EDUCAUSE Expands Online Guide on Evaluating Information Technology - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, March 15, 2001

WASHINGTON

EDUCAUSE, a higher education information technology association, has expanded its "Guide to Evaluating, Information Technology on Campus.' Since introduced in the spring of 2000, the online guide has been helping prospective college students and their parents evaluate the technology resources in use by the schools that interest the students.

The expanded version now provides more complete interpretive information, including data based on national norms, to build context and further assist in the decision-making process.

"Even more importantly, the expanded guide will help students and parents develop a context for thinking about these innovations, what they cost and why they are important. This should provide an important service to families trying to find just the right fit as they enter the higher education market," says Dr. Brian L. Hawkins, EDUCAUSE president.

Hawkins notes that the new guide features a comprehensive process to assist potential students and their parents to better evaluate how colleges and universities are using information technology and networks to: enhance classroom learning; provide better administrative services; expand library access; and create more cohesive societies of student learners.

The guide offers information on four key areas: academic experience; administrative experience; social experience; and requirements, services and cost. Comparative information is provided for different categories of information technology innovation for six institutional classifications: private and public two-year colleges; private and public four-year colleges; and private and public universities.

Since last year's introduction of the guide, a number of colleges and universities have either linked directly to the Web site or have created special sections of their Web sites based on the guide. These schools include Cornell University, Utah State University, George Mason University, Macalester College and Sam Houston State University.

The guide was developed by EDUCAUSE in association with the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Printed copies of the guide can be ordered from the EDUCAUSE Web site <http://www.educause.edu>. The complete guide is also available at <http://www. educause.edu/consumerguide/>.