I often get questions from current students, new students, parents and even faculty and staff about the current state of technology at Salisbury University. This is a pretty broad question and the answer will vary somewhat depending on the perspective of the person asking the question.

Current students have seen some pretty great changes in technology use over the past few years.  There has been very rapid growth in the technology provided in the classrooms.  The university now operates over 115 high tech classrooms, or SMART rooms. Most faculty are now integrating technology into their classes. This can range from using power point or the internet in the classroom to utilizing elaborate web sites to supplement class activities. Most students make use of faculty web sites, WebCT or web sites related to their particular area of study. Resident students have high speed access to the web in their residence halls and University Park.  Starting in the Spring 2007 all students got the opportunity to subscribe to the Ruckus music service at no cost. Some students have also discovered the wireless network in almost all academic buildings and the Blackwell Library.  Over 98% of the SU student body owns a computer and almost 2/3 of these are laptops. Over 98% own cell phones. This group is “connected” to say the least. Through GullNet most academic services can now be accessed through the web. Registration, bill payment, financial aid information, degree status reports, and transcripts can all be obtained through the web.  SU has not issued printed grade reports to students since the Spring 2003. Times and services have changed.

Future students will be coming with an even a higher set of expectations than the current student body.  Web services are not new to this group, but are expected. I doubt most high school students would look twice at a university that did not present large amounts of information about their programs and activities on the web.  They expect to apply for admission over the web and expect to have access to the internet wherever they are. Wireless networks are growing rapidly at SU and elsewhere.  Students can and do expect to be “always on”. The availability of low cost wireless ready laptop computers is changing the campus culture rapidly. The advent of reliable wireless connectivity and inexpensive laptops changes everything.  SU is planning to grow its wireless network so that students are connected as soon as they “cross the curb” to the campus. In class, in the quad, in the dining hall, and in your car you can or will be able to connect to the internet. My advice to students starting in the fall 2007 is to come to campus with a wireless laptop. Over 60% of our students have already made this choice and the number will grow rapidly. At this writing all academic and administrative buildings now offer wireless internet access. By the end of 2007,  we expect to be wireless inside and out.

Parents often ask “what kind of computer should my son/daughter have?”. This is a relatively new question since the question of should my son/daughter come to campus with a computer seems to have already been answered. As mentioned above for the next few years wireless connectivity will be a main focus of campus technology. This will lead to changes in teaching and learning. We are already seeing technology play a very important role in almost all areas of study. The university can help with the acquisition of an appropriate computer.  We have a purchasing agreement with Dell Computers which is administered by the campus Bookstore and software agreements with Microsoft and McAfee anti -virus.  The Bookstore also provides PC support to students who have computer mishaps. I suggest starting with the Bookstore and asking questions about hardware and software. The programs already in place can save time and money.

Faculty have experienced a high level of change over the past few years.  New technology in classrooms, the addition of GullNet for class management and advising, and the adoption of web tools to put class content on the internet are just a few of the changes that have altered the way teaching and learning takes place. The adoption of technology in teaching has been very significant. The growth in the number of SMART rooms, the activity level in the Teaching and Learning Resource Center, and the growing use of WebCT and faculty websites are all indicators of a faculty that have embraced technology in teaching.  With the addition of the Integrated Media Center in the new Teacher Education and Technology Complex (opens fall 2008) we will see even more collaboration within and across disciplines in the use if cutting edge technology.

With the growth of the wireless network for laptops and hand held devices the options for integration of technology in formal and informal teaching situations are expanding.

Summary

In the past nine years technology has invaded SU, like many campuses.  Some on campus already describe technology as “just like electricity, it’s just there”. This is very different view from just a few years ago. Students and parents are coming to campus with expectations which necessitate growth in the technologies available and they are pushing for “any time, any where connectivity”.  Connectivity and content will drive our growth for some time.  We are excited to push toward new levels of technology innovation.  This is what education is all about. We welcome the input of students and faculty as we learn together.  Thanks for choosing Salisbury University.

Jerry Waldron
Chief Information Officer
jfwaldron@salisbury.edu

July 5, 2007