Riding the computer wave. Ms. Winnie Bell does some filing on one of the computer terminals in the library. Computers semed to invade the campus this year as plans were made involving higher technology. - photo by Bill Tripp. Catching the computer wave T ransitions of high-tech proportions brought new advancements to the American way of life within the past decade. A "computer age" was born which rendered many aged customs obsolete, forever revolutionizing human existence. Old methods of teaching were engulfed in this flood of new technology, as well - and Harding caught the wave. Although computers had been on campus to a great extent for over ten years , access was limited and the number of terminals was thin. The Strategic Planning Committee, under then-president-elect Dr. David Burks, concluded that expansion was necessary in order that the Harding graduate might enter his career as a salable commodity The results of the committee's resolution were immediate. Microcomputers this year popped up in all departmental offices; the communication department's graphics lab more than tripled its terminals ; micros were utilized for use in the English department's writing lab; computers replaced meal cards in the cafeterias; and the groundwork was laid for a campus-wide Learning Assistance Center (LAC) to tutor students in all fields of study. The changes came about following study by a computer committee which was set up to analyze the need specifically. The committee examined the issue over an eight-month period and drew up a plan for upgrading computer availability at Harding. In addition to the installation of micros to many of the labs and offices on campus, the committee's long-range plans included upgrading the university 's academic computer three-fold and the administrative mainframe six-fold. According to Dean B. Priest, committee chairman, the plan would cost Harding over one-half million dollars although government funding would defray some costs. Expansion of the administrative computer would allow prospective students to register on-line and expansion of the academic computer would provide an electronic card catalogue for the library, Priest said. "Dr. Burks has always had a keen interest in bringing high-technology to the can1pus," Priest noted . "Our plan allows for putting a computer on the desk of every faculty member." This year, the University purchased nearly $200,000 in microcomputers. According to Priest , government funding may allow for the purchase of an additional 30 computers for the LAC which is to be located in the Sears house. "We're past the point of talking about computer literacy,' ' Priest added. "Technology is such that Harding must familiarize its graduates with computers by incorporating them into the curriculum. Harding must adapt computer technology into the whole academic program.' ' - Bill Everett Kimberly Ann Hurley - Plano, TX John Robert Hurt - Memphis , TN Kara D. Hutchinson - Quincy, FL Pl!nny Lynn Irwin - Memphi s, TN Michael Da le Isakson - Kali pell , MT Cassandra J ackson - Plano, TX Lisa Ann J ackson - Plymou th , Ml Donald Er ic J acobs - Edgewood. TX Karen J oanne J ahn - Clinton, IA Kerry Lane J enkins - Paragould . AR heri Renea J enn ings - Rogers, AR Ca ri Lyn J ohnson - Carrollton , TX Cra ig Dale J ohnson - Searcy, AR Darren Mark Johnson - Hixson , TN Kim Renee J ohnson - Newberg , OR Victoria L. J ohnson - Searcy, AR Britt Howa rd J ones - Bate ville, AR Hillman Z. Jones - Green Forest , AR Julie Kay J ones - Romeo, MI Jackie Elaine Jordan - Carthage, MO Phillip J oyner - Cherokee Village, AR David Karl Judd - Flori sant, MO Sophomores 24g Hurley - Judd
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