Tag Archives: university

Graduate School and the iPad

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I have owned an iPad since last April, but never really used it to its fullest potential on campus.  Last semester, I took a picture of all the books and articles I read through out the semester.  The fact of the matter was I downloaded all the articles from BlackBoard and recycled them at the end of the semester since I had saved a digital copy on my computer.  This made me realize that I really needed to use the iPad for more than just email, web, and entertainment.  There had to be an app that would allow me to create a folder system for my classes, and there was.  I found the app GoodReader for $2.99.  I figured it would be worth it for an app that worked on the iPad and iPhone (since I have both).  I purchased the app last fall and began to work with it.  I decided it was the best candidate for this semester.

Steve Jobs Unveils the iPad, January 27, 2010

A week before classes began, I created a folder system within GoodReader which broke down the course by week.  This would allow me to download the PDF files from BlackBoard directly to GoodReader on the iPad and place it in the proper folder.  It may sound complicated, but it makes things much easier than keeping track of a paper version of the article.  After all, printing the articles seemed like a waste of paper when I could just as easily read them on the iPad.

When the semester began, I downloaded the readings for week two for my courses and placed them within the proper folders.  I always have my iPad with me on campus, and so now when I have a free moment, I can read articles for class while on campus.  With the paper versions, I would have to bring them with me if I wanted to do that, and there is no guarantee free time will present itself.

After working with the iPad for almost a year, and experimenting with reading PDF files on it for three weeks, I can honestly say it makes my life easier.  I could have just as easily purchased a laptop (or kept my MacBook), but the iPad is much thinner and a pound lighter than the lightest MacBook Air.  The touch interface also make the reading of articles easier as I can easily adjust the zoom using a pinching motion.  As a student, the iPad does everything I want it to do and more.

Screen shot of GoodReader’s Folder System

Apple’s Steve Jobs described the iPad last year as “magical.”  But he was not far off.  There is something more intimate about the iPad over a laptop or even a desktop.  I find that I am using the iPad more than my iPhone!  I may be a little biased, but the iPad is truly a multi-talented product that has changed the way we think about computing.  That was evident at this years Consumer Electronics Show.  Over 40 new tablets were demoed and will be released by the end of this year.  The iPad is making my grad school experience a little easier, and I look forward to using it for years to come!

Next weekend, I will begin reviewing my classes by looking at HIST 696.  Until then…

-Eric

(P.S.  I wanted to take a little space to express my sincere wishes that Steve Jobs get well soon so that he may return to Apple from his Medical Leave of Absence.)

JMU: A History

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As a historian, I cannot go anywhere without knowing the history of the area and James Madison University is no different.  I recent read the history of JMU and thought I would share what I learned!  JMU is a public university that was founded in 1908.  JMU began as The State Normal and Industrial School for Women which was changed in 1924 to State Teachers College.  The name stuck until 1938 when it was named Madison College in honor of James Madison.  When Madison College achieved University level in 1976, the name was changed to James Madison University.

The quad (where Jackson Hall is located) makes up the original buildings on campus.  These buildings are constructed of Virginia Blue Stone which is native to the Shenandoah Valley.  There have been many structures added to the campus and today there are 102 major structures on campus.  This does not count the recent purchase of Rockingham County Hospital.  This adds 700 parking spaces and several buildings to campus.  The final takeover of the former hospital property will not take place until January 1, 2011.  On the subject of parking – JMU has several parking lots and four parking decks with five levels each.  Commuter students have parking reserved for them in each parking deck and there are several commuter student lots around campus.

JMU in 1937

JMU has a very unique campus.  The views of the Shenandoah are breathtaking, but there are also a few other interesting features.  The one thing that is hard to miss is I-81.  It divides campus in half!  It makes getting across campus difficult because there are few places to cross the interstate (there are only two crossing points, a bridge and a tunnel).  There is also a major railroad line that goes through campus as well.  It is bizarre seeing railroad crossings on sidewalks!  Another major site on campus is Newman Lake.  The lake is man-made, but it adds a level of class to the campus!

JMU has a reputation for sports!  They have teams for football, basketball, soccer, women’s swimming, diving, women’s volleyball, baseball, women’s lacrosse, field hockey, golf, cross country, track and field, and softball.  The mascot is Duke, the Bulldog and he is dressed in royal purple.  Personally, I am looking forward to JMU football games, although the stadium is currently under construction to add a level of suites!  Speaking of reputation, JMU has a reputation as a party school.  With so many students living off campus, there are complexes in town that are known for their parties.  Last semester, a riot broke out during the annual Springfling, police and students clashed.  A similar instance occurred in 2000.  The party flavor is fueled by the 2002 Party School Rankings by Playboy which listed JMU.

Duke Dog

JMU also has been ranked positively, however.  JMU has been ranked #1 in the region (South) for the past 17 years by US News & World Reports.  JMU is also listed 3rd overall (these are the 2011 rankings).  In addition, Forbes has ranked JMU 22nd in the nation among public institutions.  So, it is possible to get an eduction at JMU between the parties!  There are have also been a number of “famous” alumni from JMU and for a list you can click HERE.

Today, JMU is set on 655 acres and is in the center of Harrisonburg, Virginia.  The school colors are purple and gold.  There are 2,600 faculty members and approximately 18,500 students (both graduate and undergraduate).  This means there is a 7/1 student-professor ratio!!  That is a number expected at a private institution, not a public school!

I am looking forward to the beginning of school next week and will keep the blog up to date to the best of my ability!

In my next blog – I plan to give the history of Harrisonburg itself!  Remember, the Civil War was largely fought in the Shenandoah Valley and Harrisonburg has a rich history!

-Eric