acuoptimist.com
Optimist the
Augmented Reality, page 4
SPECIAL ISSUE: ACU Connected Summit
Friday, February 25, 2011
Vol. 99, No. 39
1 section, 10 pages
CONNECTED SUMMIT
Connected Summit to discuss technology which began three years ago, invites innovators in education, Editor In Chief industry and policy from across Hundreds of mobile learning en- the country and around the globe thusiasts are making their way to engage in discussion about the to Abilene this weekend to at- future of mobile technology in tend ACU’s Connected Summit, education. This year, the summit called, “Turning the Page: The will take place Feb. 28-March 1. “It’s a gathering of educators, Next Chapter for Education.” The two-day conference, policy makers and corporations
Linda Bailey
coming together to explore how mobility is interacting with education and specific thinking about how the future of books and educational learning materials plays out in a mobily connected world,” said George Saltsman, executive director of the Adams Center.
Download our iPad App Keep up with ACU’s Connected Summit by downloading our free Optimist iPad App from the iTunes store. Several students and professors worked together to design an easy access and user-friendly way to read the paper. The ACU Optimist for iPad was the first student-produced college newspaper with its own iPad app.
see SUMMIT page 8
CONNECTED SUMMIT
National figure to share vision Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter
Karen Cator, U.S. Department of Education director of educational technology, will visit ACU to share her vision for A merica’s educat iona l reform Cator at the Connected Summit. Cator works to create the best learning environments for this generation of students, according to her biography on the U.S. government website. Before working for the Department of Education, Cator directed Apple’s leadership and advocacy in education, including efforts in policy and technology research. Cator said in an e-mail that she hopes to show summit attendees that the opportunity to learn can be powered by existing and emerging technologies. Right now the U.S. educational system probably fails more than half of the students it serves, Cator said at a Learning Without Frontiers conference last
JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor
The AT&T Learning Studio’s Red Carpet Premiere gave guests a sneak peak of the studio and a chance to win prizes in a raffle.
Students see sneak peak of studio Christina Burch Page 2 Editor
After months of construction to the third floor of the library, the AT&T Learning Studio is almost ready to open - after a few sneak peeks from faculty and students. The Red Carpet Premiere Thursday showcased various spaces and functions of the AT&T Learning Studio, which celebrates its official opening at a 2:15 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday. Tim Newman, sophomore information technology major from Ulysses, Kan., said he was excited to attend the special preview. “I wanted to see all the possibilities that
would come out of the space,” Newman said. “And, aesthetically, it’s just beautiful.” Patrick Luberus, freshman information technology major from Manhattan, Kan., said he also really enjoyed the environment. “I think that because it was built specifically for student collaboration, I’ll get work done and still have fun.” Clint Jones, freshman biology major from Fort Worth, won a 320 GB hard drive at the event. “I’ll be up here mostly for online web learning,” Jones said. “And I might just come up to hang out.” contact Burch at
quick facts Main features of the new AT&T Learning Studio include: n High-end iMac computers supporting software for Web development, design and media creation. n Main media lab with small group rooms and several studio rooms. n High-quality audio and video equipment for recording podcasts or practicing speeches and interviews. n Media specialists on-hand to answer all student and faculty questions. n Opportunity for students and faculty to check out audio and video equipment for personal use, in addition to campus projects.
clb10b@acu.edu
see NATION page 5
CONNECTED SUMMIT
COBA students integrate iPads into classroom school and college students across the country. Managing Editor Kotyk, senior information Christiana Kotyk is among systems major from Flower the 4,000 undergraduate Mound, said it’s not a sharp students at Abilene Chris- pain but a dull one. “It gradually intensifies tian University who trek across the West Texas cam- the longer I carry my books pus everyday for classes. around,” Kotyk said. But the era of bulky Her 10-minute walk to class is weighed down by a back- books and achy backs may pack stuffed to its breaking be coming to an end, and point with bulky textbooks some ACU faculty members – a burden that pains high are testing the alternatives.
Jeff Craig
students register attendance on their iPads, integrating the new technology from the beginning of class. Shepherd said he believes his class is cuttingedge and on the fast track to the future of education. “I think the iPad is going to revolutionize the publishing industry,” Shepherd said. “It makes economic sense and DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer see COURSE page 5
website
inside connected summit Steve Wozniak, the inventor of the personal computer and co-founder of Apple, will speak to students and faculty Monday night. page 4
Students in Dr. Ian Shepherd’s microeconomics class, including Kotyk, tested the viability of a digital textbook on Apple’s sleek new iPad, a tablet computer that weighs only 25 ounces and measures 9 ½ inches high, 7 ½ inches wide and ¼-inch thick. Shepherd, associate professor of management sciences at ACU, called his class to order by having his
news The Kinsman injured backstage before Saturday night’s Sing Song performance is awaiting jaw surgery. page 8
Students use iPads in Ian Shepherd’s microeconomics class.
weather sportscast Watch our weekly sportscast complete with recaps of ACU sporting events on our website, acuoptimist.com.
Abilene Christian University
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Campus Friday, February 25, 2011
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calendar & events
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Friday
11 a.m. Praise Day in Cullen Auditorium (Students automatically will receive credit)
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Saturday
Sunday
1 p.m. Baseball vs. Southeastern Oklahoma
12 p.m. Softball at St. Edward’s University
3 p.m. Softball at St. Mary’s University
University Interscholastic League Girls’ Basketball Tournament in Moody Coliseum
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2 p.m. Softball at St. Edward’s
5 p.m. Softball at St. Mary’s
Monday
11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum 7:30 p.m. ACU Connected Summit with Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, Inc., and the Rocketboys in Moody Coliseum
5 p.m. Women’s basketball vs. Midwestern State University
2 p.m. Baseball vs. Southeastern Oklahoma University
7 p.m. Men’s basketball vs. Midwestern State 8:30 p.m. Trojans Stoplight Mixer at First Baptist Family Life Center
volunteer opportunities The Madison Middle School is looking for male volunteers to participate in a weekly “Boys2Men” lunchtime program for eighth grade boys. Speakers will be addressing different aspects of growing up. Contact Jeff Womack at 692-5661 or jeffrey. womack@abileneisd.org.
Edited for space
Monday, Feb. 21 A man reported an overnight burglary and ransacking of his Ford Explorer at Smith and Adams Halls. His wallet and driver’s liSunday, Feb. 20 1:15 a.m. ACU Police of- cense were stolen. a report of A man reported an A logficers of received the ACU Police Deloud noises coming from a overnight burglary of his partment’s daily activities will large party at a residence Ford Bronco at Smith be printed on this page of in the 500 block of Col- and Adams Halls. His the Optimist. The issued first Police gas card was stolen. lege Drive. Officers Log awill appear Friday. warning, and the party A woman reported an overnight burglary of her disbanded. 1:55 a.m. ACU Police of- Honda Civic at Smith ficers received a report of and Adams Halls. Severloud noises coming from al incidental items were a large party at a resi- stolen. dence in the 400 block of College Drive. Officers Report all suspicious acissued a warning, and tivity to the ACU Police Department at 674-2305. the party disbanded. Thursday, Feb 17 Someone reported graffiti on the lower rotunda outside Hart Auditorium.
Feb. 15-22
follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature Students can assist with art activities, sell books and welcome visitors from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. For more information, contact Debby Lillick at 673-4586, or visit www.nccil.org.
Police Log
Weekly Stats
6:30 p.m. Black History Production at the Williams Performing Arts Center
8 p.m. Free movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in Cullen Auditorium
ACU Police Tip of the Week Always lock your car, take your keys and hide your valuables to help prevent car burglaries on campus.
