This paper examines and illustrates pre-planning strategies for online learning programs that utilize course and learning management systems (CMSs and LMSs) and looks at the advantages and disadvantages of such systems according to certain basic criteria for effective, successful teaching and learning. Well in advance of adopting an online course…

Explains what Web portals are and discusses the benefits of a strategic alliance in portal building among campus information technology, libraries, and other campus groups. Suggests that by using robust channel capabilities, an enterprise portal can provide content from various parts of the university and promote resource discovery. (EV)

Turkey's Anadolu University is one of the world's largest mega-universities. It is engaged in strategic planning in response to changes in the expectations of the Turkish Higher Education Council and the community at large. In re-examining its vision and strategic directions, Anadolu University needs to be informed on the knowledge, skills, and…

In the spring of 2005, the author, the retiring president of EDUCAUSE, was asked to be the keynote speaker at the EDUCAUSE Western Regional Conference. The conference theme was "Winds of Change: Charting the Course for Technology in Challenging Times." What that brought to his mind was the era of the great sailing ships of the eighteenth and…

Institutions of higher education are embracing the role of the Internet as a medium to promote on-demand communication between faculty and students. As such, online course management systems have become an efficient and effective means of facilitating learning outside the classroom. To ensure that a course management system meets the needs and…

This paper describes a World Wide Web strategic planning process at the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) College of Medicine (COM). The process began when a Web Strategic Planning Committee was charged by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs to craft a comprehensive plan for development of the COM Web site, because the existing Web site…

The University of Wisconsin (UW) Sheboygan is committed to developing and maintaining a computing environment that supports the mission of the campus and the UW Colleges. Effective use of computer technology is an important part of the University's primary mission of teaching today's university students and serving local communities. Such an…

Online education is not for everyone. Although it is becoming increasingly popular, online education has both benefits and limitations. It is certainly convenient, and it allows some people access to education who otherwise might be prevented from involvement. But its impersonal nature and the many resources needed to deliver quality online…

The commoditization of low-cost hardware has enabled even modest-sized laboratories and research projects to own their own "supercomputers." The authors argue that this local solution undermines rather than amplifies the research potential of scholars. CIOs, provosts, and research technologists should consider carefully an overall…

Relates how the increasing desire to use more technology in enrollment management raises complex issues of management and decision making, including vision, control, leadership, and cost. Explores vendor partnerships, training, the impact of technology on staff, staff input on development of new systems, time lines, and the use of objective,…

Many of the information security appliances, devices, and techniques currently in use are designed to keep unwanted users and Internet traffic away from important information assets by denying unauthorized access to servers, databases, networks, storage media, and other underlying technology resources. These approaches employ firewalls, intrusion…

EDUCAUSE Core Data Service Fiscal Year 2006 Summary Report summarizes much of the data collected through the 2006 EDUCAUSE core data survey about campus information technology (IT) environments at 933 colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. The report presents aggregates of data through more than 100 tables and accompanying descriptive…

Berry College (Georgia) installed a new library computer and operating system, connected five buildings via a campus local area network (LAN), added eight faculty/staff offices to the LAN, completed an Internet connection, and has a name server operating. The college has also established e-mail and limited campus accounts for 300 of its 2,000…

This paper describes the process involved in envisioning Delta State University (Mississippi) Division of Computer Information Systems/Office Administration's (CIS/OAD) long-range approach to addressing the university's identified curricular needs. The process included: examining of community needs, assessment of current resources, curriculum…

In 1998, information was collected on 416 schools, colleges, and departments of education in the United States. Respondents--mostly deans and education faculty--were asked to rate their institutions in terms of a variety of indicators of capacity, including course work, technology facilities and support, skills of graduates, and field experience…