Faculty and student computer usage in higher education: Faculty and student responses to CSU technology surveys

Gilbert and Green (1997) reported that institutions of higher education are confronted with the evolution of computers from mere personal desktop tools to communication gateways and information-rich networks. The use of computers in the world today has become commonplace. From accessing money from an Automated Teller Machine to programming a home Video Camera Recorder, technology enhances everyday life. Discussing technology applications, Heterick (1993) suggested that technology in higher education is not only inevitable; it is welcome from the standpoint of an educational tool. He said, "There is nothing in our technology forecasts that suggests that we are technologically constrained from reaching for the holy grail of scholarship---anything, anytime, anywhere" (p. 8).; The Integrated Technology Strategy (ITS) was launched by the California State University in 1994. According to the CSU, "The ITS is the overall vision and planning framework for moving the CSU into the information age" (http://tii.calstate.edu/StatusandDirections/Status/PRECIS.pdf). ITS was designed to build on previous efforts and integrate technology to improve four areas in the CSUs. Daigle (1997) categorized the areas as: "...the quality of learning and teaching; the quality of the students experience; administrative productivity and quality; and the personal productivity of students, faculty and staff" (p. 5). The ITS entered into an agreement with the California State Legislature and began collecting data to submit an annual report outlining results. These reports will continue until 2008, and will be presented to the Legislature in documents known as the Integrated Technology Strategy Measures of Success (MOS) (ITS website).; The purpose of this study was to determine if CSU faculty and students are prepared to use technology, if technology is available to them, and if they use technology for the enhancement of education. This study examined the views of faculty and students using ITS surveys of the CSU system. Also scrutinized in this study were data from post-hoc focus groups conducted at a university in the central valley of California.; Based on faculty and student responses to the ITS surveys, and faculty and student focus group comments, it would appear that the CSU is meeting the needs of faculty and students regarding preparedness and availability of technology in higher education. It would also seem that faculty and students of the CSU use technology on a nearly daily basis for the enhancement of education.