The University of Missouri System wants to close that gap between technological advances and traditional academia. Steve Graham, vice president of academic affairs, envisions a modern academic landscape where faculty members incorporate interactive tools and videos and online resources into their courses to marry the technology students already use with the traditional curricula they learn on campus.

“I would love to see rich resources in the form of instruction and discussion among faculty members and a culture of supporting this,” he said.

There are barriers. On the Columbia campus, an online learning system already exists, and internal politics will likely snag any efforts to re-create an e-learning environment.

There will be faculty members who aren’t interested in embracing digital devices and might resist efforts to change.

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