Guidelines for Administrators

The previous guidelines are primarily intended to help instructors who are trying to integrate Internet technology on their own. But if the vast potential of the new medium is going to be harnessed by more than a few risk-taking or computerphile instructors, then the educational institution will have to make some commitments as well. Following are some steps that decision-makers will need to consider:

1. Begin or continue a planned, long-term investment in the computer and networking infrastructure. Computer labs are just the beginning. Network connections must be extended to instructor offices and student dormitories. And without a competent and adequately-funded support staff, users will be frustrated and the college's reputation and competitive position will suffer.

2. Provide training and time for instructors to integrate technology into their courses. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) offers summer stipends and competitive grants that allow faculty to explore the use of technology in teaching and learning (Boschmann, 1998).

3. Avoid pitting technology enthusiasts against traditionalists. Support and celebrate the pioneers, but don't push change on those who are not ready. Boschmann (1998) points out that the invention of the printing press had very little influence on education for nearly a hundred years and that the overhead projector was used for 35 years in bowling alleys before becoming commonplace in education. After all, the majority of educators are most comfortable using the same methods that were used to teach them. Don't underestimate the time it takes to evaluate and integrate new technologies.

4. Encourage small pilot projects that provide opportunities for innovative approaches. However, try to make it clear that instructors can take risks and even fail, without career-threatening consequences. As the "pioneers" experience success (and are suitably rewarded), the less adventurous will eventually become interested. Even projects that are less than completely successful can be valuable learning experiences.

5. Encourage the sharing of best practices and, if necessary, re-evaluate incentives and workloads. Consider developing, with the help of instructors, standardized templates for course Web pages. This will not only streamline the development process, it will ease student learning curves by presenting them with a uniform interface.

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