If the resulting product is used only in a single course in one institution, the costs cannot be recovered. And few faculty members appear to be satisfied with commercial software that remains relatively limited and unimaginative. Establishing campus technology standards saves money, yet many colleges and universities have adopted a laissez-faire approach to technology acquisition. Pity the chief information officer who must support multiple generations of computer equipment, operating systems, and software packages. To control costs, institutions must set standards for the campus, yet maintain some flexibility to meet individual needs.
Opportunities also exist to use technology to improve student services.
Pioneering institutions such as Oregon State and the universities of Minnesota and British Columbia are reorganizing their student services to provide electronic access through call centers and the Internet. The result can be better service, greater convenience, and more consistency in policies and procedures. Electronic access to enrollment, registration, and financial aid also is a necessity for institutions that want to tap the distance-learning market. Student access to networked computing is the next big hurdle. Without universal computing access, it will be difficult for faculty to incorporate many new developments in instructional technology.