It’s obvious that technology will no longer have a frivolous role in education in the near future. Since the first photo projector was used in a classroom, technology has shaped and enhanced the way teachers instruct and students learn. With rumors of a new Apple e-reader emerging, educational institutions should make note of the potential educational possibilities these devices harbor.

Some universities are already knowledgeable of and are utilizing this opportunity. The University of Missouri requires admitted freshmen of the School of Journalism to own an Apple iPod Touch or equivalent. Although this requirement may seem rash, it promises academic, leisurely and financial support for students.

“We understand the presence of mobile devices and try to make [learning] more convenient,” said Brian S. Brooks, professor of News-Editorial, associate dean for Undergraduate Studies and Administration.

The university utilized Apple’s technology to go beyond the limitations of normal course materials required by other universities. For example, using the iPod/iPhone as an e-reader is only one purpose for the device and is under the umbrella of uses for it.

“We used it for designing a freshmen orientation app., delivering course material such as video, audio and supplemental readings that cannot be delivered in a class or large lecture,” Brooks said.

When asked if the university would remove all paper text and go digital, Brooks said, “We would love to head in that direction, but unfortunately that is not possible yet. However, we are keeping an eye on [technology] and are looking at the impact e-readers have and will have.”

The standard price of an Apple iPod Touch is $199. This hefty price, however, can be evaded. The University requires students to have this device in order for Federal Law to deem it necessary for inclusion with financial aid. This is a relief for those who cannot afford the iPod, for they can now attain a device that will be beneficial to their academic and leisurely time. The iPhone/iPod can serve as a distraction, however. But other e-reader devices still outweigh conventional paper books.

When compared to e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle (10.3 ounces), Sony’s Portable Reader (9 ounces) or the iPod Touch (4.05 ounces), the weight of the required texts for five different courses seems annoyingly overweight. Why carry numerous books around campus when you can have all and more in one device? Moreover, what will become of the purchased paper books after this semester?

Students could sell it back to the local bookstore, but it is not required for bookstores to buy it back from every student. Not being able to do this is probably the only limitation of e-readers.

“We accept books from students based on demand for the next semester,” said Chris Bentz, assistant manager of VCB bookstore. “The most a student can receive is 50% of the purchased price, and that is based on need. The maximum of 50% would only be paid if there is a high demand (little to no books in stock).”

Although this ability is not available with e-readers, replacing books with these devices will deem more efficient.

E-readers’ functions, compared to a book, seem endless. Amazon’s Kindle promises the support of most, if not all, text as well as audio files. The ability to read the text while listening to the audio book simultaneously makes a standard book obsolete. Just like a book, you can manually highlight, bookmark and create annotations for the text you read on the Kindle. Professors can request textbooks to be converted to eBooks by simply calling the publication to have it authorized, and Amazon will convert them for Kindle use.

With the technology advancing every day, it should be a priority of a university to utilize it to the best of its abilities. Even though technology at times may be a distraction in the classroom, it should not be seen as a blockade. Utilizing its possibilities will only enhance our educational system.

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