College of Forest Resources Prepares for the Future

The work going on in the Sustainable Resources Sciences major is only possible because the College of Forest Resources (CFR) itself has an active program for transforming classroom and laboratory teaching with contemporary educational technology.

In 1997, Dean David Thorud initiated a planning process on the use of such technology and made funding available for new equipment. With help from UWired, a CFR technology working group developed specific recommendations for new software, hardware, and facilities. Work is currently underway to carry out the recommendations.

During 1998, high-speed Internet connections were installed to the Charles Lathrop Pack Demonstration Forest near Eatonville and to the Olympic Natural Resources Center near Forks.

In September 1998, CFR received Tools for Transformation funding (in addition to the funding Henry received for the SRS program development and the composting facility) for enhancing communications and interdisciplinary team-building in forest management and forest engineering classes. Among other things, the funds are being used to hire three technical teaching assistants to work with faculty to apply technology to teaching and learning. Other funding has been found to hire a fourth technical TA.

"While none of the evolving technology and developing networks will substitute for human contact in the teaching and learning process, I am convinced that these developments will greatly expand our effectiveness and efficiency," says Thorud.