Courtesy of KRTThe future of the communications department can be literally found in the palm of one’s hands with the purchase of a palm. Beginning this year, the tool has become a requirement for all incoming freshmen.
The consensus amongst the communications faculty is that the palm will be useful for time management and organization. The ability to “beam” students their assignments and class notes is another feature for the palm.
To avoid the image of seeing the palm being used as an expensive paperweight, professors in the communications department had been teaching the freshmen the different uses of the palm.
Why is the communications department putting emphasis on this tool? Dawn Francis, an English/communications professor and also the one behind the palm lessons, said, “Our department is pushing it more because we realize the importance of technology.”
After a recent broadcasting panel, which featured representation from all forms of communication, students lined up to have their palm beamed the contact information of everyone on that panel. This scenario puts the whole idea behind the palm in perspective.
The main concern with the requirement of palm seems to be the money. Maria D’Alessandro, an English/communications freshman, said, “I hear complaints about the price of the palm.”
Matt Mani, also an English/communications freshman, who displayed a Zire 71, said, “I like it (Palm) because it’s popular with its many features.” Some of the Zire 71 features are a built in camera and a MP3 player.
There will be a time when other students will be pressured to purchase a palm so as not to be left out of the communications society. Maria DeVirgiliis, an English/communications sophomore, said, “Organization wise it’s nice, but money-wise, it’s weak.” DeVirgillis received a free palm for her co-facilitator duties but could understand the frustration in affordability.
Dr. Hal Halbert, an English/communications professor, said, “Members of the department are excited while others are tolerant.” Halbert mentioned that without ITR help it has become frustrating for those students who have trouble synching their palm to their computer.
Halbert said, “It would be inappropriate to go into a student’s dorm so it is important for ITR to become aware of the palm’s technology. Consistency cannot be reached without everyone’s involvement.”
What does the future hold for Cabrini’s communication department? Dr. Jerry Zurek, the English/communications chairman, said, “In a couple of years, we hope to have transmitters in the ceilings.” This would allow all students to be quickly beamed their assignments without doing it individually.
Zurek said, “By graduation we hope students (freshmen) to have 100 contacts in their palm.”
For those interested in obtaining a Palm the recommended ones are the Zire 71, which is listed at Staples at a price of $299.99 or the Palm M130, which is listed at Staples at a price of $194.99.
Posted to the web by Lancaster Phillips
