Chabotar, K. (2009) IT and the economy: a focus on priorities Educause Review, Vol. 44, No. 3
An excellent article on strategic directions for IT, including academic applications. Example:
Colleges and universities can view the instructional opportunities of IT on three levels. Level I involves the use of productivity tools like Microsoft Word and Excel for research and writing. Level II centers on how we teach and use technology to allow asynchronous learning at the student’s own pace and often outside the traditional classroom. Level III concentrates on changing what we teach. In accounting, for example, technology has allowed a shift away from rote memorization of debits and credits to a greater focus on what the numbers mean and how to act on them. Most institutions do very well with Level I, are improving with Level II, and struggle with Level III.
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
