Dear Readers,

    My head is full of disconnected thoughts, so it might be a good time to write about a miscellaneous topic. I thought it might just be interesting to abstractly chart the everyday tools I’ve utilized throughout different stages of life.

    But before I start, I must squeeze in a disclaimer: I am not, for the duration of this article, going to speak of how technology has improved our lives and how we’ve gone from snail mail to e-mail to instant messaging, blogging and social networking. We all know that story. Instead, I find it more interesting that an entire university curriculum can be dependent on computers, Web sites, and shared digital intellectual property.

    I remember a peculiar thought striking me on the eve of my first day of college. To save you from the torture of a tedious and less than thrilling anecdote, the gist of it was that I realized that I wasn’t sure if I should still bring a notebook and pencil to class. We all know that in primary, middle and high school, the aforementioned tools are essential. But in college, a Word document can not only save trees but take the place of pens, highlighters, rulers and much more. And don’t get me started on wireless Internet!

    The wonders of that mass pool of knowledge (that is littered with pockets of junk) are truly astronomical. And the fact that all students can access it anywhere on campus is even more alluring.

    On the other hand, from the professors’ standpoint, even their notes and assignments are now uploaded to a unique domain online, on which homework can be submitted, graded and discussed as necessary! “The problem set is posted online” and “if you have any questions, just e-mail me” have become common introductory phrases.

    Anyway, I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I hope this served as a quick snapshot of what to expect when you go to college.

    Sincerely, Laiyin