The choice of an undergraduate institution is, in the end, a deeply personal one reflecting as much about the applicant as about the institution chosen. Information technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, including the higher education experience. While the state of a campus s information technologies, resources, and services will not be the only factor in determining a student s choice of a school, these aspects of higher education are important, variable, and too often misunderstood. This Guide to Evaluating Information Technology on Campus is designed to help you ask the right questions to match your educational and social needs and financial capabilities with the resources available at the colleges and universities on your short list. In a knowledge-driven era, higher education is essential and information technologies, resources, and services will enrich your educational experience.
Information technologies are pervasive and are being woven throughout the fabric of our daily lives.
Basic skills with computers, networks, and electronic information resources are expected in virtually all academic disciplines. For this reason, selecting a college or university that provides access to current equipment and the Internet is essential. Determining how or if an institution maintains the currency of its equipment and services will help you assess how this institution will meet your educational goals as you progress towards your degree. Basic literacy with the technology tools of the modern office, library, school, or other place of work is now as important to your future as the other skills of critical thinking and analysis that higher education will offer you. Some areas of study will demand access to specialized equipment, services, and resources.