CYBER U: Ten Ways the Internet Can Make College Life Easier

By:Nicol Andrews

Gone are the days of correction tape, manual margin setting, and countless hours spent stooped over a card catalogue in the library. While our parents are not likely to let us soon forget how things were “back when they were in school,” we have a better way.

Over the last decade, the advent of the Internet and the proliferation of personal computers have dramatically altered how college students function. And, since both technologies owe a great deal of their origin and livelihood to the university community, it makes sense that the matriculating masses would benefit. Don’t forget that Bill Gates was studying at Harvard when the seeds of Microsoft® were born. Even the Internet’s roots can be traced back to California schools like UCLA and USC.

Today student life is buzzing with brainwaves and radio waves alike. Wireless Internet connections are growing like weeds on college campuses across the nation. And many students are lugging laptops in their backpacks alongside their required reading. The good news is that all of this technology helps to relieve some of the stress associated with higher education.

Here are several tips to help you navigate the system, but be careful because it can be a jungle out there!

1. Registering for classes. Thank goodness you don’t have to pack a lunch to register for classes anymore. Most universities have made this an online task, but be sure to know the dates you are allowed to begin registration because classes tend to fill up quickly. Also be prepared. Know what courses you need to register for. University homepages will likely provide this information.
2. Research, research, research! No question, the Internet is an unbelievably rich resource for research. The trouble, however, is finding too much information or information that may or may not be credible. Narrow searches by including as much detail as you can. And be discriminating. Remember, anyone can post to the Internet.
3. Online coursework. Quickly gaining popularity, virtual classrooms are now sophisticated enough to support students regardless of their physical location. Many schools even offer entire degree programs online, allowing students to balance education with other demands.
4. Buying textbooks. The Internet makes it easier to get books, often more cheaply, and sell them when you are finished. There are several online university bookstores that peddle used college texts. Watch out for the editions though. Many books are in their fifth, sixth, or seventh printing, and your professor will likely want you to have the most current edition.
5. Digital drop boxes. Can you submit assignments electronically? This should be one of the first questions you ask in order to avoid dashing across campus, paper in hand, five minutes before the deadline. Obviously this option is up to each professor’s discretion. Many universities are incorporating systems that allow you to turn in papers electronically, likely time and date stamped, without filling up the teacher’s E-mail box.
6. Study forums. Some campuses provide services that encourage online study groups by creating communities per class. But if not, don’t let that stop you. Setting up chat forums on any of the large content portals is a snap. Also, instant messaging members of your class is a great way to study for a test.
7. Paying fees, dues, bills, and tickets. One thing colleges certainly share in common is their ability to extract funds from students. Check to see if yours will allow you to make payments, from tuition and fees to parking tickets, online. This will save you many a trip across campus.
8. E-mailing the professor. Often college professors have varying schedules making it tough to track them down. While you want to avoid flooding your professors with questions, E-mail is a great way to communicate with them. Most likely they will appreciate your initiative, as long as you keep it short and to the point.
9. Course web sites. Knowing how to access your course syllabus online may save you lots of grief or at least your grade point average. Most students learn quickly that the course syllabus is their most trusted resource when it comes to keeping up with assignments, tests, and required reading. Accessing it online helps keep things one “mouse click” away. Some course web sites also include announcements, class notes, and other useful information.
10. Financial aid. Don’t miss out on various options for funding your education because you didn’t know about an important deadline. Do you know the difference between a PLUS and a Perkins? The Internet can help. You can apply or reapply for financial aid and loans online. While your school’s homepage will likely have a financial aid section, www.fafsa.org is also a good place to start.¹