In a world that seems to develop new gadgets and technological improvements every day, it often seems like the best way to connect to people worldwide - or across the hall - is through computers. While keeping up with current developments is good for the university, focusing too much on Web connections could lead to a loss of personal contact among students.
Ball State University prides itself on incorporating cutting-edge technology into its classrooms whenever possible, and the recent trend of using Web journals, blogs, as an extension of class discussion is no exception. Class-focused blogs help students connect and interact in ways the traditional classroom inhibits or simply makes impossible. Among other benefits, quiet students are given a venue to participate in discussion, and verbose students are given a forum for lengthy commentary without taking up valuable class time. The blogging trend also allows students to connect outside of class - continuing the (hopefully) intellectual discussion far beyond classroom hours and walls.
Still, Ball State must not forget the value of face-to-face contact. The Crossing Borders Outreach Team's peer pairing program connects international students with American partners, encouraging academic success for the new students and cultural enlightenment for everyone involved. The one-on-one nature of this program is its best feature, because the students will be able to foster relationships and truly help one another - something that would be more difficult if they had to log on to chat.
As this demonstrates, despite our increasing drive for more competitive high-tech methods of communication, we should never forget the difference a personal connection can make.
Ball State doesn't need the latest technology to become completely wireless - we can achieve that just by seeking more daily face-to-face connections.
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