10 Ways Technology Has Changed Campus, and 10 Ways It Hasn't

by Heather Owen

As a soon-to-be-graduated senior at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus, I’m finding plenty of time to reminisce on these past four years. I’ve thought about how the campus has changed, mostly thanks to the 2006 Christmas present wrapped in a tornado, which rearranged a few campus buildings. I’ve also thought about how my group of friends has changed. But the change that has struck me most is the emergence of technology on campus. When I started in 2004, Facebook was still a start-up, Blackboard had just been implemented on campus, and Britney Spears still had hair.

Embry-Riddle has long been a leader in cutting-edge aviation and aerospace education, so it’s only natural that the university is also breaking boundaries with technology used in the lives of us students. Here’s my list of Top 10 technologies at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses:

Flight simulators - Many Riddle students are pilots. But they’re just that: student pilots. Learning 10,000 feet up can be dangerous, so simulators keep students and flight instructors safe, airplanes in one piece, and rising gas prices at a minimum. Lifelike simulation in different airplane models can prepare pilots for everyday flight procedures or dangerous conditions without actually risking lives. Besides, it’s not every day you can flip a Cessna 172 and then press the reset button following a crash.
Air traffic control labs - Students in ATC practice controlling air space in a nearly lifelike and finely detailed digital reproduction of Daytona Beach International Airport. They can practice landing Delta during a storm, AirTran during a NASCAR race, or Lufthansa on a sunny Arizona afternoon. There is always a restart button in case of emergency. If only real-life was as easy!
Personal response devices - Ever feel like you’re on a game show in class? The professor asks a question and everyone’s arm shoots up. Yeah, right! To increase class participation, many Embry-Riddle professors have incorporated clicker devices similar to game show buzzers. They also give a teacher immediate evaluation of whether the class understands the topic. If only lifelines were built into them. Phone a friend, anyone?
Blackboard tests - Now that you understand the topic it’s time for a test. Students can log onto their Blackboard accounts and access their tests from the convenience of their dorm or apartment. Most tests are open book, so you won’t need to phone that friend, after all.
LAN parties- After all the stresses of school, it’s great to get together with friends and wreak destruction in a video game. LAN parties, hosted by the Embry-Riddle Resident Student Association, offer late night video gaming, stress releasing, and homework-avoiding fun.
Washer/dryer website – Nothing is more tedious than lugging your six weeks’ laundry from your dorm, only to find all of the washer and dryers occupied. To avoid this waste of time and effort, students can check a website for the availability of washer and dryers. Now you can do laundry more often.
Digital media course - For the more artistic Embry-Riddle student, the university recently introduced a Digital Media course. Under direction of a digital media specialist, the course teaches students how to digitally edit photos and produce museum-quality prints.
iPods - No, iPods are not new. But I’m getting more use out of mine than just music. This past summer, I transferred to our campus in Prescott, Ariz., to take Chinese language classes before spending the next several weeks in China. I was struggling with the language and didn’t want to continuously lug around my numerous, heavy books. So, I downloaded Chinese lessons onto my iPod and listened while I walked to class or even as I was running. I can’t say my Chinese is great, but at least it improved.
Web-based financial aid estimator - Determining how much money to take out in loans is difficult. In response, this tool helps students determine their projected semester costs and arrive at a loan estimate.
Online library research - Whether I have a paper due about pre-colonial Africa or the air speed velocity of an African swallow, the library’s online search tools put all the facts at my fingertips. Though it’s not a complete database, students can access research papers, newspaper articles, and reference guides. If the library doesn’t have it, you can even have that book sent to you.

Although I regularly use technology in school, it’s a relief to know not everything has been handed over to computers. After all, a computer can’t tell you you’re having a bad hair day or you need to chew on a Tic-Tac. While we live in a high-tech society, we’re still humans who crave high touch. Here’s my Top 10 list of things that I’m glad have not changed on campus.

Student and faculty interaction – I’m majoring in communications, one of the smallest degree programs at Daytona Beach. The smaller classes and fewer students originally drew me to the program and, now in my fourth year, I have excellent resources through professors who are established in their fields. Sure, they’re more likely notice if I miss class or turn in an assignment late, but they’re also the first to support my career ambitions and provide all the opportunities to achieve them. In addition, through a mentoring program I’m able to cultivate connections with assigned mentors in diverse communications fields.
School spirit - I cheered on the Embry-Riddle cheerleading team for four years. During my tenure, I got a front-row glimpse of all the basketball games. I got to dance to the pep band and cheer alongside the Flock. I was even let in on the secret of who hides in the Ernie the Eagle mascot suit. But, most important, I got to experience the school pride of our fans. Whether they were painting the Spirit Rock or painting themselves for a home soccer game, they represent the pride Embry-Riddle deserves.
Campus tours - While some universities are switching to online campus tours, it’s impossible for a student to fully grasp a campus without seeing it firsthand. Tour guides, who are students themselves, can answer your specific questions right on the spot. They were incoming freshman once, and they understand the transition to college. They can also give the best look at Embry-Riddle student life. The only thing left is to determine whether you prefer your campus in the desert heat of Arizona or the beach humidity of Florida.
Socializing - In an age of Facebook, MySpace, and text messaging, I’m glad there is still human-to-human interaction. Campus has everything from intramural sports and BBQ tailgating before rivalry games to Greek life and concerts featuring top recording artists. So, put up an “away” message and head out to lie on the beach or rock-climb in the desert. After all, a natural tan is always better than a computer screen tan.
Advising services – During my seventh semester, I bypassed my academic advisor, figuring I had this college thing worked out and could pick my own classes. I signed up for classes and got the necessary signatures. But when I showed up the first day I found I had signed up for Arabic II. I barely understand math in the English language, much less a language with no resemblance to English. Perhaps there is a reason the school provides these advisors.
In-class tests - Got a good grade? Send it to your parents or use it for refrigerator decoration. Cash in your bragging rights. Got a bad grade? Use it as a liner for the litter box or a makeshift coaster. At least it was useful to someone.
Cafeteria - The cafeterias offer a wide variety of foods, from Chinese and Mexican to Italian and American. My freshman year I tried my luck at being a vegetarian. While that phase didn’t continue, it was nice to know the option was there. Then along came Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. Now I have to watch my consumption of too many waffle fries. But, whether I’m watching my figure or divulging in some comfort food, I can rest assured Embry-Riddle will fill my bytes.
On-campus bookstore - If you take the initiative to purchase books before classes, good for you. I’m a procrastinator, so I always need my books last minute. However, with helpful guidance from the bookstore staff, you can still find good deals for used books. Bonus: at the end of the semester, the book buy-back plan puts money back in your pocket. Now, if only I could stop buying those caramel macchiatos!
Campus newspaper - With newspapers quickly becoming digital, it’s nice to still pick up a campus newspaper packed with campus news, sudoku puzzles, and the latest movie reviews. I won’t even complain when I can’t get those ink smudges off.
Late-night cramming - As I already said, I’m a procrastinator. I find myself, hours before a final, cramming in the library. But even though I have the online library resource, it’s nice that the librarians are there to help me find information quickly. After all, I only have a few hours.

As I reminisce, I also look to the future. Although these technologies may become antiquated in the next four years, today they are the most cutting-edge and offered on both campuses. As for the human touch, it’s nice to know that it will never become outdated.

Heather Owen is a senior majoring in Communications at the Daytona Beach campus.