NIU needs to become more involved with the types of technology available to students.

Technology is always changing and growing, and college students tend to stay on top of the trends. Wireless stations have been implemented in many locations around campus within the past five years. While there are wireless access points available in places like the residence halls, the Holmes Student Center and Barsema Hall, other highly populated areas of campus are left out.

There are no wireless ports available in DuSable Hall or other main academic buildings. Many students often occupy these buildings for class and for studying in between classes and it would be helpful if they could access the Internet on their laptop computers while they study.

It is also time NIU begins to look at podcasting courses. Stanford University, the University of Florida and the University of Washington are just some of the college across the U.S. already providing podcasts, and NIU would benefit from following their example.

Podcasts are very effective in facilitating the learning experience because they can present curriculum-related material for students, as well as serve as a forum for educators to interact with one another in a more convenient and time-effective way than can the typical classroom setting.

Podcasting should not be viewed as an opportunity for students to escape the classroom, but rather an opportunity for them to access supplemental material or listen to a lecture.

While we are appreciative of the technology provided to us, we would like to see NIU take a step toward podcasting and offering more wireless access points.