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The Panther Prints

March 19, 1996

Nicer Side of the Net

This is the Acadia of Borg. You will be Educated

by Jonathan Davis

In case you haven't heard it on the news, Acadia University in Wolfville NS is going high-tech. I mean, RE- ALLY high-tech.

By the year 2000, IBM laptop computers are going to be a standard part of the entering student package, right beside the condoms. This is part of a massive effort to keep on top of the technology game.

The argument is that computer competency, not just literacy, will be as important at the turn of this century as reading and writing were important at the turn of the last. To facilitate the predicted needs of the future, Acadia will be leasing a laptop to every student attending by the year 2000. Some students, mostly the Computer Science and Business Admin. faculties, will be starting this year.

But this isn't all. Acadia has teamed up with several private compa- nies (including IBM, MT&T, Marriott, and a division of American Express) to completely overhaul the campus, install- ing fibre-optics and other paraphernalia. Remember that old series of telephone ads (from the US) that were talking about video-conferencing classes to campuses all over the world? That is what Acadia is aiming for.

Each dorm room will have a

UPEI's comparatively low-tech computer labs Photo by L. Caborn

internet connection for the laptop. Yes, the phone and TV set will be included. The phones are custom, with special buttons for security and other sections of campus, voicemail, and three-way calling. The TV will be carrying video- conferencing material, as the classrooms will all be wired (hey Bob, change to channel 34, they're showing the frog dissection I'm skipping).

How are they doing this, with all of the cuts everyone is talking about? Simple, they are increasing tuition. People want to complain about a $3 increase in the Student Union fees, but how would you feel if you were getting a $1000 base tuition hike? They don't know exactly how much it will increase yet, but for all of the software, hard- ware, and building renovations, it is going to be ugly. And Acadia already has one of the highest tuition rates in the country.

Finally, the question of whether it will do any good. Acadia has sent teams to universities in the US which already using a policy of requiring students and faculty to have laptops, and they have come home feeling very positive about it. | only wonder if there are any Maritime universities that really have the resources to undertake such a phenomenal technological revolution.

by Yvonne MacKean The Political Studies Society executive recently had a meeting, and here's what is new: ;

1. End of Year Party

It was decided that we should try to have one, Dictator Henderson is going to pursue this matter with the faculty.

Information will be published and/ or send by email when it becomes available.

2. The Future

There was much discussion about next year. Although we will be without our glorious Dictator Henderson, there will be a sufficient core group left. All members were optimistic about recruit- ing, but it will be better left till next year. Except for me, I (as Secretary and slave labourer) am to advertise it here.

So, all you majors or minors (declared or just thinking about it),

consider (a) running for an executive position or (b) becoming a member of the PSS next year. It doesn't require much time and effort. It will give you a chance to get to know your fellow students and faculty in the department, and you may have a chance to have some fun. . . okay, the final incentive: it will look good on a resume! Stay tuned in September for further information about the club. . . think about all the things we can do without our esteemed Dictator at the helm (it's a party!).

And without further ramblings...

Event of The Week

The budget is released in the PEI legislature, shortly there after, a'76 Chev pickup backfires on Grafton Street and sends the MLAs scrambling under their desks. Deja vu, eh guys??

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