Computer network traffic at the University decreased by over 30% last year, following the introduction of restrictions on illegal downloading through the University network. Usage dropped from 464,159 GB in 2011 to 315,847 GB last year, a difference equivalent to over 400,000 hours of torrented video. This excludes traffic from data stored within the University network.
This decrease follows the University’s recent blocking of websites and downloads that breach its internet usage policy. File-sharing sites are now blocked following the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act, which came into force in 2011. This allows internet users who infringe copyright laws to be fined up to $15,000.
In an article by the Otago Daily Times, it was noted that “the reduction in traffic has meant an improvement in the performance of the network for legitimate users and meant it could defer increasing the capacity of its network, saving the university money.” This now means students have to wait even longer to get Korea-speed internet.
The restrictions have proved unpopular with the student body. “I hate that shit. I can’t stream Pirates when I’m studying any more,” says Steph, a frustrated Otago student.
In other news, students’ use of lecture podcasts has reached record numbers. In 2008, there were just 265 downloads, probably because few lecturers were making recordings. This number rose to 700,000 downloads in 2011 and more than 2.1 million in 2012. The ODT notes that “the main use for podcasts seems to be for revision, with download numbers peaking around exam times.”
With increasing student use of email, SMS, Facebook and Twitter, a study of how Otago staff members interact with students is now being undertaken by an online survey. The University is looking to find out what does and does not work in regard to online communication with students. A University press release regarding the study dropped the bombshell that “students are one of the most crucial audiences the University works with.” Critic is ecstatic the University has realised this.
“I hate that shit. I can’t stream Pirates anymore.”
