Then and Now: Technology and the Changing Face of Higher Education

Abstract

This project examines the impact of technology on the process of higher educationand the impact of these advances on both students and faculty. Student demographics andacademics qualities from thirty years ago are compared to those of modern students as reportedby veteran and new faculty members. The impact of technology on the modern student isdiscussed, as are technology relevant changes in the university experience for students andfaculty. The changes in the accessibility of college classes by nontraditional students due tomultimedia and Internet technology is also discussed with respect to the changing nature ofdistance education, including emergence of teleconference courses, Internet based classes, andother alternatives to the traditional correspondence course.