2010 Horizon Report

The 2010 Horizon Report brings to light many things that may affect academia in the coming years.  One technology that it brings to light is the use of electronic-book devices (Nook, Kindle, E-Reader, and the IPad to name a few) as one of the technologies that will have an impact. While the use of the e-book would greatly reduce the amount of paper that is used on campuses, reduce the cost to students, and even assist in the reduction of waste (used books getting thrown out) I personally do not see them as an object that will take over the need for a physical paper text book without improvements.

            There have been great in roads in the capabilities of the e-book device, as one can have hundreds of books on a single mobile device at a fraction of the cost as a bound tome. This does allow for great portability and reduction in amount of books that need to be trolled to each class but this also causes the issue of if the device is stolen or broken, the student has lost all access the books on the device. The capabilities of the devices also lack some of the fundamental properties of physical book: ability to quickly page, peruse, and highlight a passage. These features may be available in future generations of the devices, but at this time I feel that they are lacking for an academic purpose.

            While the key trend of mobile computing is proliferating across the globe as the one basic ‘need’ folks are seeking it has opened up academics to a population that is already on the go. For example, many business folks may need to go back to school but are unable to due to job requirements, the ability to log in and learn anywhere anytime allows these folks the education that they may have forgone in past years. Through the usage of smart devices, like the BlackBerry and the IPhone, the need to be stuck in a brick and mortar building to be taught or to study is alleviated. This allows students and potential students the flexibility needed to carry on a life outside of studies and also allow them to be able to integrate their lifestyle with that of the campus.

I do believe that mobile computing will have a great affect on how academia will be developed. For instance, the current course work we are going through allows me to be anywhere in the world and still stay connected and on top of the lessons. I would also be able to, if I had a smart phone, communicate through blogs, email, Twitter, and Facebook to other students and faculty as needed. This gives a great freedom and allows me a student to be more productive and less ‘chained to a desk’, which can become quite daunting at times.