Breakfast on Beech Street Students can help set up, prepare and serve breakfast for the homeless at First Christian Church on Third Street and Beech Street. Serving time is 6:30-7:15 a.m. on Monday-Friday. Visit www.fccabilene.com for more information. The Salvation Army Volunteers are needed at the 1726 Butternut St. Salvation Army to sort and price items and help with kitchen or yard work. Volunteers are welcome any time Monday-Saturday. Contact J.D. Alonzo at 6771408, or visit www.satruck. com for more information on the program. Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instruments, calling bingo and sitting and talking. All help is appreciated. Contact Laura Reynolds at 692-8080 or lgreynolds@ sears-methodist.com. Abilene Hope Haven is seeking volunteers for childcare any night,
Monday-Thursday, from 6:45-8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Kathy Reppart at 677-4673. Global Samaritan Resources Volunteers are needed to sort through clothing and repack boxes Monday-Thursday at any time. Volunteers should call ahead. Contact David Catalina at 676-9991 for more information. Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, to assist with homeschool fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a five-minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at 672-9633. Meals on Wheels Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Samantha Barker at 672-5050.
1 911 Call 10 Administrative Activity 1 Alarm 4 Assist 1 Attempt to Locate 2 Barricades 1 Bicycle/ Skateboard Call 7 Building Lock/ Unlock 3 Burglary (Motor Vehicle) 1 Burglary (Residence) 3 Criminal Mischief 1 Direct Traffic
1 Domestic Disturbance 1 Foot Patrol 2 Found Property 6 Investigation Follow up 3 Lost Property 2 Maintenance: University Assets 3 Medical Emergency 2 Monitor Facility/ Lot 2 Monitor Traffic 2 Motorist Assist: Inflate Tire 6 Motorist Assist: Jumpstart 6 Other
2 Motorist Assist: Other 6 Motorist Assist: Unlock 2 Noise Violation 12 Parking Violation 3 Patrol Vehicle: Maintenance 9 Patrol Vehicle: Refuel 1 Random Patrol 1 Report Writing 1 Soliciting 5 Suspicious Activity 2 Theft (Non Vehicle) 6 Traffic Stop 1 Training 1 Trespasser 1 Welfare Check
Chapel Checkup 29 44
Credited Chapels to date
Credited Chapels remaining
announcements A Walk Through Black History Students can celebrate Black History month at the Walk Through Black History banquet at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 in the Williams Performing Arts Center foyer. There will be performances, and attire is semi-formal. All proceeds go to Da-Cipher Kids. Contact exj08a@acu.edu for more information. Online Summer Courses Registration for online summer courses is now open. Students can choose from 15 courses, and each course is three weeks long. For more information, visit www.acu. edu/summeronline.
ACU Connected Summit 2011 Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple, Inc., and the Rocketboys will be at the ACU Connected Summit at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 28, in Moody Coliseum. Admission is free for all students, faculty and staff with a current ACU ID. Civil Rights Tour Students can receive academic credit for Summer Session I by joining the ACU Freedom Ride on May 15-21. The seven-day, 1,800-mile guided bus tour will visit significant sites of the American Civil Rights Movement. Registration is now open. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Beck at beckr@acu.edu, Dr. Jennifer Dillman at jennifer.dillman@ acu.edu, Dr. David Dillman at dillmand@acu.edu or an academic adviser. All-school Chapel The Chapel Office encourages students to participate in “Bring Your Professor to Chapel Day” and invite their professors to Chapel as a part of the campus-wide effort to attend Chapel every Monday. Springboard Ideas Challenge The mini-business plan competition offers students the opportunity to get their business up and running and the chance to win cash prizes. Students must register at www.acu.edu/springboard by March 4 to compete. Swing Cats The Swing Cats meet every week 7-9 p.m. on Sundays in Cullen Auditorium. No partners or experience are required.
CAMPUS NEWS
February 25, 2011
Page 3
CONNECTED SUMMIT
Developers create mobile textbook platforms Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
As technology and education continue to merge, mobile textbook developers are continuing to create platforms for making traditional textbooks accessible on mobile learning devices. Two companies, Inkling and GYLO, are among those developing of textbooks on mobile devices. Both companies’ founders are participating in this week’s Connected Summit. A California-based mobile textbook developer, Inkling already has a dozen textbook titles available on the iPad. Founder and CEO Matt MacInnis said Inkling will have more than 100 textbooks available for the iPad this fall, covering all major undergraduate topics. “We are a company focused on what’s possible today,” MacInnis said. “It’s fun to look five years down the road, but it’s also really important to seize the moment and make the most of technology we have now.” Inkling was founded in 2009 as a company devoted to creating platforms and interfaces for the iPad. MacInnis, a 2002 graduate of Harvard University, said the company is comprised of former employees of Apple, Microsoft and Google. “We build a software platform for mobile learning format,” MacInnis said. “We work with major publishers and take their regular textbooks and make them into an interactive app for the iPad.” MacInnis said Inkling’s mobile textbooks have features that are not possible with regular textbooks. Students can utilize social note sharing, highlight and share passages and have immediate access to videos and sound files within the textbook. Additionally, he said the books would be sold by the chapter in order to help students save money. In the future, MacInnis said he hopes students will view Inkling much like they view book-renting companies like Chegg. He said he envisions a time when students will look to mobile platform providers like Inkling first to see if mobile titles are available, before reverting back to paper textbooks. “We aren’t here to serve the institution, we are here to serve the students,”
FInd a story about about actions the Texas legislature is taking to give high schoolers greater access to digital textbooks.
acuoptimist.com
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Courtesy of INKLING
Inkling currently has 12 books available on the iPad. The company plans to have more than 100 titles available by the fall semester.
We aren’t here to serve the institution. We are here to serve the students. MATT MACINNIS // Founder and CEO of Inkling
MacInnis said. “My vision is that Inkling becomes a brand students learn about when they come into college. We aren’t trying to reinvent education. We are just trying to make it more efficient.” In Texas, a company also is working to develop mobile interfaces for text-
“Our vision is a digital learning ecosystem,” Mayrath said. “I use the term ecosystem because I envision a deviceneutral system. You’ll always be connected with a cloud, whether it’s a phone, laptop or tablet computer.” Mayrath said his company did a pre-test and post-test in the spring of 2010 and found that those who found the app useful significantly raise their grades. Mayrath said using mobile apps like the statistics course textbook developed by GYLO is going to revolutionize education. He said much of the revolution began at ACU. ACU is leading the way for sure,” Mayrath said. “The faculty and leadership from the top down have been entrepreneurial. It’s great that out in West Texas you have the leaders in mobile education.” Dr. Rick Lytle, dean of ACU’s College of Business Administration, used a an iPad textbook in one of his marketing classes in the fall. He said he sees mobile platform technology as a key player in the future of education. “My guess is that we will see significant market change within the next three to five years. If you compare textbook publishing to music publishing, you can see the future is in digital format,” Lytle said. “However, many people would incorrectly guess that 70-80 percent of music sales today are online. That number is still only about 25-30 percent though growing. Thus, some might argue that it will take 10 years or more for digital books to dominate sales.” Regardless of how long it takes, Lytle said his students benefited from the chance to work with the iPad and a mobile textbook. “The students enjoyed the text, its video capabilities, its information retrieval capabilities and the graphics and format,” Lytle said. “They took their iPads everywhere. They do not take their textbooks everywhere.”
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books. Austin-based GYLO, short for GetYa Learn On, is developing interfaces for devices like the iPhone. Founder and CEO Dr. Michael Mayrath said multitouch devices like the iPhone and iPad are the future of education, and his company is working toward the future.
