Instructors need desktop support for using technology in their teaching. Students need web access through open access computer labs and through dialup connections. A major investment in equipment and infrastructure will be required for this, but it is essential to our ability to deliver on our research, teaching, and service missions. The intention to provide universal access to online technology comes first, after which it is possible to consider many ways of carrying out this intention. An intention to coordinate and fund both internal development and external partnerships centrally.
Many projects are underway to develop or deploy instructional technology on campus.
Each project has developed independently, working out leadership, partnerships, and funding arrangements on its own. Centralized leadership and funding of our major development initiatives is needed. Additionally, authority to build external partnerships with other universities and with for-profit organizations needs to be assigned to one or more individuals connected with instructional technology. Conclusion Our data, our tools, and our research culture are the materials from which we hope to fashion new ways to teach and learn. Going online is the means, not the end.