GSW Instructional Technology Plan for 2013-2014
Mission:
GSW will strive to create an environment where technology will be an integral part of our programs. We will prepare our students to be intelligent producers and users of information technology hardware and software. In order for all curricula to have technologically enriched learning opportunities available, the following prioritized goals must be addressed.
1. Provide the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and software support for integration of technology across the curriculum.
2. Provide pedagogical and instructional training for faculty and staff members.
3. Assist in adding a strategic vision for technology to the campus strategic plan.
4. Provide consultation and active involvement to support the movement of GSW as an active participant in the global electronic community.
Infrastructure – Classrooms:
The standard GSW classroom will aim to have the following features:
1. Computers running Microsoft Windows
a. Replacement cycle of five to eight years
b. Standard software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Java, Adobe Flash, antivirus, Mozilla Firefox, Respondus Lock-down Browser
2. Podium with an audiovisual controller/splitter
3. Display for the podium
4. Projector and projection screen
5. Speakers: Wall-mount or flush-mount
6. Laboratory technicians oversee the management of computers and multimedia.
7. The Instructional Technology Coordinator oversees the configuration of multimedia technology.
Examples of specialized classroom hardware and software depending upon the school or departmental mission include but are not limited to:
1. Hardware: Microphones, cameras, whiteboards, tablet PCs, personalized response systems (i.e., “clickers”)
2. Software: SPSS, Visual Studio, Peach Tree Accounting, Easy Teach
Infrastructure – Computer Labs:
The standard GSW student computer lab will aim to have the following features:
1. Computers running Microsoft Windows
a. Replacement cycle of five to eight years
b. Standard software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Java, Adobe Flash, antivirus, Mozilla Firefox, Respondus Lock-down Browser
2. Networked printers with enforced printing limits.
3. Supervision provided by student workers. These individuals also oversee basic maintenance, such as paper and toner for printers. They report technical problems to lab technicians.
4. Lab technicians handle the repair and replacement of laboratory computers.
Processes:
1. Technical problems
a. Faculty who experience problems with classroom technology should report the problem to IIT Technical Support via email ().
b. Students who experience laboratory problems can report the problems via email () or to the laboratory student workers.
c. In both of the above cases the IIT department will assign technicians to address the problem in an expedient manner.
2. Expenditure of Student Technology Fee money
a. Student Technology Fee Guidelines - Technology fees are governed by the USG Board of Regents Policy Manual Section 7.3.2
i. Source: http://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section7/C453/
b. The CIO, Instructional Technology Coordinator, and laboratory technicians will collaborate to develop a proposal for technology purchases. These needs should be prioritized by importance.
c. The proposal will be reviewed, discussed, and approved by the Instructional Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC).
d. A subcommittee of ITAC that includes students (typically Student Government representatives and laboratory workers) will review and give input to the proposal.
e. The CIO will make purchasing decisions based upon the recommendations of the ITAC and the student subcommittee.
f. The CIO will inform the Vice President of Academic Affairs of how Student Technology Fee money is spent.
3. IIT Technical Support can assist faculty with classroom technology, web page, and equipment setup. Some equipment is available for checkout.
a. More information: http://gsw.edu/Resources/FacultyandStaff/IIT/InstructionalSupport/Services
4. Faculty requests for instructional technology
a. Student Technology Fee Project or Program: Faculty can submit applications for technology purchases to the ITAC. An application must be made to describe the project and the need for the project. The ITAC will review, discuss, and decide on approval for the request.
i. Form: http://gsw.edu/Assets/IIT/forms/stf_request.pdf
ii. Submission deadline: Midterm of the fall or spring semester.
iii. Student Technology Fee money is not available for faculty office needs, such as office computers.
b. Faculty Instructional Grants (FIG): These grants are funded by the Office of Academic Affairs.
i. IIT Technical Support should be consulted for hardware, license, vendor, and purchase price information when the grant is being prepared.
ii. The grant application is sent to Faculty Affairs committee, who then make a recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
5. Needs assessment: IIT Technical Support will maintain a log of classroom and computer lab technology that documents the equipment and the age of the equipment.
a. This assessment will be updated annually.
b. This assessment information will be used for planning future technology purchases.
6. Instructional Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC): Responsibilities include…
a. Review the expenditure of funds from the Student Technology Fee. Make recommendations to the CIO and the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the disbursement of Student Technology Fee funds.
b. Review and recommend technology used to support distance learning and web-based instruction.
c. Conduct campus-wide instructional technology assessments and update the Instructional Technology Plan.
d. Review and prioritize Faculty Instructional Technology grant requests.
e. Review faculty technology training.
Instructional technology funding sources:
1. Student Technology Fee: Funds most classroom and laboratory technology.
2. School/department budgets: Funding for specialized instructional needs, like discipline-specific hardware or software.
3. IIT budget: Used for occasional needs, such as emergency situations. Funding is made at the discretion of the CIO.
4. Office of Academic Affairs: Funding for Faculty Instructional Grants, special situations.