Getting better

ITD should broaden students' computing options

The first week of Fall term 1998 has officially begun. Students now scramble through the online courseguide, weave their way through the crowds of the Diag and wait in long lines to buy books. With assignments and papers on students' minds, many are quickly becoming dependent on the services provided by the University's Information Technology Division. The hassles of setting up computers and mastering the technological opportunities of the University are among students first assignments.

This year, ITD has responded to students' desire for computer services more appropriate for their needs. ITD has altered its basic computer services package. As of now, students will receive 400 pages of free printing, 15 megabites of file system and e-mail storage space and a 100 hours of in-state dial-up access.

Although ITD is working to provide technological opportunities to students, students should be given more options. Each student has different computing needs. Some students do not own their own computers and might prefer to allocate more of their free ITD package to an increase in printer use; others who rarely print from one of the campus computing sites may choose additional dial-up hours. Ultimately, students should be offered more choices in dealing with their computer needs.

Student involvement in current and future ITD adjustments is essential. It is important that students work to make sure that their opinions are heard. From the successful lobbying of ITD and the Office of the Provost that took place this past winter by a group of student, including members of the Michigan Student Assembly's communication committee, students are not only involved in the ITD's decisions, but are also are experiencing the benefits of the new services package. ITD has shown its willingness to adapt to the times and students should continue to express their needs to ITD and other divisions of the University.

Working to change ITD's policies acknowledges the responsibility of the University to allow all of its students access to the vast resources of technology. As Linda Green, a marketing manager for ITD, expresses, "Technology is no longer an option in the successful pursuit of education - it is a way of life, which students and faculty are demanding be available."

Students must continue their commitment to technological options, the decision process and improving the quality of their educational resources. ITD should reopen students' options by allowing them to dole out their resources as they see fit. Further, the lobbying efforts exerted by the students and the results it produced set an excellent precedent of which the rest of the University community should take note.

09-11-98