Twelve years, it had been twelve years since I had stepped into a classroom. My sophomore year of school seemed so distant and fuzzy. The school has grown, the parking lot expanded, and the amount of students enrolled has tripled since I’ve been gone. Laptops and cell phones are now the norm and they occupy every ear and every table. People now huddle in groups around the few outlets in the commons; they are an oasis of power for the machines we seem to be attached to.
Social websites thread a bit of irony into the room. Groups of students forcing themselves to be social but at the same time the topic of discussion is the social networking sites they hold so dear. It’s a feedback loop of social reclusiveness.
Paper and pen have been replaced with binary code deciphered by our computer screens. Texting has left an aftermath of misspellings and slang in its wake. Grammar has taken a back seat.
Younger students expect information to be instant in the classroom; seeking the fastest information instead of information rich with understanding. They seek spoon-fed information that is able to be regurgitated onto standardized tests; an expectation left over from standardized high school curriculum. Professors are accommodating and tailor their lecture with Power Point presentations, emails, and steep grading curves. I’ve even heard the word ‘client’ used in reference to a student.
Things have changed. Some have gone too far. Political correctness seems to be the underlying theme. Education is formatted and rigid instead of fluid and moldable.
There are some changes that have become excellent tools for research and learning. When used properly, the advantage is astonishing. The ability to have a library beneath your fingers and have an open communication with professors is a priceless resource. Books are being replaced with digital formats and intricate study guides. Flashcards can be sent to your smartphone faster than you can retrieve note cards and practice tests are available from the publishing companies.
Unfortunately college has become a learning factory geared towards testing and scores. There are still some professors who harbor the true idea of learning. They understand that learning is a social act and human interaction is needed and desired. Knowledge streams better from a peer than from a wi-fi connection .
