Action item

Rationale

Responsibility

1a. Upgrade Computing and Audio/Visual Technology in Teaching Environments (Classrooms, labs, studios)

Conduct campus-wide assessment of technology availability in classrooms / studios / labs

There is no comprehensive inventory of technology-equipped classrooms on campus. This study would be the first toward enhancing the technology that exists in our teaching environments.

Administrative Affairs

Information Technology

AAC

Assess and prioritize future needs and budget availability to decide on a schedule of upgrading campus teaching environments according to a level configuration (See Appendix A)

Technology use is no longer ancillary to teaching. Instructors use a variety of Web-based applications, PowerPoint, and other technology to effectively teach students. The pyramid structure as described in Appendix A makes the best use of available resources and teaching needs.

Administrative Affairs

Information Technology

AAC

Determine support needs for teaching environment technology upgrades

We must be sure that support is included in budgeting for technology classrooms.

Instructional Media

Information Technology

Equip first set of classrooms for Fall 2003

Fall 2004

Fall 2005

The plan will have a three-year phase-in period, beginning in the Fall 2003.

Administrative Affairs

Information Technology

AAC

Create scheduling policy to maximize assignment of classrooms based on technology needs of instructors and proximity of classroom to department offices

This policy will make sure that instructors who need technology in their teaching will have access to equipped classrooms, while taking into account their office proximity to available classrooms.

Registrar

AAC

Administrative Affairs

1b. Upgrade Equipment in Scientific, Artistic, and Musical Environments

Create a priority list of items needing replacement or purchase in labs, studios, and other teaching environments

Current equipment needs in these areas cannot be funded through normal department equipment budgets.

Academic Departments

AAC

Secure internal and external funding for these purchases and upgrades.

Grants and other funding sources will be necessary to purchase “big-ticket” equipment.

Academic Departments

AAC

1c. Expand Existing Wireless Networks on Campus

Study wireless feasibility

• Visit Mankato
• Visit NTC

Preliminary research has been conducted into creating wireless networks.

Technology Task Force

Implement wireless networks in Library

• Purchase access points for Library

• Determine policies

This has been implemented and is being studied.

Lead Faculty Group

Information Technology

Create priority list of next wireless network locations in public locations

Student, staff, and faculty use of wireless networks can be enhanced by equipping public locations.

Student Computer Fee

Student Senate

Union Staff

Create priority list of next wireless network locations in academic buildings/classrooms

A variety of disciplines can use wireless networks and a priority list will balance needs with budget resources.

AAC

Identify departments that would pilot laptop and wireless initiatives

• CM has a plan to require laptops within three years

Increasingly, a student-owned laptop is being seen as an important learning tool. MSUM departments should determine feasibility for their programs.

AAC

2. Enhance Student Computer Labs / Instructional Software

Examine/revise student technology fee policies

• Increase fee
• Rename the fee to Student Technology Fee
• Explore other uses of the fee money

The policies of the student computer fee should be updated to determine a reasonable fee level and appropriate uses of the fee funds. A new name, in line with MnSCU terminology, will broaden the possibilities of expanded use for the fee.

Vice President Wiese

Assess the current lab environment

• Report on student-computer ratio

• Determine reasonable ratio of students to general computers in labs
• Instructional Software and process for determining the software for the general lab environments
• Explore ways to increase support for specialty labs

There may be too many general purpose labs on campus and continued funding of labs at past levels may be an inefficient use of fee resources. Studying how to better serve MSUM’s students will make the most use of this resource.

Information Technology

Tech Fee Committee

Investigate course/major fees to pay for technology for student use

Departments could make use of a course or major fee, but it is unclear how such fees fit with MnSCU policy.

AAC

Create policy that allows faculty input on computer configurations and models AND software

Faculty and Deans should be consulted before purchases are made for labs in which they teach and use.

AAC

Investigate creating a proctored computerized testing area on campus, perhaps using an under-used existing computer lab.

