So It Begins

I'm back in school and here's some of what's changed in the past 15 years:

•  Emails to and from professors! I remember touring engineering colleges, when that seemed to be the direction I was heading, and the ability to submit electronic work product was touted as NEW! and SPECIAL! Now it's just a matter of course.
• Ye Olde College Bookstore is now run by a national chain and isn't the only game in town. There were always people selling used books, but now they can be located anywhere in the world, and online booksellers not only undercut the on-campus shop but don't close their doors at (ahem) 4PM??? While in class on my laptop, I can also check to see if the book is available at the school library or public libraries in the area.
• Online course registration. This is ten times more complicated than it has to be, but still better than registering in person or with automated phone systems.
• I've been able to get syllibi and course documents in digital form, which can be transferred to my study-wiki where they can't be misplaced, lost, or misquoted.
• Some classrooms have outlets for laptops and tables designed for power cords. This is so awesome!
• Smart boards. I've read about them, and now I've seen them, but still haven't seen them in action. How can any teacher or professor have a tool like this available and not use it?
• Wi-fi seemingly everywhere, or at least I haven't found any dead spots yet. Back in the day we had to use dial-up. From our dorm rooms. Using the same lines we'd use for voice, which then became unavailable--in a time before cell phones or voicemail. So we'd have to go incommunicato in order to connect at Stone Age speed from a desktop machine. Okay, now I officially feel old.

These are all changes for the better and play to my strengths as a digital learner. Classes are keeping me busy, but I'm enjoying myself imensely.