First Posted: 2/18/2015
ADA — Ohio Northern University prides itself on brick and mortar tradition,.
In doing so, the college also encourages innovative and new ideas within its education. Technology itself, however, is seen as more of a supplementary tool to enhance its already existing practices and procedures.
In main offices, that might mean memos are received at a faster pace. Transcript orders and digital deliveries are offered through an easier, simplified and quicker process. Professors and students can communicate through email and secondary programs, sharing syllabi, articles, readings, grades and other information.
Then, of course, there are smart boards, computer labs and the ever-increasing amount of campus-wide wireless offered for free to students, faculty and staff.
Jeff Rieman, the university’s director of information technology, said it’s kind of expected now that students, faculty or professors have basic computer skills. The department estimates that for every student comes a plethora of modern-day devices, whether it’s a computer or laptop, smartphone or tablet, such as an iPad.
One of the biggest struggles is having enough wireless bandwidth to meet the demand of so many devices. Each year, the school increases the amount it can support, as applications such as Netflix or other streaming services grow in popularity.
Rather than focusing on any individual tool, these technological products and advancements are seen as a way to enhance the services and course work at Ohio Northern University.
The same goes for the decision to emphasize material rather than tools or programs in the classroom. Most of the time, students are already pretty well acquainted with programs needed for their majors; such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Google Docs.
The important thing, Rieman said, is that students have the ability and critical thinking skills to adapt to ever-changing businesses, expectations, technology and programs.
It’s second nature, Rieman said.
