Torchbearer: Spring 1997

More Power for Campus Computing

Faster access to the Internet is one advantage students will enjoy from the new technology plan.

UTK students use campus computing facilities, and they can access the Internet. They have computer training courses, access to student computer labs, some free software, and a computer "help" line.

Most students will tell you that's not enough to prepare them for good jobs in the workplace. They need more and better hardware and software, more help with computing problems, and Internet access from residence halls. If you use a computer at home or work, you probably recognize that those aren't extravagant goals; but you also know they don't come cheap.

Since state appropriations can't pay for all those services, students have begun paying a $100 a semester (or $12 a credit hour) technology fee. Students supported establishing the fee, the proceeds of which are designated to five "infrastructure" improvements:

· expansion and upgrading of the on-campus network. Work has begun to network student housing and all academic departments and to increase the capacity of the existing network. One-third of the more than 5,500 dorm rooms will be "activated" this year and one-third in each of the two succeeding years until the project is complete.

· equipment upgrades in student computing labs and departmental labs. Hours already have been expanded and equipment is being upgraded in several of the student computing labs. There are six staffed and 16 unstaffed labs.

· enhancement of student support services. Hours of the Student Support Line for brief computer questions are being extended, and other support services will be added.

· expanded distribution of licensed software. Licensing arrangements will make available more software to students at a lower cost than if they purchased the packages individually.

· construction and equipping of an academic technology facility. A demonstration lab will be equipped to show new teaching and learning methods. Classrooms will be upgraded so they can be used for multimedia instruction.

UTK expects to spend more than $25 million over five years as part of the technology initiative. See Chancellor Bill Snyder's thoughts on the "Change in Learning" brought about by computers.