Dear BI Career Consultants:
How can we measure the true impact of technology on learning and student success?

Dr. Samuel M. Hampton
Program manager, Executive Leadership Foundation,
Technology Transfer Project
Washington

While the issues in improving technology in higher education are complex, I am most interested in the successful improvement of faculty and instructors' technology skills. This is critical if students are to benefit and if colleges and universities are to move forward in earnest with technology enhancements.
I think one of the best indicators regarding the impact of technology in education is the ability of faculty and instructors to create a learning environment that promotes the use of technology in the workplace.
For example, most employers these days assume that when a student graduates from college he or she will be able to write a document on the word processor, include a chart or a spreadsheet in that document and attach it to an e-mail to send to one or more recipients. These basic skills require the integration of different software applications and a solid understanding of how they work together to increase productivity. Faculty and instructors on campus should be encouraged to develop a learning environment that gives students the opportunity to complete school assignments, research, communications and presentations using technology.
Integrating technology into the daily teaching practices of colleges and universities represents a dramatic change that will challenge many faculty and instructors. Higher education leaders must accept this and give faculty and instructors the tools and support they need to embrace technology through appropriate planning and budgeting strategies. As a component of our Technology Transfer Project with historically Black colleges and universities, the Executive Leadership Foundation includes a significant faculty development initiative. This training aims to equip faculty with the skills, hardware and follow-up support they need to use technology in their instructional delivery. I believe that the impact of technology in higher education is realized when students can easily make the transition from the campus environment to the workplace.