Simple tech solutions needed at university

Starting next fall, Information Technology Services will start to offer a virtual computer lab that will allow students to use software that NYU has paid for, such Microsoft Word and Visual Studio, from any computer with internet access.

The WSN Editorial Board applauds this well-thought-out initiative. We think it shows that NYU has responded to student needs. But there are still small technological issues that the university could easily fix that are, quite simply, inconvenient and irritating.

NYUHome and student e-mail need major overhauls. The e-mail system's layout is unwieldy, attaching documents is a hassle, and the storage limit is entirely too small. Other universities, such as the universities of Rochester and Missouri, employ Gmail as their main student e-mailing system. We think NYU should follow suit. Many students don't even use their .edu addresses because it's inconvenient, and converting to Gmail may remedy that.

More importantly, Albert remains inefficient. The 10-minute time limit, while a good idea in theory, can be incredibly annoying, particularly when students are registering for courses. Extending this time, even by just a few minutes, would make it work much better. Finding classes can also be a daunting and frustrating effort, which is something we think should be addressed.

We acknowledge that NYUHome has practical capabilities. Although Blackboard doesn't have the uploading capacity of other services, such as Google documents, it is the outline of a great system for communication between professors and students.

But new technology is nullified if professors are unable to utilize it. Technologically equipped classrooms are irrelevant if professors waste lecture time waiting for technicians to learn how to use the Smart Board or PowerPoint projector. The university should ensure that all professors are proficient with such technologies. This would cut down on wasted time, and it would enrich the learning experience as a whole.

We understand that these are small, nuanced concerns. The university has much to offer in the way of technology — its new plan to eventually bring wireless internet to dorms is another step forward that was long overdue. But when all of these small inconveniences are compounded, the student experience as a whole suffers. And if the university wants to remain competitive, it can't ignore these hindrances.

NYU has the infrastructure in place. It just needs to turn on the switch.