Institutional Technology Plan
2001 - 2002
INSTITUTIONAL TECHNOLOGY PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0Executive Summary1
2.0Introduction3
3.0IT Plan’s Goals and Vision4
4.0Objectives6
5.0Background8
6.0Approach10
7.0Implementation of the IT Plan12
8.0National Technology Trends in Higher Education13
9.0Analysis19
9.aTeaching/Learning Architecture Analysis21
9.bAdministrative Architecture Analysis27
9.cInformation Delivery Architecture Analysis30
10.0Recommendations 34
10.aTeaching/Learning Architecture Recommendations 35
10.bAdministrative Architecture 38
10.cInformation Delivery Architecture 42
11.0Organizational Recommendations 47
12.0Evaluation and Sources 50
13.0APPENDIX A – Sample Institutional Survey 52
14.0APPENDIX B – Glossary of Terms 58
15.0APPENDIX C – Infrastructure Design and Planning Guidelines 66
16.0APPENDIX D – Decisions and Purchase Principles 68
17.0APPENDIX E – Timeline for Annual Updated 2001 - 2002 69
Section 1.0
Institutional Technology Plan
1.0 Executive Summary
The purpose of the Institutional Technology Plan ("IT Plan") is to present a strategic plan for the implementation and application of technology at Lakeland Community College (LCC). This working document is written in order to be responsive to LCC’s mission, academic instructional needs, and administrative support procedures. This IT Plan is based on input from the members of the Technology Policy & Planning Committee, the Vice President's Academic Advisory Committee, interested faculty and administrative staff members, and the Technology Division.
LCC’s published Strategic Plan 2000 - 2005 is used as a constant measurement of this document’s value, character, and purpose. The Strategic Plan also guides and directs this ITPlan’s future technological support services and processes.
The IT Plan is designed to address four basic questions:
- What technological goals and objectives are to be realized to position the college for future growth against increased competition?
- What specific strategic plan of action needs to be implemented in order to reach the defined goals and objectives? By what means will the goals and objectives be measured?
- What actions are necessary to allocate and track funds to support such projects?
- What skills and personnel resources will be required to achieve success in the implementation of the IT Plan?
Contained in the IT Plan are a number of elements: a review of external pressures facing the college, a vision of the educational future of LCC, primary goals to be achieved through technology support, and telecommunication implementation strategies. These elements establish guidance for the development of technology support activities recognizing that some actions will take longer to implement and that social and technological advances may necessitate changes.
External Pressures
Several broad trends are shaping the role of the community college and implementation of our instructional activities. These trends are impacting how society perceives the relevance and value of our academic efforts. A major trend is the public demand for increased access to information at market value. It is only natural that taxpayers demand and expect accountability from public education.
Colleges and universities are striving to meet the growing age diversification in the student community. “Approximately 46 percent [sic] of all first-time college freshman enroll in community colleges." (de los Santos, de los Santos Jr. & Milliron, 2001, p.28) However, almost 60% of community college students were older than 22 years of age and 15% were older than 40. A significant number, about 58%, of these students were woman; and, if the age was over 40, then the rate of women students rose to 65% (de los Santos, de los Santos Jr. & Milliron, 2001, p.28). Employers recognize that the broadly educated, self-motivated, continuous learner is of significant advantage to the company or organization. "Distance education and on-campus instruction are converging, with online delivery systems and approaches being employed for distant" (Oblinger, Barone & Hawkins, 2001, p.1) and commuting students.
Teaching and research depend on the use of technology at nearly all stages: library searches, data collection, statistical evaluation of results, simulated processes, communication with colleagues, report preparation and classroom instruction. Four external trends have been identified: 1) theincreased and projected growth of the distance education market; 2) increased use of digital and networked systems; 3) the home as a location for learning and the home computer as the primary tool used; and 4) the economic impact and costs of distance education.Indeed many of our students are more "technology-ready" than some faculty. This IT Plan is a strategic look at where we are, where we want to be and our suggestion on how we will accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves.
References
de los Santos, G.E., de los Santos Jr., A.G. & Milliron, M.D. (2001). Access in the Information Age: Community College Bridging the Digital Divide. Mission Viejo, CA: League for Innovation in the Community College.
Oblinger, D.G., Barone, C.A. & Hawkins, B.L. (2001). Distributed Education and its Challenges: An Overview. Washington, DC: American Council on Education.
Phillippe, K.A. (ed.) (2000). National Profile of Community Colleges: Trends and Statistics (3rded.). Washington, DC: American Association of Community Colleges.
Date of last revision: September 21, 2001 Author:
1
Section 2.0
Institutional Technology Plan
2.0 Introduction
A thriving institution of higher learning serving more than 8,000 full- and part-time, credit and non-credit enrollments, LCC offers five Associates’ degrees to students in three off-campus centers, as well as our strategically located main campus. In addition, adult learners may enroll in courses that lead to 50different certificates, transfer directly to over 20 regional colleges and universities, or continue their degree efforts utilizing a growing number of college partnerships that utilize technology-based systems to deliver instruction.