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
February 25, 2011
CONNECTED SUMMIT
Conference to feature augmented reality topics Linda Bailey Editor in Chief
Many people predict the future of books is in technology such as the iPad and other digital readers, often comparing moving printed materials onto digital readers to the movement of transferring recorded music from CDs to mp3s. But digital readers aren’t the only option in print’s future. Augmented reality can mean several things but it’s basic definition is layering virtual digital content on top of “real life” sites. Visual communication designers Marius Hügli and Martin Kovacovsky prove this with their work in augmented reality and will travel from Switzerland to Abilene to present a lecture on the subject as part of ACU Connected Summit’s Track 3: The Future of Books. Hügli and Kovacovsky began working with augmented
reality in late 2009 as part of their studies at the Academy of Design and Art in Basel, Switzerland. The next year, the pair completed “Jekyll and Hyde,” an augmented reality book based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. In the demo, the reader places the book under a camera, which then displays the book on a computer screen. As the reader opens the book, music begins to play, and a shadowy figure rides across the onscreen book. Similar reader engagement happens throughout the experience. For example, when people in the book’s printed version lack faces, those faces appear on screen, changing expressions and moving around. While this augmented reality project was entertainment-based, Hügli said augmented reality has multiple possible applications, including those educationally oriented. “A lot of themes can be better explained with a movie or a 3-D visualization,” Hügli
said, “for example, an educational medicine book, where you have some 3-D visualizations of the body or a cell or anything like that. So the user can look at this 3-D model from every angle he [needs]. Maybe he can even zoom in or out some parts of interest.” Other education possibilities include combining movies with text in a book and the use of audio in text for activities like learning a new language, Hügli said. Kenny Jones, associate professor of art and design is researching the effectiveness of augmented reality in the classroom, and he will present on this topic during the Connected Summit presentation, titled “Putting the Mobile in Mobile Learning: Can Augmented Reality Enhance Art Student Learning?” Jones said he would explore whether augmented reality can significantly increase learning efficiency and retention in students. Jones said certain apps allow users to view digital
sculptures on their mobile device that don’t exist in “real life.” Other similar apps allow users to hold their phones to view real life in front of them, but will place digital text on top of the reallife image showing users how to find the nearest coffee shop, hotel or where they parked their car. In the future, Jones said he would like to see that technology used around campus, especially at Jacobs dream. An app could allow users who don’t know anything about Jacob’s dream to display it on their phone and read text or watch videos about the sculpture. However, augmented reality comes with some challenges. “A big question, then, is how the computer/camera/screen get combined with the printed media,” Hügli said. “Is it on the computer with a webcam, or with a mobile device or another solution...?” Despite its new-age flair,
LINDA BAILEY // Editor in Chief
This screen shot of the Heads Up Navigator app shows a map in the right corner directing the user to Moody Coliseum. an even bigger challenge of augmented reality might be generating user interest. “It seems to me that AR needs to be accepted,” Kovacovsky said. “Only then will it prove that it is not just a trend. Only then the whole movement will turn from small projects and ad campaigns into a booming market.” Most augmented reality is used in advertisements, and Hügli said his and Kovacovsky’s goal is to find
practical uses for the technology. The pair plans to release an augmented reality project for a museum in Switzerland about Celtic culture by this fall. Hügli and Kovacovsky will present the lecture, “Jekyll and Hyde: A Book with Augmented Reality,” at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday in McCaleb Conference Room C in the Hunter Welcome Center. contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
CONNECTED SUMMIT
High schools, universities take iPads to classroom Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
In high school and college classrooms across the nation, teachers and students are putting mobile learning devices to use in the educational process. Multiple colleges and universities, including ACU, Seton Hill University and Long Island University, and have issued some form of mobile learning device to students. The trend is even catching on overseas, where Japan’s Aoyama Gakuin University is providing an iPhone to all staff members and students. Dr. William Rankin, ACU director of education innovation and associate professor of English, said ACU’s decision to issue iPhones or iPod touches to its students in the fall
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of 2008 paved the way for a new type of education. “I would certainly call it groundbreaking; until our announcement, most people thought of ‘mobile learning” as a laptopbased educational strategy,’ Rankin said. “We wanted to see much more than just what would happen if people could be connected from time to time as they carried laptops around. We wanted to see what was possible if people were always connected with a new generation of always-on, media-centric, truly webenabled smart devices.” Every full-time undergraduate student on ACU’s campus was issued one of the devices, last fall. Rankin said ACU’s full immersion in mobile learning allows the university to discover new innovations.
students after two semesters and gives the students It has become a part of the ownership of the laptop culture. You’d be hard-pressed after four semesters. Alsto walk down a hallway and see ing said the iPad has helped someone without an iPad. not only in the classroom at SHU, but it has also become MELISSA ALSING // director of information systems at Seton Hill a way of life. “It has become a part “Because of our now and MacBook Pro laptops. of the culture,” Alsing full deployment to un- Melissa Alsing, director said. “You’d be harddergraduates and faculty, of information systems, pressed to walk down a ACU is discovering things DBA, said the mobile ini- hallway and see someone that cannot be discovered tiative at SHU has been without an iPad.” The iPad also is startelsewhere. Many people quickly integrated into ing to make its way into look to us as thought- the classroom. “We were pleasantly K-12 classrooms. ACU is leaders, and a lot of companies are coming to us to surprised with the adop- working in conjunction test out mobile solutions tion of the iPad into the with Abilene Christian that they will then roll out classroom,” Alsing said. Schools and Dallas Chrismore broadly in the mar- “At first, we thought it tian School on programs ket,” Rankin said. “ACU is might turn into a nice perk designed to use the iPad playing a central role in for students, but it’s got- as a tool for teachers. Steve Bivins, vice taking mobile education ten where we had to implement other programs president of DCS, said his to the next level.” At Seton Hill Univer- for support because it was school is excited about the prospect of equipping sity in Greensburg, Pa., so successful.” The university transfers teachers with the mobile all incoming, full-time students are issued iPads ownership of the iPad to the device and eventually
having students use the device in class. “Initially, we have to have the teachers grasp the iPad technology,” Bivins said. “The students already know how to use them, so we have to play a little catch up. In the fall of 2011, we are going to give grades 9-12 students an iPad, and we’re going to have it as a part of everyday life.” Bivins said the iPad is going to change the face of education at K-12 schools across the nation, giving teachers more f lexibility. “Its a tangible piece that’s changing the structure of the classroom and the way we teach,” Bivins said. “It’s a way to get kids more interested.” contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
CONNECTED SUMMIT
Apple co-founder to speak Linda Bailey Editor in Chief
Apple co-founder, personal-computer pioneer and Monday night’s Connected Summit’s Keynote speaker, Steve Wozniak will answer on-stage questions about the future of technology. The night will also feature performances by
the Rocketboys, an indierock band based out of Austin and made up of ACU alumni. During the Keynote at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28 in Moody Coliseum titled, “A Conversation with Woz,” Bill Rankin, director of mobile learning research, will ask Wozniak questions about the future of technology.
All of Abilene is invited to attend the event. General admission is $10, but is free for anyone with an ACU I.D. and discounted to $5 for military personnel or any other student, faculty or staff member with a school or college I.D. contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
February 25, 2011
Page 5
CONNECTED SUMMIT
Course: Students, faculty find value in iPad Continued from page 1
common sense for publishers to move this way.” Shepherd said he envisions a future where students will be able to have all of their textbooks on the device. He said having textbooks loaded onto the iPad will not only save space and reduce backaches, but also make economic sense, which he said is why microeconomics was the perfect class to pioneer the iPad textbook project in class. “The beauty of using the iPad is textbooks will be cheaper when you eliminate steps like printing,” Shepherd said. “The story of microeconomics is about two key words, efficiency and productivity. The iPad allows them [publishers] to focus on the intellectual content of the book.”
