Despite much debate and discussion, many in higher education understand little of the consequences of trends in technology. The real challenge is for trustees, administrators, and faculty to attend and respond to change and to create both institutional and individual capacity for self-renewal that recognizes, anticipates, and accommodates change.…

Examines issues of quality in higher education in relation to economic concepts of productivity. Suggests that the debate between definitions of productivity that focus on costs and traditional concepts of quality may affect policy decisions in how campuses use information technology. (DB)

Promotional marketing can deliver significant benefits to colleges and universities willing to modify traditional practices to build awareness and recruit students. Emerging college marketing practices focus on service, rely on friends to disseminate information, maximize technology, simplify the message, and are based on knowledge of the…

Discussion of Internet2 and the college or university's decision to participate in the network looks at the characteristics of the system and the advantages of access to it; infrastructure needed to participate; costs to the institution; considerations in making the decision to participate; and the consequences of waiting. (MSE)

Colleges can avoid getting stuck with obsolescent and inadequate technology if governing boards can distinguish between the essential and the grandiose. This requires being clear about the purposes of the needed technology, being realistic about the outcomes, building full cost into budgets, involving faculty and staff in its use, and taking the…

Three major areas of new technology appropriate for distance education are briefly described: satellite delivery, video teleconferencing, and computers and networking. Important considerations are offered to college and university trustees for media selection and policy formation. (MSE)

This article argues that colleges and universities that overlook the potential of new technology for development of distance-learning programs may find themselves losing students and revenue to other institutions and corporate competitors. Eight considerations in development of an institutional telecommunications policy are outlined, and several…

Before college and university leaders rush to capitalize on distance education, they should be aware that the boom may not last. Although distance education is an attractive option in light of demographic shifts, it is costly and demands may change substantially. An institution's overall technology plan should include a business plan, curriculum…