Technology not only is more prevalent in the residence halls, but also is being used in more university classrooms.

Ohio University is incorporating technology into courses through a program called Blackboard.com, a free service that helps instructors add the Internet to their classrooms by putting some or all of a class on the Web. The site is located at http://www.blackboard.com.

"Right now there are about thirty to forty faculty members that are experimenting with this new system before everyone else uses it," said Ann Kovalchick, director of information for the center innovations in technology for learning.

Kovalchick said the biggest problem with the site is helping everyone understand how to use it.

"I am able to put announcements and quizzes online," said Patricia Westfall professor of Journalism, who is using Blackboard.com for her Magazine Editing and Production class.

"With this program I am able to use colors to demonstrate to the students what a layout should look like," she said. "I can Xerox copies or layouts to show the class, but it is so much more beneficial to be able to show them what something is supposed to look like."

Technology like the blackboard program has been used before, but not to this extent.

"We have been using computers to display course materials for years," said John Tysko, computer science systems administrator.

Some of the department's professors put syllabi and class notes on the Internet, which allows students to stay in touch with their class work.

"It is easier for the students to access materials and with this system they are able to turn in their homework at any time," he said.

Students enrolled in classes using the Internet to post course materials like the easy access.

"It is easy to check on my assignments at my convenience," said Brianne Miller, OU junior. "I like being able to have immediate feedback."

Other programs at OU are still getting used to the new technology,

Although the philosophy department has not yet used the increased technology, Donald Borchert, chair of the department and professor of philosophy, said his colleagues plan to use it in the future.

"We will be experimenting how best to use the new computer lab that will be up and running Winter Quarter," Borchert said. "We are not exactly sure how much we are going to put online, but we are going to do our best to help the students have a rich and rewarding experience," he said.