A joint resolution passed unanimously by the Virginia State Senate eventually could lead to a statewide technology curriculum at all Virginia public colleges and universities.
The resolution calls for a group of government officials to study the possibility of developing a technology curriculum, which would include an across-the-board set of competency requirements for all students throughout the Commonwealth.
"For a university to be a great university in the 21st century it has to be technologically advanced," Computer Science Dept. Chairman John A. Stankovic said. "I would love to see a requirement."
Engineering School Dean Richard M. Miksad said in a technological society students should receive a basic technology education as well as an understanding of subjects such as history, mathematics and government.
Students should exercise fluency and basic knowledge of technology, Miksad said.
At Friday's Faculty Senate meeting, University President John T. Casteen III said the University will follow this study and any possible future legislation closely, since the legislature normally is not involved in curriculum development.
"Normally curriculum regulations are defined by the faculty of different schools," University spokeswoman Louise Dudley said. "It is unusual to institute a requirement."
The institution of a University-wide technology requirement has been discussed by officials in the past. Stankovic said there did not seem to be much interest in a requirement, and even now there is not a big push for such a program. But study into the matter continues.
An effective program likely would call for students to demonstrate fluency in computer literacy, either through completion of a University course or by placing out of such a class.
After students master computer and technology skills, "computer literacy should be used throughout the curriculum and be better engrained in courses," Stankovic said.
There is high demand from students interested in information technology courses which the Engineering School already offers, Stankovic said. Unfortunately, students sometimes face enrollment difficulties when trying to enter these courses.
Vice Provost Barbara Nolan said officials from the Provost's Office, College and Engineering School have been working together for the past 18 months to expand computer literacy offerings for non-Engineering students.
"This is the first large step toward a much broader base of computer literacy courses," Nolan said.
As part of these measures, the Provost's Office has agreed to provide more funding for computer literacy courses next year, Stankovic said.
While there are 200 slots available in computer literacy courses this year, there will be 500 for next year.
Casteen is traveling and could not be reached for comment.
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