The Whitworthian

Issue date: 11/13/07 Last Updated: 11/15/07

If you've taken more than one or two classes at Whitworth, chances are you've already experienced some sort of technological malfunction. Whether it happened during a presentation when no one could get the projector to work, or in a computer lab where no one could log on, the end result is always wasted time.

To be fair, these problems are apt to happen with any newer technology when applied to so many classrooms in the hands of so many different people. The problem isn't with the Instructional Technology Services. Neither is it with the tech employees whom professors inevitably call in when faced with a dilemma. Rather, the problem lies in the dependence on the technology itself.

Very few people would feel 100 percent comfortable giving a presentation in class without a PowerPoint to back them up. PowerPoint becomes a security blanket that somehow insulates the speaker from freezing, losing their place or losing their sanity, depending on their degree of fear of public speaking.

Personally, I tremble like a prefrosh being introduced to the class whenever I present something, regardless of my PowerPoint's excellence.

Rarely will a set of presentations go off without a hitch. Whenever my class presents something I just close my eyes for a short nap while listening to the usual clamor of voices, making outrageous claims of, “I KNOW I saved it on my student drive!”

This semester, I have experienced three separate problems with technology in three separate classes. In one, the audio did not work. My professor spent half of class trying to make the audio work so he could show the class a video.

Just at the point where half the class was involved in making suggestions, he gave up and went on to his next lecture. Instead of spending time learning, we spent half an hour trying to watch a five-minute video.

A second class had a similar problem, only with the video.

In another class, we spent 20 minutes trying to log on to our computers as a flustered tech guy asked us questions about the problem. The problem still persists like a multi-drug-resistant virus, occasionally rising up again to plague us.

These are all isolated instances, true, but the end result is always lost learning time and mounting frustration.

Instead of tripping over our heels in an attempt to use the most cutting-edge technology Whitworth ought to focus more on time tested methods. Oftentimes the quality of learning falls prey to the beast that is slavery to novelty.

Yes, technology in the classroom is fun. Yes, it can be a valid and useful aid. In many cases, however, it is only a cause of disconnection from the material and frustration for all involved.

Justin Lindborg is an opinions columnist and a sophomore majoring in English Literature. Contact him at justin.lindborg@whitworthian.com.

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