvering through online search protocols.
However, research is proving otherwise, as the surge of online gaming and chat options outnumber technological advances for academics and information sharing.
Despite increased accessibility to the internet through cell phones, personal computers, and handheld devices, few students use the features to their full capabilities and seldom use them in business related situations. The Pew Internet and American Life Project, found that only 7 percent of students use the internet for professinal communication on a regular basis.t
According to Pew, the primary use of the Internet for college students is interpersonal communication through e-mail, instant messaging and chat programs. They said that 42 percent of students use the internet to enhance
A study found in CyberPsychology and Behavior reported that many college students who use the Internet excessively experienced a decline in study habits and grades, and an increase in missed classes and academic probation.
Stanford University recently unveiled a free iPhone application that will let students call up a campus map that shows the current locations of other students in the area who also have iPhones.
"Technology is meant to be fun and help us connect with one another, so that's what we use it for," Slaughter said.
Lisa Scott can be reached at scott.917@osu.edu.
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