The literature and research on the use of technology in student affairs is still very limited. This volume of "New Direction for Student Services" was written to increase our understanding of the role of technology in the student learning experience of campus-based and as well as distance learners. Information technology has become a central tool in creating 24/7 self-service experiences for students interacting with campus administrative functions. Recent technologies also create the real possibility of moving beyond administrative functions to playing a central role in student learning, community development and student development. This volume monograph attempts to capture the current thinking around the use of technology in student affairs. It is not a review of the actual technologies in use in student affairs. The pace of change is so fast that such a treatment would make the writing out-of-date within two years.
In that light, this volume focuses less on the technology and more on the ways in which the technology is altering the organization of student affairs, the ways in which the lines between campus based students and distance learners are blurring and the increasing role technology is playing in student learning.