Educause, a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology, recently released their 2011 report on undergraduate students and technology. The associated infographic provides a visual overview of the findings divided into the following categories: institutions, instructors, software and hardware. Since yesterday was Black Friday and Cyber Monday is coming soon, I was drawn to the section on hardware.
- Percentage of students who see given hardware as “extremely valuable for academic success” (see image at right)
- Percentage of students who own varying hardware — ranging from a low of 8% for iPads to a high of 87% for laptop computers
- Of those who use smartphones for academic purposes (37% of all undergraduate students), the percentage who use their phones for specific tasks — ranging from a low of 19% for texting professors to a high of 66% for e-mailing professors
So What?
Technology is increasingly vital to all aspects of the educational experience for all students. Since the survey data explores undergraduate students, I will focus more narrowly on that group.
- When I entered college it was helpful to have computer skills. Now, nearly two decades later, certain computing skills are essential.
- When I entered college it was assumed that students could use computers and printers at the university (and nice if you had these resources as well). Now, basic tech tools (laptop, 24/7 internet access, and a printer) are essential.
- When I entered college, use of technology in the classroom was limited to the professor (and usually minimal). Now, the use of technology by faculty and students in the classroom is assumed.
How has technology changed since you were an undergraduate student? Do you keep up? If so, how?
How well does your local congregation prepare students technologically (via your youth ministry) for college?