Shepherd is using the iPad in his microeconomics class again this semester. He said after using the iPad for an entire semester, he believes the device has improved his class and his teaching. “I think it has made a significant difference in my teaching experience,” Shepherd said. “There is a difference from a traditional class and an iPad class. You now have more comradery, more learning and more movement in the class.” Shepherd said he hopes the iPad becomes a regular part of his teaching experience. “My greatest wish is that we can continue the research for the foreseeable future until they become commonplace in the classroom,” Shepherd said. Kotyk agrees with Shepherd. She said mi-
croeconomics was a good class to pilot on the iPad because of the relevancy of the material and the large use of technology required in study. “I liked that we were able to do class work on it. Economics is a computer, oriented class, and having that shrunk down to the iPad was valuable,” Kotyk said. “The benefit to that is not having to carry computers around. My computer is a 17-inch HP pavilion. It’s a monster.” George Saltsman, executive director of ACU’s Adams Center, said the university’s commitment to testing the viability of a digital textbook finds its roots in changing the way students learn. “We believe that textbooks are going digital and will be on a device similar to the iPad in the future,” Saltsman said. “So we are trying
to get as much information as we can with the device.” He said the university has looked at studies saying students learn better when they receive information in a paper format. He said the studies might not mean paper textbooks are preferable, but rather digital formats offer more distractions. Saltsman said the goal is to make digital textbooks a preferable learning tool. “We are actually testing learning efficacy, looking at the ways students retain information and how that transfers from paper to the iPad,” he said. Saltsman compared the modern commitment to paper textbooks to one-size-fits-all clothing. In order to meet students’ needs, he said, the way students learn must be ‘customizable.’ The iPad not only provides stu-
dents with the textbook, but also with access to online resources. “During the Civil War they had one type of boot, and it was the same for everybody - the same size, no matter the size and shape of your foot. Today we see how people have different footwear for different issues,” Saltsman said. “We are still on that one-boot model. We have one textbook and that’s good for everyone in the class.” Saltsman said the digital textbook learning experience could operate much like an online bookseller, as opposed to 1800s footwear. “When I go to Amazon. com, it knows all the things I’ve purchased and what I’m interested in,” Saltsman said. “It provides a custom experience for me every time I visit the site. “We as a university need to focus more on intel-
lectual interests of each individual student.” Much like Shepherd, Saltsman envisions a classroom where digital textbooks are the future, giving students a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. “When the iPod was first introduced it was marketed as ‘1,000 songs in your pocket,’” Saltsman said. “I see the iPad as an entire library in your pocket.” The iPad or some other mobile device may very well replace the traditional textbook. If it does, it will be welcome news for students like Kotyk and anyone with achy backs. “We are headed in that direction given how our technology is progressing,” Kotyk said. “I hope it happens, but it’s a tunnel I can’t see the end of.” contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
CONNECTED SUMMIT
Nation: Cator to talk about textbook transition Continued from page 1
month. The video of her speech is available at w w w.l e a r ning w ith outfrontiers.com/blog. Cator said at the conference that learning technology is helping educators completely rethink how they serve students, from grade school to college. “Schools and educators need to be wellversed in how technology can transform the learning environment,” Cator said in an e-mail. “They
also need a comprehensive and systematic plan in place to ensure access both in and out of the classroom.” This systemic change includes providing students and educators with access to laptops, mobile tablets and phones, like ACU’s mobile initiative does, Cator said. Courses should be redesigned to make use of digital content both in and out of the classroom. President Obama’s statements about educa-
tion have reflected Cator’s vision, said George Saltsman, executive director of the Adams Center. Cator said she is excited to talk about the textbook’s transition from print to digital. She said digital textbooks might do far more than printed textbooks, including having social media programs incorporated into them. “These new digital textbooks can sport a f lexible and virtual binding that can be expanded
as more and better content, including video, is added,” Cator said in an e-mail. “Simulations and animations are coupled with more interesting and challenging projects.” Cator said learning technology was especially empowering for college students, who are more likely to be self-motivated learners. Educators who understand this learning method are more likely to be effective, Cator said. “Learners at all levels need to think of them-
selves as free agent learners, finding and leveraging the opportunity to learn by using content across the web, by accessing experts, by en-
gaging with peers as well as with their teachers,” Cator said in an e-mail. contact Lewis at
cll09a@acu.edu
Opinion
Page 6
February 25, 2011
EDITORIAL
Texas shouldn’t mandate sonograms We encourage all pregnant women who are considering an abortion to have a sonogram. Courageous sonogram decisions would nullify the need for the Texas legislature to mandate pre-abortion sonograms that substitute the state’s will for the woman’s will. Senate Bill 16, approved by the state Senate on a 21-10 vote, passed on largely partisan lines, with most Republicans voting for the bill and most Democrats dissent-
ing. The bill now moves to the Texas House of Representatives where a Republican super-majority is expected to pass the bill with little difficulty. A majority of Texas lawmakers are hoping that more women will opt not to receive an abortion after they see a sonogram, a goal of the bill. We commend the legislature for their intentions. The issue lies with the government trying to make medical decisions for its constituents, and
unfortunately, Gov. Perry has started a trend of interference into the relationship of girls and their parents and women and their doctors. We believe the government should remain uninvolved in people’s personal health decisions. Self-regulation has always been the best means for protecting against government involvement in any issue. Governor Perry issued an executive order in 2007, requiring all sixth-
grade girls to be vaccinated for a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer. Republican lawmakers viewed the law as an infringement on personal and parental rights. Perry ultimately backed off the provision after backlash from within his own party. Ironically, Republican lawmakers have shown little resistance to the sonogram law that, at its core, infringes on liberties much like Perry’s executive order.
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
the issue
The Texas Senate has approved a bill which would require all women to have a sonogram before an abortion.
our take
Health care decisions should not be mandated unless they protect the innocent or administer justice. A moral conflict arises when the views of Americans who oppose abortions clash with what the Supreme Court has previously said. The government should always uphold the law. A day may come when the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade and
then this debate will look completely different. Until then, all women who are considering an abortion should have a sonogram performed first. But it should be at their own discretion, not the Texas Legislature’s. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
Pecans provide simple pleasures Barbarossa
By Matthew Woodrow
COLUMN
Cornerstone creates new outlook
Guest Column
By Dr. Kristina Campos and Dr. Gregory Straughn Last Friday, the Optimist ran an editorial about the Fall 2010 Cornerstone class, declaring that it “failed colossally.” Clearly it did not “succeed spectacularly” – but neither was it the abysmal failure so described. Rather, it was a bold first Campos step for this University, using a method and scale of teaching that was new to ACU: Spotlight sessions in Cullen Auditorium followed by small weekly sections guided by individual professors. Cornerstone helped frame the question “How do I know?” While some of the 13 Spotlight presentations focused on alienation, a theme that recognizes the unique position incoming students have as they find their way in an already-established campus community, other themes engaged decision making, vocation, discovering Truth, and living mission-centered lives.
