By Katie Piccirillo

Staff Writer

Have you embraced the “digital backpack”?  

Recently, technology has increased its influences on many college campuses across the country. CSUSM takes pride in being an innovative and technologically based campus. Students sometimes forget how much of their education is being fueled by technology versus what has been used in the past.

The “Digital Backpack” is the stuff you already carry with you that connects you instantly to the virtual world of entertainment, research and knowledge. In years past, students lugged heavy backpacks filled with oversized textbooks and back-breaking weight. Today, students have access to almost any piece of information at the touch of their fingers; from small personal laptop computers to smart phones to touch pads that slide easily into your book bag or into the palm of your hand.

Although textbooks are still required for the basic course plan, virtual technology allows you to expand and explore your subject in a matter of seconds. Often times, you can find your course textbook in the form of an online eBook, which sometimes is much cheaper. Many eBooks can be found at ecampus.com. All you have to do is type in the author’s name or book, add your desired textbook in electronic form to your cart and download it instantly once paid for!

Buying textbooks has never been so simple. If your professor requires bringing the textbook to class, bring your kindle, iPad, smart phone or laptop with your professor’s permission. College campuses are becoming more innovative every day and so can you by embracing “The Digital Backpack.”