In most cases have-not departmental use of instructional computing has relied on a limited number of individual faculty and the heavy use of IT facilities and personnel. It is clear from the unit plans that there are have and have-not units within the College. Goals Networking capabilities are allowing us to cost-effectively modernize and simplify instruction. A target model might include a centrally located data and software server providing lecture notes, homework assignments, and models. Students turn in their assignments via email and the instructor returns the homework in like fashion.
Students can ask questions via email or newsgroups.
Converting class materials for computer presentation is time-consuming even after the computing skills are mastered. Faculty willing to pursue this teaching method must invest in learning the information technology. If the faculty are unwilling to learn these methods, support staff capable of mutimedia authoring can prepare the materials from lecture notes, graphics, etc, provided by the faculty. These talents are in high demand and frequently existing staff are retrained, at high cost, to bring this expertise to a unit. We recommend a more formal mentoring program within the college for academics and staff not already using computing and information technology for instruction.