We can’t outrun technology. Everywhere around us, technology is an integral part of our daily lives and only become increasingly more visible, viable and necessary. Even colleges and universities across the country are beginning to increasingly integrate technology into their classrooms and facilities.

Today, 86% of college students own a cell phone, and 12% of them own smart phones with access to the Internet. 73% of college students own their own laptops and 44% of students claim to use the Internet around 15 hours a week. With numbers like these, it’s hard to argue that students aren’t becoming increasingly dependent on their technological devices. And it’s about time higher education caught up with the trend.

In college today, professors especially are beginning to warm up to the use of technology in the classroom. Many upload their class syllabi, course work, notes and grades online for students to access and even provide students with online chat rooms to facilitate discussion, group projects and sharing of relevant ideas. Many find that by increasing their students’ connectivity, they can increase their ability to learn the information as well as their interest in the subject. Some professors are even providing students with "online office hours." This is a time when instructors will be available via email for students to ask questions and even turn in assignments. By also opening themselves up for easy access, students feel more comfortable seeking the help they really need than they might if they had to face the professor in person. Also in the classroom, there is a shift to video presentations and power point slides rather than the more traditional chalk board notes or paper handouts. Students can therefore actively engage in the lecture and then download the presentation for later review.

Many universities are also initiating cell phone notification systems. Students, faculty and staff can register their cell phone numbers with the college and they will receive free text message notifications in the event of an emergency or school closing. This kind of connectivity allows the school to communicate with thousands of people in a very short window of time.

As we know, the creation and use of technology is increasing at a rapid rate. It’s nice to see that institutions of higher education are addressing students’ dependence on technology and incorporating it into their systems and classrooms.