What we can do is incorporate technology tools into curriculum. There has been increasing use of eCourse, a new tool this year that allows students to access syllabi and other course materials online. Nordgren oversees eCourse, which also allows faculty to put some course components online. More than 100 courses use eCourse in some way. Students can have online discussion groups, bulletin boards and other study opportunities outside of class.
Some professors allow students to submit assignments online.
It provides a wide diversity of options, Nordgren said. Some say electronic components can actually improve the quality of classroom time, because professors don t have to spend as much time going over details of the syllabus or background information those can be easily accessed via computer. Then, in class, more in-depth conversations can take place because everyone s prepared. I think it s very exciting, Moon said.