With the information highway now, more than ever, becoming a prevalent part of our society, Penn State officials have taken steps in the right direction to build an on-ramp.

The University must keep up with a fast-changing world --one that is coming closer by the minute. In the age of 500-channel television systems and global communication within seconds, it is imperative we stay ahead of the game.

Most importantly, improving our telecommunication facilities will prepare students for the high-tech world. Without familiarity of today's communication systems, newcomers to the business world may find themselves traveling the back roads. Right now, most corporations are in some way connected to the burgeoning information highway, and those with the experience are more valuable than those without it.

Despite a projected $21.2 million price tag, the University seems rightly committed to plugging in. And the advantages of expanding Penn State's telecommunication technology far outweigh the costs. It will soon be possible to link all buildings by electronic information channels. That link will enable students to find out information such as canceled classes and the weather faster than the blink of an eye. Classrooms can be modernized, making it possible to take a multimedia approach to teaching, using the latest technology to make education more current and complete.

And wouldn't it be nice to have a computer in every dorm room in the not-too-distant future. It could make information and services accessible anytime, and eliminate nuisance trips to overcrowded computer labs.

Thanks to the University's decision to pave the on-ramp to the information highway, dreams -- such as accessible computers and lively classrooms -- can become realities. The highway will allow Penn State to push technology into overdrive and keep the students in the fast lane.