In 1997, Dean David Thorud initiated a planning process on the use of such technology and made funding available for new equipment. With help from UWired , a CFR technology working group developed specific recommendations for new software, hardware, and facilities.
Work is currently underway to carry out the recommendations.
During 1998, high-speed Internet connections were installed to the Charles Lathrop Pack Demonstration Forest near Eatonville and to the Olympic Natural Resources Center near Forks. Among other things, the funds are being used to hire three technical teaching assistants to work with faculty to apply technology to teaching and learning.