This column was written in response to the staff Editorial found in the Feb. 18 issue of the Optimist, available online at acuoptimist.com. These ideas – more practical than they are conceptual – move beyond the focus of an individual major and are central to being well-educated, purposeful and t houg htful people: the kind of person we expect an ACU graduStraughn ate to be. Like most first steps, there were plenty of shaky and uncertain moments. The organization of the class needed to be clearer and more intentional about how each part contributed to the whole. Along with changes being made to the order and topics of the Spotlight sessions next year, Cornerstone will have a faculty “host” helping to provide context and connection between the different topics. We missed an opportunity to intentionally connect with students on the important matters of university life, such as designing degree plans, using the Depot, navigating registration and bal-
editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print
letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
ancing social and academic responsibilities. Planning time to address these important topics next year will help improve the course. Thirty years ago, ACU revised its core but did not stray from the model adopted by most other American universities: a cafeteria-style plan that included a sampling of courses from the arts, sciences, communication, physical education, social sciences, English, math, and, in our case, Bible. What Cornerstone and the other Core classes offer is a way to move beyond teaching ideas separately and into a method that emphasizes how ideas create influence, connection and meaning for our increasingly fragmented world. Five years ago, when we first began the mobile learning initiative, many thought we were just giving out “toys.” Next week, the campus will host the co-founder of Apple and the director of technology for the US Department of Education (among many
others) in a conversation about how colleges can continue to implement technological innovations in their classrooms. The Core has the same kind of transformational potential. Rethinking general education is a process that involves large-scale vision and a willingness to risk changing a model that has been in place for many years. That ACU has been in a decade-long conversation about how to do this and that we are implementing something that is both innovative and creative speaks to the University’s commitment to lead with a strong academic program. There is much that can be done to make the courses better, and we have a faculty who are able and ready to do so; that’s a blessing for all students, now and in the future. Dr. Kristina Campos is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and the Cornerstone Course Coordinator. Dr. Gregory Straughn is an Associate Professor of Music and Assistant Provost for General Education.
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sticky, syrupy pecan pie at church potlucks or as candy covered in brown sugar, they are a delicacy. But as I mentioned earlier I’m very cheap and never bought them for myself. I merely waited for them to fall in my lap. And now they literally do. I have gotten several dirty looks from people carrying long sticks who are collecting buckets of them to sell when they see me jumping on their potential profits. Those looks haven’t made me stop. Instead, they have taught me to wait until
I made a resolution to walk to school every day this semester, not because I was concerned with my global footprint and reducing carbon e m i s s i o n s , but because I’m a cheap Woodrow son-of-agun, who hates paying $3 a gallon for gas. Surprisingly enough, I’ve kept my New Year’s I believe Mother Earth Resolution – it actually is rewarding me for only covers walking. If I had not five months decided to avoid the – except for the mornings drive, I might never when one of have gotten to eat my roommates these little treasures. drives. But as long as I don’t, it still counts. There were some days their backs are turned. The walk home is pretty when I had to be at the school radio station at short, and I’m an extreme5:30 a.m., and the tem- ly slow eater. So I only go perature was negative 10 through four or five pedegrees with wind chill, cans per trip, but each one and I felt like driving. is delicious – except when But out of sheer stub- I bite into bits of gravel. I believe Mother bornness, I persevered. But now that the days Earth is rewarding me are warming, that hasn’t for walking. If I had not been much of an issue, decided to avoid the and keeping up my reso- drive, I might never have lution is getting pleas- gotten to eat these little anter and pleasanter. treasures. And even if my And with all the ice gone, motives were purely selfit is easier to find free ish, Mother Earth doesn’t know that. And who am I food all over the ground. I’m, of course, talking to reject her gifts? Many times, rewards about pecans. My grandma has a only come after hard huge pecan tree in her work and perseverance. backyard, and I remem- People say virtue is its ber when I was five years own reward. And by old, sitting on the back keeping my resolution, porch with my uncle, I’m building character. stomping them open Maybe that’s so, but I and picking out the suc- don’t see anything wrong culent meat from the with trying to enjoy myself while waiting for that shell remnants. Since then, I’ve always character to come. enjoyed them. Whether on top of my mom’s contact Woodrow at chocolate cake, in the mrw08a@acu.edu
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Arts
February 25, 2011
STAGES OF LIFE
Page 7
Abilene Events SATURDAY Greater Kiwanis Chili Day 11 a.m. Abilene Civic Center
SATURDAY The Songs of Sinatra 8 p.m. Abilene Civic Center
Justin Bieber movie showcases ‘Somebody to Love’ Sandra Amstutz Arts Editor
I’ll admit it. I am a Belieber. My friends look the other way as I thoroughly enjoy his addicting music. However, while I will occasionally pull up a Justin Bieber song on Youtube, I had no interest in seeing 105 minutes of the young pop star in 3-D. At least, not until I read a surprisingly positive review that claimed the documentary was better than most movies released in past few weeks. I needed to see for myself. Justin Bieber: Never Say Never documents Bieber’s rise to fame while giving the audience a backstage pass to the ten days on Bieber’s tour just prior to his big performance at Madison Square Garden. The film introduces the public to the vital people who have become his makeshift family. Mama vocal coach, goofy brother stylist, stern big sister tour manager and uncle bodyguard all are vital to the success of his tour. Dynamic concert footage of Bieber’s hit singles transitions the different stages of his story. “Bigger” accompanies Bieber through his childhood in Stratford, Canada, with his single teen mom and doting grandparents. His first major hit, “One Time,” plays as audiences watch him blossom from little boy to superstar. Bieber’s only real obstacle on his way to the largest show of his career is the throat infection he discovers three days before the big event. Even with this “tragedy,” the film is littered with funny moments, like a slow-motion montage about his hair, set to Etta James’ “At Last.” The role of technology in Bieber’s career provides some of the film’s most compelling fodder. Scooter Braun, producer of the film and Bieber’s
In fact, while viewers see plenty of him throughout the film, Bieber rarely addresses the camera. He never reflects on the difficulties of fame at such a young age or how it feels to be responsible for the jobs of so many people. The movie’s most chilling moment shows a tour manager telling the story of a wide-eyed Bieber, listening to Madonna accuse the country of stealing Michael Jackson’s childhood. What the movie lacks in emotional depth it makes up for in energetic cinematography, in a use of 3-D technology almost as big as Bieber himself, with groundbreaking clarity and color. Jon M. Chu, the film’s director, includes the typical 3-D shots of Bieber’s hand reaching out into the camera, layers of pictures expounding and confetti that seems to fly straight into viewers’ faces. Chu’s innovative side comes out during the film’s many concert sequences. With his experience on the Step Up sequels and his cutting-edge web series The LXD, Chu clearly has perfected the art of filming dance. He expertly captures the endless energy radiating from Bieber and the many stars who join him on stage. If this film achieves anything, it makes great strides for the future of 3-D concert documentaries. PARAMOUNT PICTURES Overall, Justin Bieber: Justin Bieber croons at a concert in his documentary, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. Never Say Never is a good clean time for anyone who manager, explains that Bie- signed Bieber to Island Re- a heartfelt message to secretly – or not so secretly – enjoys Bieber’s music. It’s their star. ber’s rapid rise to fame is cords in 2008. With the documentary also a fun jaunt for those Like many films this due in large part to the way he utilized resources such year, Justin Bieber: Never targeting a preteen audi- tracing the evolution of Say Never portrays the ence, in maintains an ex- 3-D technology in the enas YouTube and Twitter. tertainment industry. The film shows fans the Internet’s importance to pectedly glossy tone. Viewers will leave the Bieber exudes just as same YouTube videos Braun a younger generation’s saw when he discovered the changing social scenery. much charm as his adoring theater with a newfound The film reveals not only fans would expect. Audi- respect for Bieber’s tireless young singer. Even in his early days how Bieber has utilized ences are shown a seem- work ethic and an earned as a performer, one tweet the Internet to reach ingly angst-free teenager, a sense of awe for the future from Bieber could result in fans, but also how fans pop star who humbly prays of 3-D films, humming rounds of “Baby, baby, a crowd of girls at any of his have used it to reach Bie- before eating his pizza. A true promotional baby,” for the next week. shows or radio appearances. ber. Millions of tweets This influx of fans is what and videos f ly across the product, the film never risks caught the eye of iconic mu- screen, each one repre- casting Bieber in a lesscontact Amstutz at sic producer L.A. Reid, who senting a fan sending out than-flattering light. sla07a@acu.edu
ACU Events FRIDAY Free Movie: Harry Potter 8 p.m. Cullen
SATURDAY Black History Production 6:30 p.m. Williams Performing Arts Center
SATURDAY Trojans Stoplight Mixer 8:30 p.m. First Baptist Family Life Center
SATURDAY Steve Wozniak and The Rocketboys 7:30 p.m. Moody Coliseum
App of the Week Sky Burger Games
HHHHH
Sky Burger is the perfect game for anyone looking for a mindless pasttime. The object of the game is to stack the perfect burger with ingredients falling from the sky. The user is given a burger order and is judged by how closely they follow it. Users catch the falling ingredients by tilting their device to the left and right. If the user completes the order correctly, they receive a full tip. Users can review their full work history and back up their stats online. Sky Burger is a free app and is both iPhone and iPod Touch compatible.