We are dedicated to meaningful learning and quality instruction; enabling individuals to achieve their hopes, dreams and full potential; and to being a partner in creating a dynamic, prosperous community of enlightened leaders and thoughtful, effective, global citizens.
The college's institutional strategic directions define our commitment to promote instruction and service necessary to provide the opportunity and support to ensure that all students can meet or exceed their expectations.
To help define the role this IT Plan will take, a focused plan of action is defined in Sections 10-11. This outline is drawn from the college’s Strategic Plan 2000-2005 which provides direction for a definition of LCC’s technology vision. These goals are the focus for planning, for change, and are a commitment we make to the community we serve.
Date of last revision: October 2, 2001 Author:
1
Section 3.0
Institutional Technology Plan
3.0 The IT Plan’s Goals and Vision
The Goal of this IT Plan is to describe the technological environment required in support of the instructional and administrative environments in place today and the environments we expect to support in the next twenty-four months detailing our strategic implementation plan to meet the needs of our community members.
The Vision of this IT Plan is to use technology to achieve the goals described in the college’s Strategic Plan 2000 - 2005. The following statements are technology-based guiding principles incorporating the instructional objectives of effective teaching and learning and the organizational major goals.
- LCC will be the recognized leader in information and communication technology by developing and delivering education and training opportunities for the community; valuing and involving each employee; and continually improving operations, instructional and educational technologies, instructional designs and customer satisfaction.
- All students, faculty, and staff will be able to experience quality service without the constraint of time or location. Access to information needed for teaching, learning, services, and support will be available anytime, anywhere, anyway.
- We will deliver relevant, effective, industry-responsive and accessible curriculum based on continuous feedback from faculty and students to create a learning environment that will take LCC into the future. This Vision will focus on technology that is user-friendly, student centered, comprehensive, and responsive to the student and the community.
- We will provide a flexible teaching environment that promotes instruction from a variety of platforms, including multimedia presentation and virtual classrooms in support of innovative teaching and learning. We will provide instructional materials via virtual classrooms and the library to promote self-paced learning. We will continually improve all education and training programs and assist our full- and part-time faculty, staff and students to become technologically proficient in order to ensure their success.
- We will train our faculty on current technologies and provide assistance and support in developing technology-assisted curriculum and instruction, digital course materials, and innovative delivery methods. We will provide electronic communication tools and promote collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and local organizations. Interaction with the scholastic community will promote and strengthen the economic development of the overall LCC community. LCC will bring learning opportunities into homes and businesses at the convenience of their occupants.
- We will continue to seek and evaluate new technologies that will meet the objectives as stated in our Strategic Plan 2000 - 2005. Services, such as registration and access to the library, will provide timely access to pertinent data needed by our faculty, staff and students. Our management information systems and processes will efficiently and effectively assist faculty, staff and students with the business operations of the college.
Date of last revision: October 2, 2001 Author:
1
Section 4.0
Institutional Technology Plan
4.0 Objectives
LCC has made a commitment to continuously improve all education and training programs, striving to achieve the highest standards of excellence. These commitments are an active part of the college's Mission and its published Strategic Plan 2000 - 2005. LCC has determined that an annual review of the current organizational structure and technology environment will provide information that will be used to develop a direction to continue the quest for constant improvement. The result will be an IT Plan that will guide the college in its achievement of the following objectives:
- To provide an environment of continuous learning where all constituents are encouraged and supported. (Principle of Excellence)
By optimizing the learning process using methods of delivery that best match student learning styles.
- To remove barriers to learning thereby allowing students to meet individual learning goals and expectations. (Principle of Access)
By providing education and training opportunities anytime/anywhere by strengthening distance learning capabilities and increasing high quality alternative course offerings.
- To provide the opportunities and support to ensure that all students can meet or exceed their expectations. (Principle of Student Success)
By making sure that all students have access to the developmental education support needed for academic success including testing, course work, tutoring, and technology-based instruction.
- To develop and strengthen partnerships with local and national industries, businesses, labor and government to enhance the economic development of the community. (Principle of Support)
By providing “just-in-time” training opportunities, through flexible and varied course delivery methods, to benefit local employers and their employees.
- To enhance learning opportunities through the effective use of technology. (Principle of Access)
By increasing the use of appropriate technologies to enhance the learning process including presentation technologies, interactive computer-based learning, research, and communications between faculty and student.
By introducing courses and programs available through distance learning using telecourses, other video/audio technology, and online courses.
- To maximize the effectiveness of available resources. (Principle of Accountability)
By increasing opportunities for staff development, particularly in the area of technology training as well as encouraging professional development of full- and part-time faculty with special emphasis on the effective use of available and emerging technologies.
