Student Guide to Evaluating Information Technology on Campus

• INTRODUCTION
• FOR STUDENTS
• FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
• ABOUT THE STUDENT GUIDE

Introduction

The Student Guide to Evaluating Information Technology on Campus is designed to help students, their parents and guardians, and colleges and universities focus on a set of questions about the higher education technology environment. The questions are organized under four key areas:

• Academic Experience
• Administrative Experience
• Student Life
• Services and Fees

For students

As a college student, you join a community of people devoted to creating and sharing information—activities that can be enhanced by information technology. This Guide is intended to help you ask informed questions about how technology is used at institutions you are considering or in which you may already be enrolled.

• How will you use technology in your degree program, in particular classes, in labs, in teams, in field work, and where you live?
• Should you buy a computer or use those provided on campus?
• Can you find a computer at 2:00 a.m. if you need one?
• Is the Internet easy to connect to around the campus where you need it? dorms? libraries? classrooms? etc.?
• Are there wireless connections on campus?
• Is a technology fee charged in addition to tuition?
• Is technology training available?
• What about legal file sharing and music and video downloading?

These are just some of the questions that this guide will help you ask.

Even if you're undecided now about a program or a career, you'll be a learner, a discoverer, and a technology consumer at your school. Spend a little time learning how information technology will make a difference at your school and in your future.

You're not just a student, you're a consumer too...
...and should know what you're paying for, so ask!

In searching for the right college or university, you'll find all kinds of guides, lists, and rankings designed to help and influence your choice, along with print and Web resources that schools are glad to send you.

Computers are everywhere and will be a big part of your college experience. While a campus's technology resources, support, and services will not be the only factors you consider, they are important, variable, and too often misunderstood.

One of the best tactics is to ask questions. Remember, there are no "dumb" questions, just those you want answers to before you make a commitment.

In addition to this Web site, the Student Guide is also available as a print brochure. Follow this link to a downloadable PDF file. See the Guide questions organized under four key areas: Academic Experience Administrative Experience Student Life Services and Fees

For colleges and universities

• The Student Guide is also available in print. Access the link to a downloadable PDF file.
• Use the text-only version to create your own materials.
• Establish a link to the interactive Web site on your IT or admissions site.
• See how other institutions are using the Student Guide.

About the Student Guide

This guide was developed by EDUCAUSE in cooperation with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

EDUCAUSE is grateful to the organizations and individuals who provided special assistance with the 2006 updates to the Student Guide.