New Releases IN THEATERS Justin Bieber: Never Say Never The Director’s Fan Cut (Paramount Pictures)
Feb. 25
Drive Angry 3D
Feb. 25
(Summit Entertainment)
Hall Pass Feb. 25
(New Line Cinema)
The Grace Card Feb. 25
(Affirm Films)
Of Gods And Men Feb. 25
(Sony Pictures Classic)
DVD Due Date
Feb. 22
(Warner Bros.)
Get Low
MUSIC
(Sony Pictures Classic)
Hungry, Mother releases EP on vinyl
(New Films International)
Sandra Amstutz Arts Editor
One of Abilene’s latest local bands, Hungry, Mother, releases its first EP this week. Rather than burning its music onto blank CDs, the band decided to have its album pressed into vinyl. Hardin Simmons student Walker Lyle is the founding member of Hungry, Mother and said it was a collaborative decision to put the EP on vinyl. “We wanted to demonstrate that we are serious as a band and at the same time give people a quality product,” Lyle said. “It is also our way of shooting for the stars.” In addition to the vinyl record, the EP can be purchased digitally on the band’s Bandcamp site. They are also making sure to include access to digital downloads with each album purchase. After working on the EP for a year, Lyle says that it
SANDRA AMSTUTZ // Arts Editor
Hungry, Mother’s latest EP, cut on blue vinyl, plays for Record Guys’ customers listening pleasure. has been a long and evolving process. “Our sound has changed so much from when we started,” Lyle said. “We’ve added members, and they each have very different styles.” These different styles, such as blues, folk and
funk, combine to create an album in which each song sounds a little different. Hungry, Mother initially began as an acoustic duo consisting of Lyle and guitarist Luke Powell. Over the past year they have grown to include Ben Fike,
Brett Ellis and Lori Sims. “Abilene is such a great place to meet musicians,” Lyle said. “People jam with each other and sometimes just fit into bands naturally.” Jon Howell, co-owner of Record Guys, said he is excited to be selling local artists’
music and looks forward to selling Hungry, Mother’s album in the shop. “This will be the first local group we have on vinyl,” Howell said. “It’s something we’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always told people that if they cut it, we’ll sell it. We have already had a lot of people from ACU coming in just to get this album.” Lyle said he feels flattered by the support he has received from the community. He said it eases the initial gamble of releasing a record. “This is the hardest part,” Lyle said. “This first push is such a big risk, but I’m excited to see what happens.” The album contains five songs and a bonus track of rain sounds. It can be purchased at Record Guys, King Music, Hippy Kritz Music and Monks Coffee Shop for $12.
Killing Jar
contact Amstutz at
Feb. 22
Megamind
Feb. 25
(Dream Works)
Burlesque
Mar. 1
(Screen Gems)
Faster Mar. 1
(CBS Films)
127 Hours
Mar. 1
(Fox Searchlight)
Love And Other Drugs Mar. 1
(Fox)
MUSIC Adele Feb. 22
21
Eisley Mar. 1
The Valley
Forever The Sickest Kids Mar. 1
Forever The Sickest Kids
Everyone Dies In Utah Seeing Clearly
Mar. 1
Linda Eder Now
Go Radio Lucky Street
Mar. 1 Mar. 1
Papercuts Fading Parade
Mar. 1
Dropkick Murphys Going Out In Style
sla07a@acu.edu
Feb. 22
Mar. 1
DeVotchKa 100 Lovers
Mar. 1
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 8
A story to tell
February 25, 2011
SING SONG
Injured Kinsman awaits surgery after prop accident Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
TANNER FREEMAN // Staff Photographer
Tony, a native of Northern Uganda, speaks to a crowd in Moody Coliseum on Tuesday. The organization Invisible Children showed a video about his life as a youth living in Uganda.
The member of the Gamma Sigma Phi’s Sing Song act who was injured before Saturday’s show remains in the hospital after doctors had to halt surgery because of swelling in his jaw. Doctors at Hendrick Medical Center began to operate on Jason Rasco’s jaw Monday, but his face began to swell with an infection. Rasco, junior criminal science major from Abilene, is heavily sedated and in the ICU at Hendrick, Rasco’s cousin, Nick Randolph said. Randolph, a graduate student in theology from Lubbock, said doctors would try to operate again later this week. “They have him pretty drugged up,” Randolph said. “The mouth is a really bad place to get in-
jured, and he has a little bit of infection.” Randolph said Rasco should be fine after he has the surgery. He said the difficulty now is just waiting. “Different members of the family are responding to the wait differently,” Randolph said. “His parents are pretty collected, but I’m sure they are worried.” Rasco was injured during Sing Song warm-ups as he worked with an air compressor cannon designed to shoot streamers. The cannon split and caused the recoiling prop to pop up. It hit Rasco in the jaw, knocking out six of his teeth and breaking his jaw. Rasco was transported to the hospital for stitches and returned for Saturday’s shows. GSP director Colin Barnard, senior political science major from Washington, D.C., said members
of the club are concerned for Rasco and hoping he makes a swift recovery. “No one likes that he’s having to go through hardship right after winning Sing Song, especially since he was injured doing something to help all of club and the show,” Barnard said. Barnard said members of the club have been strong in their support of Rasco. “Guys have been consistently e-mailing all of club with updates about his situation and with things that GSP can do to help him while he’s missing so many of his classes,” Barnard said. “Some of his closer friends and roommates in club have begun to take things to him and his family at the hospital.” contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
CONNECTED SUMMIT
Summit: Mobile conference features 77 presentations Continued from page 1
More than 800 people from 28 states and nine countries have registered for the event, which begins Monday morning and ends Tuesday evening. The conference will feature three keynote speakers – Karen Cator, U.S. Department of Education director of educational technol-
ogy; Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple; and Adrian Sannier, Pearson eCollege Vice President of Product. Cator’s keynote on Monday morning will explore the topic, “Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology.” As director of educational technology for the U.S. Department of Edu-
cation, Cator is crafting a new vision for education for the United States - one that emphasizes technology, Rankin said. “This is one of the people who is setting the agenda for education in the entire country, and she’s speaking at our event,” Rankin said. Cator’s vision – echoed in recent speeches by President Barack Obama
– calls to end emphasis on static, standardized testing practices and pushes educators to take advantage of available technology, Rankin said. Wozniak will participate in an onstage conversation led by Rankin at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, in Moody Coliseum. The event also will feature a performance by the Rocketboys, an
Austin-based indie rock band of ACU alumni that started in Abilene. Conference participants can choose from 77 sessions divided into seven tracks: Media & Mobility, Teaching & Learning, The Future of Books, K-12 Education, Infrastructure & Logistics, Campus Spotlights and Research. Most of the conference will be modeled
after the TED talks concept of having concise, 15-minute, planned talks in the speaker’s area of expertise, Saltsman said. A complete schedule of events and descriptions of each talk can be found online at acu.edu/connectedsummit.
contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
FROM SPORTS
Page 9
COLUMN
February 25, 2011
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Deadline is good for business Fight: Guards The Rookie’s Journal Mark Smith LeBron in Miami. Carmelo to New York. Deron Williams is headed to New Jersey. The big names are on the move, forming new alliances in new cities to potentially Smith assemble the next superstar duo or trio on the basketball court. By Thursday afternoon, Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins were shipped to the Thunder for Jeff Green. It happens every year, the big-trade frenzy as the deadline nears. Every team wants to land that blockbuster trade that with the hopes of improving the team’s attendance, jersey sales and team record. Last year, the
Cleveland Cavaliers were the big-trade winners, snagging Antawn Jamison to be LeBron James’ sidekick in what was their best shot at the championship and LeBron finally getting the critics off his back who argue his legitimacy. Well, we all know how that turned out. Last offseason was anticipated several years in advance. It was the offseason when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen could or would be free of their contracts. Some huge names moved to different teams, and some huge names moved to the same teams. We all know where LeBron took his talents, along with Bosh and Wade. This seems to be a new trend in basketball. Chris Paul declared he wants to
play in New York with Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony last July. Speculators conspire to create hundreds of possible combinations of talent, finding the next conspiracy or the next Big Three. Is this a bad thing for the sport? It is changing the game somewhat, making front office decisions more important than ever before, but it’s hard to say that it’s actually bad for basketball, for several reasons. The Miami Heat have the third-best record in the league and second best in the conference, and lead the Southeastern Division. Miami gained millions of haters this season; LeBron and Wade gained millions of critics, including basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, but do they deserve the heat they’re tak-
ing for putting together a super-team? The Celtics received little criticism in 2007 when Kevin Garnett and Allen joined Pierce in Boston. Why is that? Is it because the front office pulled off the trades instead of the players talking together about their futures? I’d say the decision paid off, considering the Celtics won the 2008 championship, reached the 2010 Finals, and lead the Eastern Conference now. No one complains that they have too much star power, and no one says that they aren’t playing the game like it was meant to be played. The Heat and their players value a championship over individual glory–can you blame them for taking this golden opportunity? contact Smith at
mds10a@acu.edu
BASEBALL
Win: Road series will be tough picked to finish second, behind the Wildcats, in In the ninth, ACU blew open the Lone Star Conference. the game, scoring first a on SEOSU has managed a a wild pitch that brought sweep of the East Central Tigers this season, Reed Watson home. With two runners on the same team ACU also base, Sky Valenzuela sin- swept this past weekend. “We definitely will come gled in Cameron Bankston, and Calhoun fol- out fired up,” said Oliver. lowed with an RBI single, “They’re a really good team.” Games are scheduled bringing in Aaron Oliver. With the win ACU, for Friday at 2 p.m., and moves to 5-2 on the sea- a double header is schedson before moving into a uled for Saturday, with weekend match up with games starting at noon Southeastern Oklahoma and 2:30 p.m. State University. The SavSTACY ACTON // Staff Photographer age Storm are just 5-4 on contact Tripp at Zach Sneed pitches in a game against East Central this season. the season after being bjt07a@acu.edu Continued from page 10
sustain injuries Continued from page 10
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Low: Wildcats will finish in last Continued from page 10
the ball. We had 16 first half turnovers,” Head Coach Jason Copeland said. “Taking care of the basketball has been our Achilles heel the past few games.” The Wildcats would not make a push in the second half and could not close the gap by fewer than 12 points. The Texans would go on to win 82-61. ACU was led by Ben Warton who scored 18 points coming off the bench. Preston Davis would add 12 points for the Wildcats in the game. “I thought we fought hard and stayed in the game for a while, but a lot of turnovers led to some easy buckets for them and
‘‘ ’’
they made a big run,” Warton said. The Wildcats fell to 9-17 overall on the season and 1-12 overall in the Lone Star Conference South Division. The Texans improved to 21-4 overall and 12-1 in the Lone Star Conference South Division. Tarleton has clinched the top spot in the South Division and will play the fourth seed of the LSC North next week in the conference tournament. ACU will conclude its season Saturday night at home against Midwestern State. The Wildcats host the Mustangs at 7 p.m. “MSU will come in here ready to play. They are a team we felt that we should have beat here
When you don’t have anything to play for it’s hard to get ready for a game. BEN WARTON // junior forward for ACU men’s basketball
last year,” Copeland said. “We need to be geared up for the game and hopefully send seniors out on a good note.” The Wildcats are looking to play the spoiler, as the Mustangs are currently in a three-way tie for second place in the LSC South Division. “When you don’t have anything to play for it’s hard to get ready for a game, so we’re just trying to play for each other now,” Warton said. “I’m
proud of our guys for never quitting, so we’re going to still play hard and see if we can get this win Saturday to send the seniors out right.” This group of seniors includes Davis, Vladamir Gavranic, Giordan Cole and Marcus Washington. Saturday’s game at Moody Coliseum against Midwestern State will be Senior Day for the ’Cats.
SOFTBALL
Errors: Team strives to focus on road ahead Continued from page 10
‘‘ ’’
yesterday. We need to have all aspects of our game present when we play, and that did not happen Sunday. We hit the ball well enough to win, so now we need to focus on staying down on the ball.” In their first game Sunday, the Mustangs’ Brittney Tanner silenced the ACU offense, which had been averaging more than five runs per game, as she struck out eight and allowed just one run and base runner – both coming on a home run hit by Valentina Nabayna in the Mustangs’ 9-1 win.
We need to flush out Sunday’s games and focus on our next game. Shelby Hall // sophomore pitcher for the ACU Wildcats
The Mustangs improved to 17-1 and extended their winning streak to eight games, while the Wildcats fell to 8-8. “Sunday served as a growing experience for us,” pitcher Shelby Hall said. “We’re not going to win them all, obviously. We all have something we can improve on in our game. We need to flush out Sun-
day’s games and focus on improving and looking towards our next game.” The Wildcats will be back in action Saturday in San Antonio for a doubleheader against St. Mary’s University and then head to Austin on Sunday to play St. Edwards University. contact Shake at
bxs09a@acu.edu
contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
‘‘ ’’
we have played,” Lankford said. “It was good preparation for the conference tournament though. Everyone in the tournament will be fighting for the spot in the regionals, so they’ll be extra physical.” The loss is big one for the Wildcats because it assures them a fourth place finish in the LSC South. They will have to play the first place seed from the LSC North, most likely Northeastern State. ACU got a chance to see Northeastern earlier in the year, and it wasn’t pretty for Shawna Lavender’s squad that lost 60-44. Until Wednesday night’s game, Northeastern was the last time the Wildcats had not managed 50 points. “Our team came into the game with a lot of confidence,” Whitaker said. “However, once the game began our confidence seemed to drop off. From this point on we move and focus on Saturday’s game.”
From this point on we move and focus on Saturday’s game.
AUTUMN WHITAKER // senior guard for ACU women’s basketball
ACU will play one more game this season, at home against Midwestern State. A win would only be a moral booster for the ’Cats at this point with their position already locked. It is one more chance for ACU fans to see the women before they make the trip to Bartlesville, Okla., for their first round game next Wednesday night. Saturday’s match-up against the Midwestern Mustangs will be in at 5 p.m. Moody Coliseum. contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
Page 10
Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL Team
Div.
