It’s a constant struggle: Student versus the almighty machine.

That’s the complex many students seem to be well acquainted with as a result of their over-reliance on technology.

This dependency ultimately takes a toll on students’ education.

Bold assumption? I think not.

Technology shouldn’t take away from learning independently, like you do when using a library and other sources.

Now, I am no stranger to using technology to get things done.

Being able to use the Internet and apps to assist me with my homework defenitely makes my life easier.

Technology should aide and entertain, not consume your time or overall functionality.

“Technology resources help students understand, but only in moderation,” said communcation instructor Jennifer Likeum. “These tools shouldn’t be used entirely, as when students go out into the workplace and have to present information in a meeting they need to be able to function without [technology]. Students won’t always have technology at their disposal.”

While these uses may be valid, they can also be extremely counterproductive.

Sitting behind the screen of a computer limits face-to-face interactions and can take away from hands-on learning experience.

During the first day of classes, I was already fighting off the desire to engage myself so that I could enter deep into the realms of my phone and away from Shakespeare’s theater.

“Technology is definitely useful; it helps makes things easier,” said Lindsay Popp, senior organizational-corporate communications major. “Personally, though, I do not use technology in the classroom. I like writing notes in my notebook because I retain the information better.”

I can recall times I’ve sat in class, watched a PowerPoint presentation and walked out not remembering any bit of it because I simply thought, “it’s online; I can just review it later.”

Well, I can tell you that plan definitely tanked.

I am not saying technology is evil, but when it comes to the classroom, I believe it is ultimately making us far too dependent on our iPads, Samsungs, and so much more.

Our reliance on technology seems to have made this generation slaves to a cyber-reality.