3 New Technologies That Will Change College Life

By Diane Kollman on April 26, 2013

For students thirty years ago, cell phones, iPods, and the Internet would have seemed like unrealistic gadgets from an episode of Star Trek. Today, however, these inventions have become a normal part of college life. What types of technologies will become common for the next generation of college students? Here are a few of the top contenders for the popular devices of the future:

3D Printers

Simply create or download a digital blueprint of the object you wish to create and then print! This printer constructs a three-dimensional object by adding layers of material, such as plastic, paper, or metal.

“Multimedia” class projects might take on a whole new meaning if 3D printers become widely used on college campuses. Engineering, industrial design, and art majors may be expected to utilize these machines in their coursework. Moreover, college students could invest in a 3D printer and decorate their living spaces with unique lamps, wall clocks, and sculptures. These printers are also capable of creating phone cases, kitchen utensils, shoes, tools, and even guitars. [Guitar Design Credit: Olaf Diegel] The possibilities will be endless.

Google Glass

With this wearable computer, users will be able to take pictures, record videos, send messages, check the weather, and receive directions. Imagine being able to record professor lectures to watch later when you’re reviewing for the exam. Using a video camera during class would be somewhat frowned upon now, but with Google Glass, it might become common practice.

Campus navigation could become easier with digital maps specific to individual universities. Whether students are walking, biking, or driving, the hands-free aspect of Google Glass would allow them to travel around campus without seeming like lost freshmen or having to fumble with maps while on the road.

Google Glass is a promising concept, but there are a few flaws. First, the current selling price is $1,500 – that’s almost the cost of two semesters of books. In addition, current portable electronics are already huge distractors in college classrooms, diverting students’ attention away from their education. Google Glass may only further promote this distractibility.

GPS Bike Tracker

Programs designed to locate stolen laptops are widely used by college students, but what about those that can track something that is stolen much more often – bikes? The SpyBike GPS Tracker operates via a small device installed inside the headset of the bike. Through the use of an accompanying electronic key ring, the owner can activate the device when they leave their bike. The device will sense vibrations if the bike is being transported while the owner is away, and the owner will receive an SMS alert message. The Integrated Trackers’ website will display the coordinates of the bike, allowing the owner to notify the police of the thief’s location.

Although investing in this particular tracking system may not be worthwhile at present, with a few adjustments to simplify the system and make it more affordable, this product would become a must-have for any bicyclist on campus.

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