Editor James L. Morrison interviews Jim Spohrer of Apple Computer. Spohrer is an architect of the Educational Object Economy (EOE) Project, which makes available Java-based learning tools to educators interested in technologically enhanced instruction. Find out how students can learn basic physics principles by manipulating a simulated swinging pendulum on the Web?or how a math teacher in San Francisco uses Web-based matrix equation solvers to create ballistic simulations in his classroom. Interested in other academic disciplines? EOE?s Web site catalogues more than 2,000 learning applets. "This is technology that will transform our world," Spohrer says. After reading this interview, you'll find it hard to disagree.

Glenn Ralston and Peter Havholm butt heads over the efficacy and cost of educational technology. Ralston contends that today's microcomputers are "cheap, ubiquitous, and powerful"?not to mention supportive of interactive learning software that empowers the user. Not taking advantage of these tools, he concludes, is "academically and pedagogically unsound." In response, Havholm acknowledges that technology can facilitate learning, but warns that higher education should not "be turned into a shop-'til-you-drop technology customer at the expense of the mission that justifies its price." He adds that what the U.S. economy rewards?communication skills, social ease, and basic reasoning abilities?is still "inculcated better around a seminar table with a teacher than by lonely communion with a machine." Who makes the more convincing argument? Read on and decide for yourself.

Glenn Ralston and Peter Havholm butt heads over the efficacy and cost of educational technology. Ralston contends that today's microcomputers are "cheap, ubiquitous, and powerful"?not to mention supportive of interactive learning software that empowers the user. Not taking advantage of these tools, he concludes, is "academically and pedagogically unsound." In response, Havholm acknowledges that technology can facilitate learning, but warns that higher education should not "be turned into a shop-'til-you-drop technology customer at the expense of the mission that justifies its price." He adds that what the U.S. economy rewards?communication skills, social ease, and basic reasoning abilities?is still "inculcated better around a seminar table with a teacher than by lonely communion with a machine." Who makes the more convincing argument? Read on and decide for yourself.

Ray Brown reports that a growing number of universities are requiring students to use notebook computers. The idea seems straightforward until one considers that administrators must decide: (1) if the university or individual students will purchase the computers, (2) if departments will institute minimum levels of computing capability, and (3) if notebooks will be distributed only to entering freshmen or to the entire student and faculty body. Brown evaluates the pros and cons of each issue in this informative look at universal access programs.

Today, human specialists handle 85% of the administrative services offered by institutions of higher education. Frank Tait argues that that number can be reduced to 2% if colleges and universities adopt "forward-thinking" administrative systems: systems that are Internet-centric, process-oriented, and designed to control workflow. Research shows that both students and administrative staff benefit when software manages such mundane tasks as class registration and grade reporting. Which program should your institution choose? Tait praises SCT Workflow as one that can efficiently and effectively handle educational services in the Communication Age.

The Southern Association for Institutional Research (SAIR) is an association that centralizes information and facilitates discussion about institutional research. SAIR boasts members from 16 states. Find out their names and affiliations in the searchable membership directory; join their debates about IR issues in a threaded discussion forum; or find out what is happening across the South from the site's state-by-state rundown of current IR news. If you support research that improves the planning and operation of postsecondary educational institutions, this site is a must-see.