New information technology, however, may expand the University's reach dramatically over the next decade. New technology has already begun to change life at the University. We disseminate information to its students, as well as to the outside world, on the Internet. Students communicate with each other and with faculty on electronic mail. Discussion groups and chat rooms in cyberspace now supplement exchanges that before took place only after class.
Faculty increasingly have a chance to convey their ideas in different media.
It is already possible to disseminate lectures with videotapes and on CD-ROMs. At least one faculty member has offered a course over the Internet. We can anticipate that within several years, whether it is through a lecture on videotape or materials designed to be accessed with a computer, we shall take increasing advantage of these new possibilities. The University must encourage and support faculty who take advantage of new information technologies. It must recognize that disseminating knowledge through new technologies is consistent with our core mission.