Creates a proctored online testing environment – no such facility exists at this time, and larger classes cannot be accommodated in the teaching computer labs that only contain 30 stations.  Would facilitate savings in duplication costs, allow for COLOR and graphics in tests, etc.

AAC

Information Technology

Instructional Technology

3. Faculty Computer Replacement and Software Upgrade

Encourage faculty to purchase laptops

Laptops provide accessibility from multiple locations, such as home or conferences, while providing opportunities to use in the classroom.

AAC

Instructional Tech

Information Tech

Upgrade or replace faculty computers on a regular schedule. 

Investigate allowing the use of professional development funds for hardware purchases such as laptops.

Faculty currently are using obsolete computers that cannot perform tasks inherently linked to teaching, such as viewing streaming media. The current method of replacing computers is not equitable across colleges or within departments.

AAC

Information Tech

Administrative Affairs

Create policy that allows faculty input on computer configurations and models

Faculty should be able to decide, to some degree, the specifications and models of computers available to them.

AAC

4. Instructional Management System

Continue funding WebCT or other appropriate management software  and the hardware that supports the software.

WebCT, or another such IMS, is an important teaching tool that provides for effective teaching. It can also maximize university resources. The cost for WebCT has risen above previous funding sources and new options must be explored.

AAC

Student Technology  Fee Committee

5. Training for Students, Faculty and Staff

Coordinate training opportunities between instructional technology and information technology.

There is currently overlap between training sessions and topics.

Instructional Technology

Information Technology

Create regular schedule of student workshop offerings.

Students need opportunities to become familiar with listservs, web page development, E-Folio, PowerPoint, and the WebCT instructional management system.

Instructional Technology

Information Technology

Library Staff

Investigate the design of a 1-credit course “Basic Information Technology Skills” that would be required for MSUM graduates

No other requirements for ensuring a broad range of computer literacy skills exist for MSUM graduates.

AAC

Instructional Technology

Provide support and encouragement for faculty to incorporate technology into their teaching.

Faculty do not have the time to develop significant technical resources. Incentives could include reassigned time or summer stipends.

Lead Faculty Group

AAC

Instructional Tech

Provide faculty with guidance for incorporating technology training in their PDPs.

Evaluation criterion 3 (“continuing preparation”) requires that faculty “be aware of the changing nature of their disciplines and techniques of instruction.”  Changing technology may very well change techniques of instruction, so faculty should be encouraged to develop and upgrade technical skills.  On the other hand, the administration cannot impose closure; i.e. deans cannot demand that faculty engage in technology training, but they can encourage it.

Faculty Association

AAC

Faculty Development Committee

Create regular schedule of faculty workshop offerings

Faculty should have access to instruction in the following areas.

• Understanding of how to make online materials accessible and compliant with section 508 of the Federal ADA law.
• Understanding of instructional management systems for in-class, blended, and online teaching.
• Creating web-based pdf materials
• Using electronic portfolios for assessment
• Managing online discussions
• Learning to use blended or online delivery techniques
• Basics of web page creation, Office products, email, listservs, and calendar software

Instructional Technology

Establish a newsletter, listserv or roundtable so that technology issues can be discussed by the MSUM community.

While there are many faculty who use technology, the opportunities for them to discuss what they are doing is minimal.

Technology Committee

Instructional Technology

Lead Faculty Group

Plan duty day devoted to technology issues.

One way to make time to learn about technology and teaching is to devote an in-service day to the topic.

President’s Office

Create regular schedule of staff workshop offerings.

• PDF forms (Adobe Acrobat)
• Accessible web site creation
• MSUM-specific software for ISRS, DocuTech, etc.

Information Technology

Instructional Technology

Develop and purchase CD-ROM and online training modules for faculty and staff.

Using these modules would be a more efficient use of MSUM faculty and staff time, since the products are already created.