Tarleton St. 12-1 WTAMU 8-5 MSU 8-5 ENMU 8-5 ASU 7-6 UIW 5-8 TAMU-K 3-10 ACU 1-12
Ovrl. 21-4 21-5 20-7 13-12 11-14 16-9 8-17 9-16
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl. Tarleton St.13-0 9-4 ASU WTAMU 9-4 8-5 ACU 5-8 MSU 4-9 UIW ENMU 3-10 TAMU-K 1-12
23-2 16-9 16-10 11-14 9-16 8-17 5-20 3-22
SOFTBALL
Sports
February 25, 2011
Two fielding errors cost ’Cats victory Bryson Shake
Assistant Sports Editor
Coming off a 4-2 showing and two straight wins at the Southeastern Oklahoma Crossover tournament, the ACU softball team was riding high, heading into their day-night doubleheader against No. 12 Midwestern State on Sunday. And for six innings in the second game, it looked as if ACU was going to pull off the
upset to defeat their Lone Star Conference South Division foe at Wells Field. The Wildcats rallied for five runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 9-8 lead, setting up the probable comeback victory. Pitcher Shelby Hall then blanked the Mustangs in the top of the sixth. But the wheels fell off the Wildcats’ wagon in the seventh inning. The first two Mustang batters grounded out
to start the inning, and a ground ball by MSU’s Nikki Duff appeared to be the third out of the inning, potentially ending the game and securing the comeback victory for ACU. But the ground ball skipped past second baseman Sarah Martinez, putting the game-tying run on the base path. Courtney Bingham then hit a single to put two runners on base. Kim Jerrick
then hit a ground ball to the middle of the infield, and it appeared once again the ‘Cats might emerge from the inning unscathed. But the ball slipped past Ashley Calles, and Duff rounded the bases to score the game-tying run. Both teams exchanged runs in the eighth inning and followed by going went scoreless in the ninth. A Mallory Mooney single to center field would
drive in the go-ahead run, and Carey Campbell followed suit, driving in two runs and bringing the score to 13-10, the final score of the extra-inning thriller between the teams. “That was definitely a tough game for us to swallow,” said assistant coach Ashley Reeves. “We just didn’t show up defensively and help our pitching out see ERRORS page 9
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Battered and Beaten
BASEBALL Team
Div.
Ovrl.
SE. O.K. 3-0 Cameron 5-1 WTAMU 5-1 Tarleton St. 4-2 ACU 4-2 TAMU-K 4-2 UIW 4-2 SW OK St. 5-4
5-4 6-1 10-2 7-2 5-2 6-3 5-4 7-4
SOFTBALL Team
Div.
Ovrl.
0-0 ASU WTAMU 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 0-0 UIW ACU 0-0 TWU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 ENMU 0-0
15-0 9-1 6-3-1 7-4 8-8 4-4 9-10 2-8
Briefs n The
football team has added a fifth home game to their 2011 schedule. ACU will play Western Oregon will meet for the first time on Saturday, October 1 at 6 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium. The Wildcats still have one opening left on their schedule that needs to be filled.
n The
Lone Star Conference announced Wednesday a three-year agreement with the city of Allen allowing the city to host the LSC men’s and women’s basketball championship tournaments for three consecutive years, beginning in 2012. Allen will relieve Barltesville, Okla. of its role as host since 1975.
Upcoming n The
men’s and women’s basketball teams will host Midwestern State on Saturday. The doubleheader will begin with the women playing at 5 p.m., followed by the men at 7 p.m.
n The
softball team will travel to San Antonio to play a doubleheader against St. Mary’s Saturday starting at 3 p.m. before traveling to Austin on Sunday to play a double header beginning at noon against St. Edward’s. The baseball team will play Southeastern Oklahoma State on Friday at 2 p.m. and then play a doubleheader Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m.
n
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Mack Lankford sits on the court during ACU’s 65-48 loss. Lankford led the Wildcats in scoring with 16 points despite an off night shooting the ball. She wasn’t the only one as ACU shot only 25 percent from the field and made only 13 buckets. They will close their regular season Saturday in Moody Coliseum.
ACU got beat-up by the 13-0 TexAnns in an ugly 65-48 loss
tough environment plus a lack of disciplined play plagued the ’Cats, who got beat up en route to a 65-48 drubbing. The Wildcats only shot Austin Gwin a mere 25 percent from the Sports Editor floor, making 13 of their 51 Wednesday’s game against field goal attempts. Tarleagainst Tarleton State was ton, now 13-0 in Lone Star a huge game for the Wild- Conference, looked a little cats, but they fell flat. A out of sorts as well, shoot-
BASEBALL
ing under 40 percent. It was good enough to beat the offensively challenged Wildcats, however. “We didn’t seem mentally prepared coming into the game and didn’t play to our potential,” freshman guard Mack Lankford said. “It’s frustrating because we know how good we can be.”
Lankford was the only Wildcat to score in double figures with 16. The TexAnns had four players hit at least 10 points, with guard Morgan Stehling leading Tarleton with 14. The game was largely determined by the physicality from both sides. All three officials were hesitant to blow their whistles all game, result-
ing in what amounted to a football game on the basketball court. Both Lankford and senior Autumn Whitaker had taken hard shots to the legs and were visibly limping by the time the final horn blew. “Last night was one of the most physical games see FIGHT page 9
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Wildcat bats awake in fifth straight win Brandon Tripp Sports Director
The ACU Wildcats now have reeled off five straight wins after beginning the season 0-2. No. 23 ACU used a three-run ninth inning to blow a two-run lead up to five. “It’s definitely good to get things rolling again,” said senior Aaron Oliver. “Five straight is a good thing for us.” Senior pitcher Will Calhoun had a big game for the Wildcats as a pitcher and designated hitter on Tuesday. Calhoun allowed just one earned run in three innings and moved to 3-0, batting in a run at the plate. The Hilltoppers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning when Calhoun, with the bases loaded, walked Paul McCoy, bringing in a run for St. Edwards. ACU answered quickly in the top half of the fourth inning, with a runner on first and JR Roland at the plate. Roland homered to
right field, bringing in two runs and giving the Wildcats a 2-1-run lead heading into the bottom half of the inning. ACU relievers held down the Hilltoppers’ offense over the middle innings, allowing just three hits until the ninth. “One of the things that have been going right during these five games is we have been able to get our bullpen to throw strikes and keep us in ball games,” said head coach Britt Bonneau. It became a pitcher’s duel in the later innings, with neither team relenting. ACU managed to tag St. Edward’s for a run in the eighth inning, stocking up an insurance run. Cameron Watten drew a walk with two outs in the inning before Bonneau brought in Bryce Gerhardt to pinch run for Watten. Gerhardt stole both second and third and was brought in on a throwing error by Kyle Harris, the Hilltoppers’ catcher. see WIN page 9
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Zach Williams drives the ball to the bucket against Tarleton State on Wednesday night.
ACU hits low with loss Ryan Cantrell
Sports Multimedia Editor
‘‘ ’’
The Tarleton State defense was too much for the Wildcats to handle, as the Texans cruised through the Wildcats 82-61. The Texans held ACU scoreless for the first four minutes of the game, before ACU finally got on the board with an Alex
Early on we got into a bind not taking care of the ball. We had 16 first-half turnovers. JASON COPELAND // head coach for ACU men’s basketball
Richman three-pointer. Texans took a 38-22 lead ACU was able to keep the into halftime. “Early on we got into game close in the beginning of the first half, until a bind not taking care of Tarleton went on a 14-2 see LOW page 9 run to close it out. The