IEE Computing & Control Division: Chairman´s address. Electronic chalk and talk

The role of computers in higher education has expanded beyond that of purely scientific use, and they now provide generalised information processing services. The implications of information technology on education are briefly considered and examples of developing use of the technology in both science and arts-based dsciplines are given. However, the provision of computer services in universities is now complex, and essentially an engineering matter. The way computers are utilised, the communications systems that are needed and problems of management and operation are considered. From examples taken from Southampton University, observations are made on the problems that have to be solved by our educational systems. The examples cited also demonstrate the vital role of engineers in the operation and management of information processing systems, and the technical problems that still have to be resolved.