Even if students never participate in the discussions, just being able to read what s going on in a field gives them access to other scholars and provides a model for scholarly discourse, says Linda McMillin. Susquehanna s own home page, or front door computer screen, on the World Wide Web has provided a popular, two-way window on the world since its debut in September 1995. In addition to searching and linking to global data, users can also log on to find campus information such as organization and departmental home pages and convenient access to schedules, the catalog and other course materials. An increasing number of students and faculty are posting their own home pages. Alumni can find information such as activities, volunteer opportunities and campus news and sports.
Prospective students can even take an on-line tour of campus.
Students like founding webmasters Jeff Minnier 96 and Ben Millspaugh 98, are playing key roles in adapting the new technologies for campus use. In doing so, many are gaining skills that are in demand with employers. The University s core curriculum course Using Computers is constantly evolving to incorporate new technologies. A recently opened Computer Training Center directed by the Office of Continuing Education, provides specialized training for off-campus businesses and organizations as well as computer courses for students of all ages. The Blough-Weis Library is also increasingly moving to electronic formats for research materials, explains Kathleen Gunning, library director and coordinator of information resources.