Introduction

Consider the great migration of college coursework to the World Wide Web. As more and more universities establish degree programs online, they are operating in a market where physical location means less and less.

What is the promise of technology for higher education? What benefits will it provide and what traditions will it challenge? Are you optimistic? This WebQuest supports your contemplation of these questions and encourages you to consider how you might help a university leverage technology for the delivery of instruction.

This WebQuest provides the opportunity to:

• consider what is involved in the wise and appropriate uses of technology in higher education delivery;
• contemplate the three key players in higher education-- the university, the professor and the college student;
• put yourself in the place of a learning and technology consultant to higher education.

To accomplish your task, complete the following steps:

1. Review these sites related to technology and higher education:
   
   Digital Diploma Mills: The automation of higher education
   Best practices in the uses of technology for higher education
   A recent study of online learning in higher ed from U of P
   The intriguing story of a failed online university
   Technology in higher ed as critical pedagogists perceive it
   

2. Now take on the role of a consultant to a university. The leadership is expressing concern about the impact of technology on students and professors. The provost asks, "What's here for us? What does technology offer to us, beyond the hype? We've been reading David Noble's position and it gives us pause. We are also concerned about the recent U of P study. And one of my most vocal profs got hold of that Travers and Decker article. My goodness. And yet we don't want to fall behind.... Where to from here?"

3. Imagine that you are invited in as a consultant to provide service to this provost and her leadership committee. She has asked you to help her with the questions detailed in no. 2 above, to help them figure out how to use technology to do more for their students. Create a ~750 word document detailing your thoughts on the preceding questions. Be direct; be pithy; use bullets; guide her and her associates; cite studies and best practices, where appropriate. Remember, you are serving university leaders, attempting to work as a consultant to them on this matter. How can you add value to their deliberations through your consultation? I will expect you to turn in a hard copy of this document on its due date. Soon after 7 PM on the date the assignment is due, please post this document on our BlackBoard Discussion Board. I'll establish a Forum for your postings. Post each document as a new thread and please read and comment on each other's offerings.

Effective statements will:

• Be no longer than 750 words and effectively communicate to this audience.
• Articulate opportunities; acknowledge concerns that administrators and faculty would be likely to have; and respond to concerns in a compelling fashion, appropriate to the audience.
• Make a case regarding appropriate uses of technology in higher education. Make certain that your ideas are substantiated, demonstrating familiarity with the articles you read.
• Show that you understand the complexities associated with change and reform.