This column takes a brief look at these two related issues and at the faculty who use and develop technology applications. It offers some caveats to those faculty who use technology as an end rather than as a means and suggests guidelines for tenure and promotion review committees. For one, they are considerably more powerful and easier to use than they were just two or three years ago. These improvements, along with the seemingly endless array of new types of software, continue to open up new avenues of usage. We also have better access to technology.
Microcomputers are virtually commonplace on campuses.
Thus, information technology at the desktop level is being transformed from an interesting but isolated device to a near essential, ubiquitous utility. As faculty, we have seen the positive effects that thoughtful use of information technology can have on the attitudes and achievement of our students. We've learned that technology can support a variety of teaching styles and approaches. Using these technologies, or even thinking about using them, is a healthy activity. Good software can indeed be helpful as a tool to enhance one's teaching effectiveness.