This document, using the objectives stated above as their foundation, will address four basic questions:
1.What LCC technological goals and objectives are to be realized to competitively position the college by 2003?
- What specific action items need to be implemented in order to reach those goals?
3.What skills and personnel resources will LCC need to implement these items?
4.What funds must be allocated and tracked to support these goals?
Date of last revision: September 21, 2001 Author:
1
Section 5.0
Institutional Technology Plan
5.0 Background
The rapid growth of information, services, and systems available to the average user continues to grow at an exponential rate. This IT Plan has been designed to be reviewed and updated annually with each strategic initiative noted relating directly back to one or more of the Major Goals and/or Strategic Directions set by the college. Thus, this IT Plan is an integral part of the overall learning college plan providing for maximum flexibility and overall effectiveness of purchases.
For example, there has been an increasing convergence in the technologies used for data, voice, and video which has created new demands to both extend the college network as well as upgrade it to handle higher bandwidth and dedicated services. Likewise, there has been a parallel trend towards miniaturization of computing appliances with an increasing amount of work and study being done remotely using laptop computers, hand-held organizers, portable telephones, and the probable widespread use of the electronic book projected for the near future. Perhaps the most important change has been the evolution in user expectations for technology services. The users of the new millennium want to receive "what they want, when they want it, where they want it, and how they want it." This creates a huge demand to deliver information and services, over the Internet, 24hours a day, 7 days a week, with full security to protect privacy and property rights, and with comprehensive technical support.
But the issues extend far beyond access to information and services and have caused us to reconsider how an academic institution should do business. The days are nearly gone when a college course consists of a teacher lecturing at a blackboard. Instruction now has moved beyond the physical classroom and has been enriched with a variety of multimedia as well as technologies that facilitate teacher provision of feedback of student performance. College employees no longer wish to devote time and resources hunting through rows of file cabinets to retrieve the paper records of yesterday. Virtually all information is now expected to be electronic, multimedia, and at our fingertips. The increasing changes in technology, coupled with increasing expectations for the delivery of electronic information and services, have created overwhelming demands on the college’s technology infrastructure, staff, and budget.
In today's marketplace, the three primary concerns we face are: 1) How to keep up with rapidly changing technology; 2) How to structure the budget in order to keep current with industry; and, 3) How to hire and retain skilled technical staff at every level of the college. These concerns require the creative planning and prioritizing of needs, the development of technology partnerships and consortia memberships and, perhaps most importantly, a creative plan for attracting and retaining the best staff in a competitive market. Infusing technology into the organization can be chaotic if not controlled from the onset. This document is the first step in developing and maintaining a long-range strategic plan for technology implementation. The IT Plan will assist LCC in achieving its strategic direction by improving its technological impact upon all facets of the academic and administrative segments of the college environment and maintaining its position as a premier learning institution.
Date of last revision: October 2, 2001 Author:
1
Section 6.0
Institutional Technology Plan
6.0 Approach
This document is designed around the analysis (Section 9) and recommendations (Section10) of three key services and systems: teaching and learning, administrative, and information delivery. Prior to the analysis is a review of literature over the last year that help frame the issues LCC faces in terms of integrating technology into services as well as the teaching and learning environment. This approach is called "enterprise technology architecture" describing the link technology has "between the institution's mission, goals, and major activities and its high-level design of the technological environment." (Barone, German, Katz, Long & Walsh, 2000, p. 2)
The analysis and recommendations outline the conceptual framework we will use to implement our technical and tactical moves. This document describes key information points we use to define tactics to achieve the desired results. The current existing operational systems that define service and delivery are reviewed, specifically as they affect administrative and academic computing processes, instructional media, and their support structures. From the day-to-day business needs to the delivery of instructional content, these architectures should support the vision and directions as stated in LCC’s Strategic Plan 2000 – 2005. The teaching and learning environment relies upon the same architecture used by the administrative environment and, to be competitive, we must maximize the resources available, as defined by the existing architecture, by sharing systems to reach students, faculty and staff with resources internal and external to the college. In order to meet our Strategic Plan 2000-2005, we need to base our strategy on how we can maximize the use of these existing technologies while implementing new systems.
Teaching and Learning Architecture identifies the environment specific to teaching and learning. Since technology is playing a large role in the learning environment for students and faculty, this section identifies how technology is or is not being leveraged as an aid in instructional delivery and independent learning. Elements of this are found in sections 9a (analysis) and 10a (recommendations) in this IT Plan.
The Administrative Architecture supports institutional strategies by identifying the administrative processes, data, and functions that provide Mission-critical processing. These processes take place within and across the boundaries between administrative support and academic departments. Elements of this are found in sections 9b (analysis) and 10b (recommendations) in this ITPlan.