(Pod)Casting A New Light On Education

iTunes has partnered with universities and colleges throughout the country to make higher learning accessible to everyone.  People can download lectures from schools throughout the country and view them on their computer or iPod.  There are currently more than 40 schools participating in the program, with one school in Central New York.  Broome Community College currently offers downloadable lectures in science, math, and english.  

While Syracuse University is not one of the schools currently participating in the program, both professors and students think there are benefits to using the iPod and iTunes as an educational tool.

Bill Gibbons, Professor of Information Studies, says podcasting lectures could help professors draw on more resources for teaching.  "I think the professors could use it to supplement their classroom material and take advantage of on-site lecturing through video" says Gibbons.

And SU student Mark Geyer thinks the online classes could help him satisfy his intellectual curiosity.  "If they're offering free lectures online I can get a taste of what I am interested in" says Geyer.

The ability to pursue individual interests could spark the interest of adults at home, which might bring them back to the universities.

To find out more about iTunes U click here and visit the website.

Economic Decline Hits Home in Central New York

While the value of the dollar reached an all time low and the stock market began the day down 200 points Central New Yorkers found it tough to pay for their necessities.  According to consumer reports, a gallon of milk averaged around $2.33 and gas prices rose as high as $3.49, causing residents to find their wallets a little lighter.  

 

Some experts, however, believe it is still too early to panic.  According to Don Dutkowsky, Professor of Economics at the Maxwell School, the dip in the market is part of a pattern that should be expected.  Dutkowsky says he would not be surprised if the market still came out ahead at the end of the year.  Right now, it seems that other countries are wasting no time in taking advantage of the shrinking US dollar as many tourists from Europe and Canada are spending their money across the nation.

 

In the meantime, Central New Yorkers are being advised to avoid overextending themselves and, for those that do invest in the market, make sure they have a diverse portfolio.

 

Today's low stock market opening can be attributed to JPMorgan's buyout of investment bank Bear Stearn, which added to concerns about the state of credit in the US.  The dollar continued its decline due to low interest rates that make the dollar less appealing as an investment for the future.

Click here for information about what other economic influences might have an impact on the dollar in the near future.  

Syracuse Club Hockey Looks Forward To D-I Team

Syracuse University will welcome a Division-I hockey team beginning in October. In the mean time, the women's club team calls the rink at Tennity Pavilion home. Before their final game of the season, many of the athletes made it clear just how much they are looking forward to welcoming the D-I team to Syracuse. Current club team member Alison Lee looks forward to the competition the D-I team will bring to the club team.

"I believe that it will bring higher quality players to the club team" said Lee before the teams last game of the season.

And other members, like Sophie Pitt, cannot wait for the opportunity to play Division I hockey.

"D-I [...] we'll give them a run for their money" said Pitt.

Syracuse University hosted the Northeast Women's Hockey Association Spring Tournament which included teams from Rochester, Potsdam, Brockport, and Niagara. The University made room for the Division I team by cutting the swimming and diving programs. University Athletic Director Daryl Gross plans to name a coach after the Frozen Four at the end of the month.

For more information on Syracuse University's Club team you can visit their website @ www.suhockey.com/women For more information on the Division I team you can visit the team website @ carrierdome.syr.edu/index.asp?path=wice

Goalie Alison Lee (left) keeps her eyes on the action.