There is nothing like an overcrowded bookstore and several hundred dollars spent on textbooks to dull the excitement of a new semester. Luckily, recent technologies offer new opportunities, and this spring 13 English literature students are foregoing the traditional dozen class novels in favor of the iPad.
These students are all part of the same discussion section for ENGL 3820, "History of Literatures in English II," taught by Prof. Bradley Pasanek and Asst. Prof. Jennifer Greeson. Enrolled in an experimental "pilot section," the students are working with multiple applications on their iPads, ranging from e-readers such as Google Books to their communal blog site, Pasanek said.
The devices are to be used only for class purposes, and only applications relating to reading or taking notes may be installed. All iPads are on the same account, which allows Pasanek to regulate the applications used. At the course's conclusion, students must return their iPads.
Many students said they were skeptical of the electronic class format when the semester began, but quickly adapted to the change.
"I was pleasantly surprised," third-year College student Nicolas Newman said.
Others, including third-year College student Jonathan Garber said they were excited to be able to try out the iPad itself.
Simply using an electronic resource in class makes for a completely new experience. The shift from a physical book to a digital screen changes how people absorb the literary material.
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