The mission of instructional computing is to improve the quality of teaching and learning through the use of computer technology. To accomplish this mission the University must establish a campus environment rich in advanced computing and telecommunication resources that will support the diverse needs of faculty and students. No longer is it a question of whether to use computers to enhance instruction, but of how best to use them. Computers are found in classrooms, student and faculty labs, libraries, residence halls, even in the Student Union. Computers in labs allow faculty and students to do such things as produce documents, analyze and solve complex problems, design structures and spacecraft, simulate environments, plan stage settings and theater lighting, learn languages, compose music, create graphic art and display scientific visualization.
Networked computers open up new avenues of communication between teachers and their students.
Communication tools, such as group software, support interactive computing that enhances classroom learning. Computer conferencing and electronic mail can extend classroom time and bring geographically separated individuals together in electronic learning environments that amount to virtual classrooms. Access to literally worlds of information and to teaching and learning peers is possible through network services such as Wide Area Information System, World Wide Web and Gopher. The foregoing describes what can be done today even given the obstacles imposed by seriously inadequate financial support. To take full advantage of the many benefits offered by the technology, we must anticipate the future by seeking solutions that seamlessly integrate resources into a truly ubiquitous computing environment.