Gadgets and Gizmos Galore

Of all the student related topics I've covered so far in my blogs, there's still another one that absolutely needs to be discussed -- the most hip gadgets that define the latest trends in technology. Even though there's hundreds of devices I could discuss, focusing on the college tech trends seems reasonable for this blog. In the college scene, gadgets are the hottest talk. Some of the newest technological gadgets are electronic notebooks, e-book readers, Apple I-Phone, and the I-Pod Touch. These portable gadgets can keep a student connected to friends and family, to the internet, to the latest music, movies, and games, inaddition to an unlimited number of different applications which can be downloaded.

The laptop computer is one of the most handy tools a student can have. While it can't magically compose a perfect research paper. it can get you a whole lot further than pencil and paper alone. Word document programs can tackle the most common types of writing assignments, and with on site internet access you can save yourself a trip to the library to do research. The portability of the laptop computer means that you can take it with you and work on school assignments, e-mail or chat with classmates and teachers, or surf the internet virtually any where, any time.

The Apple iPhone and iPod Touch are two new devices that are equally entertaining and educational. Both of these hand held devices offer a huge array of applications which for a nominal fee can be downloaded. The applications include helpful programs that range from study guides for algebra and statistics to foreign language tutors. Yep there's an app for everything. Not only are there educational applications, but also applications to help you keep track of your class schedule and assignments, get directions, buy books on line, check classroom blackboards onliine, etc. And, of course, there are applications, games, movies, music, and the internet for you to amuse yourself with when you are taking a break from your studies.

The e-book is the newest gadget to hit the market. It allows you to download books to a handheld reader, thereby giving you instant access to many books, anytime, any place. There is a fee for downloading the book and there are restrictions on sharing the book. Who knows, before long a student's backpack may be a thing of the past, and students may be able to just carry a portable e-book and have access to all of their textbooks.

I rely heavily on my laptop computer for doing my school work and find it to be an invaluable tool. Not only do I use the wordprocessing feature to compose papers, but I also am able to do on-line research, go on line to check my teacher's blackboard, download and print class notes and study materials, e-mail my classmates and students, post and read blogs, etc. Of course, the portability is the best feature. My laptop allows me to do these things anywhere there is a wi-fi connection. I just received an i-Pod Touch for my 19th birthday last week, but can already see how the array of applications available will be useful in my studies. In addition, because it can fit in my pocket, it is even more portable than my laptop, and still allows me to have internet access. By taking advantage of these technological advances and utilizing their unique features, they can save students alot of time and help them become more organized and proficient in the school work.