Instructional Technology

Information Technology

Ensure that faculty become aware of and informed about MnSCU’s intellectual property policy.

Faculty are not aware of current policy regarding intellectual property.  MnScu has created online training for this.

Instructional Technology

Develop workshop and online supporting materials for fair use policies and guidelines

Current laws and guidelines are not immediately accessible to MSUM faculty. Providing clear and concise guidance would be helpful for those concerned.

Library Staff

6. Enhance Support for Technology

Assess campus-wide technology support needs for classrooms and labs

Troubleshooting technical problems (for example, determining problems with network access or replacing projector bulbs )  is an ongoing problem in teaching environments that faculty cannot always address.

Information Technology

Instructional Media

Assess campus-wide technology support needs for Web development

Although many faculty would use the Web to distribute materials and for other uses, they are not trained in creating or maintaining Web pages.

Instructional Technology

Information Technology

Assess campus-wide technology support needs for online forms

• PDF documents
• Online data collection, such as student evaluation of teaching
• Student forms
• Faculty forms

Using online forms and creating PDF documents could make the university more efficient and productive, but many faculty and staff do not have the software or training to create such documents.

Instructional Technology

Information Technology

Assess campus-wide technology support needs for student services (Right Now)

RightNow is a versatile software system that can address many questions and store responses in a central database. This can reduce time spent answering the same questions while provide immediate information to students.

Instructional Technology

Information Technology

Review position descriptions for staff and new faculty to reflect technology expectations.  See that whenever MSUM seeks new faculty, appropriate technological competence is among the criteria used for selection.

New faculty with technological skills (a) will not need to be trained and (b) may provide a catalyst within their departments  for technological innovation.

Human Resources

AAC

7. E-Learning/Blended Delivery

Determine departments/programs/courses that would be suitable and marketable for electronic or blended delivery

Collaboration between departments, programs, and Deans can ensure that MSUM has a clear, strong, and strategic presence in distance education.

AAC

Create policy statements and guidelines for electronic delivery of course materials

There should be some direction and oversight of online course delivery.

AAC

Instr Media

Instr Tech

Disabilities Coord

Info Tech

Disseminate materials about intellectual property

Current laws are not clear or accessible to lay audiences. Providing clear and concise guidelines would help those creating intellectual property to feel secure in doing so.

Instr  Media

Instr Tech

Investigate support services necessary for e-learning

A wide range of support services, including the bookstore, financial aid, and others are required by e-learners. Provision should be made to ensure that all MSUM learners have access to these services.

Instr Tech

Info Tech

AAC

Admins Affairs

Investigate fee structures for e-learning initiatives

Design and implementation of online and blended courses requires a great deal of support from Instructional Technology personnel and trained web developers. Supporting online and blended courses as they are delivered also requires funding to pay for help desk support, marketing of the programs, and e-student services.

AAC

Study library electronic reserves

Electronic reserves would be useful for e-learners, however there are significant logistical and legal issues that must be overcome to make this a reality.

Library Staff

8. Personnel Issues

Ergonomics

Given that MSUM students, staff, and faculty spend a great deal of time working with computers, we should make every effort to ensure that tables, desks, chairs, and other equipment meets ergonomics standards.

Director of Environmental Health and Safety

9.  Audio / Video Enhancements (ITV, Streaming audio/video, Video Conferencing)

Promote the use of the Tegrity WebLearner

This is a turnkey system that automates the production of streaming media materials for the web.

Instr  Media

Instr Tech

Info Tech

Level 1

Overhead Projector and Screen

Internet Access

Level 2

Overhead Projector and Screen

Computer with wireless mouse

Internet Access

DVD/VCR

Level 3

Overhead Projector and Screen

Computer with wireless mouse

Internet Access

SmartBoard

Elmo

Interactive Student Response System

Level 4

Overhead Projector and Screen

Computer with wireless mouse

Projector includes internal hard drive for remote access

Wireless Internet Access