Faculty must know when, for example, the computer system will be able to support the use of video in instruction. They must know the threshold level of computing accessible to all their students. Administrative statements must be crisp and accurate. Broken expectations, nurtured by overly optimistic or careless predictions, will break the system. Computers and communication cut two ways.
Computers accelerate communication among class members and through sub-communities.
These same channels, however, allow rumors to move so rapidly that they quickly seem true. It is important to anticipate fast-flying rumors by developing in advance sound and regularized systems for communicating with all constituencies. Communities need to be alerted early and often to scheduled downtimes. Deans and other senior academic officials need to issue bulletins at least monthly on the status concerning the phase-in of a stronger computer system. New dollars required for upgraded systems should be spread through an institution s structure.