Changes that computer technology has brought about in higher education and skills needed by faculty and students are discussed. Computer/information literacy is important in higher education and in graduates' work after college. Tools introduced by technology include: microcomputers connected to the university's central computer, electronic mail systems for exchange of messages, electronic files for storing and sharing information, an electronic forum by which a group of people interact on topics of mutual interest, obtaining information from databases on educational literature, text sharing, word processing software that is useful in writing, and spreadsheets for doing budgets. To take advantage of information technology, the user needs to find and manipulate the text of others through computer searching and retrieval. Mastering the rules of a particular machine and using the computer to scan a text are important skills. Efficient word processing is addressed briefly, along with a variation on word processing called outline processors or idea organizers. The use of electronic text raises the following issues for college administrators and faculty: costs; teaching skills in information-handling; and research on usage patterns, implementation, impacts on academic products, and psychological and social consequences. (SW)