Please complete our reader survey . English Prof. Mark Edmundson started the discussion by saying he imagined himself in 2003 as being remote from his students since everything now done in a classroom might be done online in the future. But Polley Ann McClure, vice president and chief information officer, said increased use of technology would not change educational priorities. She also addressed the potential benefits and problems of distance learning.
Distance education enables a university to reach new kinds of students.
McClure said that training is another important aspect of the future of technology at the University. Michael Allen, fourth-year College student and former student member of the Board of Visitors, said the fast pace of the University's technological growth helps further the concept of the Academical Village interaction. Allen said he saw a presentation from the Engineering department about online classes, and was impressed to see that students could ask questions using electronic resources. Information Systems Manager Jeannie Inge discussed her experience with too few computers and insufficient training among numerous University employees. She said technology is important to the University's staff.