There once was a time, not so long ago, where the mere concept of the devices we now consider a necessity was inconceivable.
Imagine waking up tomorrow and having to live without smartphones, Wi-Fi, tablets and MP3 players. They have integrated themselves so well into our lives, they are irreplaceable.
The world has come to depend on technology in ways that make us question how we survived in the previous era. For those who embrace this reality it can be a beautiful convenience.
On Nov. 1, Lethbridge College lau
nched a new portal and email for current students, staff and prospective students. The latest changes will make both features more user-friendly.
With social media integration, weather forecasts, to-do lists and a class calendar, the site will better appeal to those tech-savvy users. However in today’s day and age it seems that term applies to most individuals.
It’s no longer uncommon for parents to have the newest technological advances before their teenage children.
The college has taken the digital movement to a whole new level with the introduction of a smartphone app for the college, also launched on Nov. 1.
The new app will make the connection to classmates, teachers, services, courses and college news more accessible than ever. This takes on the literal meaning as well, as the app also contains maps of the campus for simple navigation.
The app is called MOX and includes over 50 post-secondary institutions to choose from.
We can do anything and everything with our smartphones. Gone are the days when phones are used for the sole purpose of calling and texting. Today, those without a smartphone are actually in the minority.
Natasha Buis, manager of academic advising and student recruitment, says 40 to 50 per cent of students who attend the college access the current portal and email through a smartphone device.
“We know students are on Facebook, Kijiji, all of the sites. So why wouldn’t we be providing the most important information they need like courses, announcements and alerts, in a smartphone app that can be accessed on the go?” said Buis.
The app will create an overall better flow of communication due mainly to the fact smart phones have become our primary source for information, a lifeline.
At the college’s career conference, being held on Nov. 9, staff will be on hand from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. to help install the app for those wishing to download.
As society continues to move forward it appears the emphasis will remain on technology, as we search for new means to enhance our lives.
For those like Lethbridge College, who accept the challenge and adjust to current trends, there can be no denying the reward in giving people what they want. And right now, the people want an app for it.