With the aid of information technology, a lot of things have changed around us. What we normally do manually is now done through computerized operating systems. It has revolutionized our business processes making information available to us at just a click of a mouse. Information technology has not only infiltrated the business arena but almost every aspect of our daily activities -in our mobile phones, email, Internet, fax machines, etc. It has become an essential part of human existence.
The impact of information technology definitely did not spare academia. Most schools nowadays also work with the aid of computer operating systems. University information is available to its staff, students and faculty. Information technology is very beneficial especially to students when they do research, for information storage and in the use of selected software.
Information has made communication much easier for everyone. In a big university setting, information from the main university can be tied up to other small universities or colleges. For instance if the engineering university staff or faculty want to access certain information, the university database can be accessed remotely and they can now almost immediately get the information they need. Communication has now become quicker, more efficient and even more affordable.
Access and usage of university information resources require careful handling and require certain responsibilities. To protect the integrity of the information accessed from the university databank, most universities have developed a comprehensive policy regarding the appropriate use of university information technology resources. The main focus of these policies is not to restrict the use of information but rather use it in a manner that does not damage or obstruct the mission of the university.
Though there are a lot of advantages to having information technology resources at your disposal, it has also led to some privacy issues - where do you draw the line between private and public information? This is what universities are protecting - the private information to remain private. It requires public trust.
These policies are designed to be applied to all users of information technology resources regardless of affiliation or position, and irrespective of whether those resources were accessed inside the campus or off-campus locations. You will see that those who study technology or information technology can understand and are knowledgeable about how to access information remotely. Hackers, as they are commonly called, can become a problem. The access to electronic information should be on an authorized access and guided by policies set by the university.
University information resources should be used to support studies, instructional materials for the faculty, to fulfill the tasks or duties of the university staff and for any official business sanctioned by the university.
Information technology has brought the world closer. It has bridged the geographical gap by making communication faster and sharing information quickly and efficiently. Not only did it bridge the barriers of communication but it has also bridged cultural gaps. Information is power right at your fingertips, and as the uncle of one our superheroes once said, "With great power comes great responsibility."
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