I just read this article about Purdue’s plans for the “post-PC era”.
Here are my thoughts about the idea of the desktop computer getting replaced by more mobile devices in colleges.
So what this article really is about is how bad Microsoft sucks, ha. They’re solutions for educational institutions are almost as outdated as Gerry McCartney’s views on the future of mobile devices at Purdue and how “This idea that I have to go to a PC and sit down and use it is as quaint as having to go to a phone to use a phone” (Gerry quote).
That’s pretty laughable. It made me do so, actually. The fastest way a human can input information into a computer is with a keyboard. Many times students have to stare at computer screens for long periods of time… so think of the pros that go into the ergonomics of having to “go to a PC and sit down and use it” . Having the display eye level, sitting up straight, ect. This aspect was missing from his view of the future of Purdue’s potential IT plans, Gerry describes a generation of crooked spine-ed youth.
The money issue is a completely different beast that I don’t really know anything about, but using Microsoft seems to be the equivalent to digging a large hole to throw it in to. Here’s my 2 word solution for Purdue to save money, Google Apps. 3 reasons for this:
- Less hardware – Uses Google servers and many PC’s and desktops would only need to have a browser and internet connection to function.
- Cuts need for IT employees in half – Basically just needs student/customer help service with a few repair geeks.
- Mobile device compatible – Google already has mobile versions of all applications like GMail, Docs, Calendar, Tasks, ect.
The answer is not to get rid/replace desktop PC’s in order to get ready for the future. It’s to use them in conjunction with a system that’s already optimized for mobile devices. The desktop computer isn’t going anywhere for awhile.
I’m sure that there’s just a generational disconnect for Gerry McCartney and technology, but his ideas of the future of educational computing plus his control of Purdue’s IT plans makes him weener of the week.
