E-mail, Internet help students make most of their studies at the 'U'

From keeping in touch with friends around the world to a cheap, quick way of asking your parents for money to checking on the latest announcements from professors, e-mail has become a major form of communication for University students.

"I check my e-mail at least once or twice a day," said Romica Singh, an LSA sophomore.

Although most University students quickly become proficient in the use of e-mail and the Internet, many come to the University having never used e-mail and must find a way to pick up the necessary skills.

"It's really helpful to dive in and figure everything out," said Michael Miller, an Engineering senior. "I went to an informational session right away that was very helpful."

In addition to informational sessions held at the 15 computing sites around campus, many students pick up basic skills from e-mail sessions held during orientation and from friends and roommates who have used the Internet before.

After picking up the basics of e-mail and the World Wide Web, many students find the internet an invaluable resource, especially for keeping in touch with professors.

Singh said e-mail is an effective way for professors to relay information to students because students check their e-mail at least once a day.

Beyond e-mailing announcements, many professors are developing sophisticated web pages for their classes.

"In my True Crime class, we interacted with the professor and each other online by writing and reviewing papers over the Net," Miller said.

E-mail is the most popular use of the Internet for University students, but as the world moves deeper into the information age, other types of Internet and computer skills have become a valuable asset that many employers seek.

One of these assets for University students is learning to not only surf the World Wide Web, but to understand how it works by creating a personal web page using a programming language called HyperText Markup Language (HTML).

"HTML is useful for the future and students should learn to make their own home page or go to a camp workshop," Singh said.

Additionally, many students find it helpful to become familiar with computing software such as Microsoft Word and Excel or Lotus Notes.

"I wish I would have learned to use Excel or Lotus earlier," said LSA senior Tom Jolliffe.

Jolliffe said software knowledge is a crucial skill in the workplace.

"I know of at least one job I missed, and it's really easy to learn," Jolliffe said.

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