Technology

Technology is changing the way faculty teach and students learn. As technological advances are introduced into the academy, campuses are more and more attracted by the promise and potential of technology for enhancing access and learning. Faculty, staff and administrators need to understand what technology can and what it cannot do. Technology is seen by some as the panacea for budgets cuts: some see visions of hundreds of students sitting in front of monitors, with talking heads providing cheap, mass education. Others see technology as a critical complement to the educational experience, opening more opportunities for the learner than can be encompassed by one campus. Both visions are possible, but the first not particularly desirable.

This section of NEA's higher education web site provides a framework to begin discussions about the role of technology in teaching and learning. We have also linked to other key sites that are relevant to the discussion of technology including distance education and legal issues on the Internet.

• The Campus Computing Project

  The 2004 National Survey of Information Technology in US Higher Education reveals that academic computing budgets cuts were less than last year and more campuses are adopting policies to stop music and video downloads on their networks.

• The Use of Technology: Institutional Issues

  This 2003 Almanac chapter reports on administrators and staff perceptions of key technology issues facing community colleges.

• Higher Education on the Web Research Center Update Vol7.No1, February 2002

  Public 2-year and private 4-year institutions are playing a leading role in distance education. This Research Center Update identifies some of the barriers to distance education and discusses the impact the Internet has on the way colleges and universities do business.

• Technology and the Changing Campus Workforce

  Thought & Action, Spring 1999

• Center for Advancement of Learning - Learning Strategies Database

  The Center for Advancement of Learning at Muskingum College compiled a database of information on learning strategies. Surf the database for learning strategies on general topics and for strategies on specific academic areas and disciplines.

• Innovate

  The journal of online education carries articles that assist educators in integrating information technology tools into their teaching.

• Issues in the Profession: The Role of Technology

  From the Spring 1998 Thought & Action, here are several articles on technology.

  Richard Sclove: The Democratic Uses of Technology

  How To Tell If You Really Need the Latest Technology

  Selling Academe to the Technology Industry

  The Paradox of Technology: What's Gained and Lost?

  Technology: Higher Education's Magic Bullet

• Technology: Will It Replace Us?
  

  A presentation and paper by Christine Maitland, presented at Harvey Mudd College.

• Higher Education Act Reauthorization Recommendations

  NEA and AFT make joint recommendations regarding the Higher Education Act Reauthorization on Distance Learning. "Distance education, conducted properly can be a real asset... But it would be bad public policy to simply lift the 50% requirement..."

• On-line Teaching and Learning Resources

  Surf these links for a wealth of helpful web sites on web based teaching, on-line course materials, software, and distance education.

• Information Technology: A Road to the Future

  The NEA book is intended to be a guide to information technology issues in higher education.

• Going the Distance: State Legislative Leaders Talk About Higher Education and Technology

  Reports on interviews with selected state legislators. The 1996 report, The Politics of Remedy: State Legislative Views on Higher Education, is also available.

• Technology and Higher Education

  You can also purchase the new book published by the NEA Professional Library.

• Intellectual Property Resources

  Surf these links for important details on intellectual property rights, copyrights, and fair use.

• Fair Use, Liabilities and Electronic Toll Booths

  A report on the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference in Geneva, by former NCHE President Roger Knutsen.

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