Institutional Development

Technology Plan 2007-2008

Approved by Technology Team April 2007
Approved by Planning Council April 2007
Approved by Cabinet May 8, 2007

Introduction

Technology is a vital component in the instructional, student services, and administrative areas.  One goal of Montgomery Community College is to utilize technology to provide information services that support quality, personalized instruction (Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Future of Montgomery Community College).

Technology, in the broadest sense, encompasses not only computers, NCIH, and IP video, but also telecommunications, camcorders, VCRs and DVDs, digital cameras, telephones, and voice mail.  Effective use of technology requires ongoing support and training for users, as well as, acquisition and maintenance of equipment, hardware, and software.

The Technology Plan supports the College’s commitment to excellence in education and the preparation of all students, faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills necessary for productive employment. The Plan addresses the infrastructure, equipment, software, hardware, security measures, usage policies, and staff training needed for effective use of technology. 

The Technology Team

Mission Statement

The mission of the Technology Team of Montgomery Community College is to plan and recommend the acquisition and use of information technology resources to enhance and support quality educational programs and services.

Guiding Principles

Technology should support and enhance the instructional process.

Technology planning should be an ongoing part of the overall planning process.

Technology training should be ongoing and integrated into all functions of the College.

Local-area network (LAN) and wide-area network (WAN) infrastructure should be maintained, upgraded, strengthened, and secured.

Budgeting and funding for technology must be adequate, equitable, and stable.

Charge from the Board of Trustees

The purpose of the Technology Team is to be the driving force of MCC’s technology.  MCC must commit and adopt technological innovations through a commitment of support, time, software, hardware, and resources.  The Technology Team outlines a program for continuing professional development in the area of technology; develops and recommends software/hardware purchases; and establishes the framework for continued technological advancement in teaching and learning practices.

The team is charged with

• Staying informed of effective uses of technology;
• Developing and editing technology procedures and policies;
• Evaluating proposals and making recommendations to the Planning Council;
• Evaluating and standardizing major software/hardware purchases;
• Evaluating and recommending all plans to integrate new technology;
• Auditing software/hardware licensing and inventory;
• Coordinating, planning and assessing professional development training; and
• Performing any duty assigned by the President’s Administrative Cabinet

Membership

The Technology Team is comprised of members representing all administrative divisions of the College. Team members are selected because they are knowledgeable about technology or by virtue of the position held.

2007-2008 Technology Team

Chair: Sharon Faulkner
Vice Chair: Thomas Sargent
Secretary: Thomas Sargent
Members: Willard Dennis, Wanda Jackson, Robert Menard, Brian Raming, Gary Saunders, Beth Smith, Russell Strong, Randy Zielsdorf.

Meetings

The Technology Team will meet monthly, except in July and December, at a time determined by the members. Time will be determined at August meeting.

Evaluation

The Technology Team will review technology activities/objectives for each administrative division.  The Technology Team will review and evaluate the Technology Plan annually.  A new Plan will be presented to Planning Council each April per the Montgomery Community College planning calendar.

The Technology Team evaluated and made recommendations to Planning Council that included the following:

• Hardware replacement plan
  
  A campus-wide Technology Replacement Plan was approved and enacted. The first year of purchases was completed. Second year purchases are being planned
  
  
• E-mail for students
  
  A variety of options was looked at, but still cannot be justified due to cost. The E.T. Dept. is exploring a free service.
  
  
• Improving the learning environment and ergonomic
  • Space planning
  • Flat panel monitors
  • Furniture for computers
    
    
• The Computer Lab & DL Help Center were combined and relocated to the Reading Lab area. Flat panel monitors were implemented across campus onto all faculty and staff desks as well as the Library. Computer tables were installed in the Library, providing additional workspace for students.
  
  
• Business Continuity Plan
  
  A campus-wide BCP will be ready for administrative approval by year’s end.
  
  
• Professional Development
  
  Professional development activities included both Office and specialized software, as needed, Blackboard Enterprise, and CIS.
  
  
• Networking/security issues
  
  Upgrades to network connectivity and the network are in process. Bandwidth will be increased to 10MEG and a review of the network infrastructure will continue into next year. A security review will be part of that process.
  
  
• Hardware/software purchases
  
  The Technology Replacement Plan upgraded all PCs, servers, network components and campus-used technology that was five years old. Planning for the implementation of the new operating system Vista and Office 2007 occurred on a monthly basis.
  
  
• CIS implementation
  
  The Colleague implementation continued all year and will finish the R17 in fall of 2007. MCC status reports from Datatel/Colleague consultants have been excellent. Trainings for those interfacing with the system continues on a regular basis.
  
  
• Use of student technology fee
  
  Various items came up for review which were eventually paid for through these fees.
  
  
• Upgrade of technology in tiered classrooms
  
  Three more tiered classroom multi media systems were upgraded this year. The final two upgrades have been approved. All tiered classrooms utilize a “same interface” system, which reduces instructor training time.
  
  
• Computer lab accessibility
  
  The open computer lab was moved to the area formerly housing the Developmental Learning Lab. A dramatic increase in student utilization has occurred. Plans to redesign the layout with ergonomic furniture have been completed and will be implemented in summer of 2007.
  
  
• Implementation of Colleague Financial and Human Resource Modules for CIS/Datatel
  
  This has been completed successfully.
  
  
• Training for CIS implementation
  
  Ongoing. Faculty training will be completed before fall, 2007.
  
  
• Obtaining a safety deposit box at First Bank to store images of servers and backup tapes
  
  Completed. Tapes are stored every Thursday.
  
  
• Upgrades and maintenance to tape drives, switches, GWAVA, Borderware Firewall software, Solaris Operating System, WAN and LAN equipment
  
  Some new tape backup systems have been upgraded as well as systems software as required. A security and network review by engineering consultants was completed in April.
  
  
• Keytrain software in Rooms 243 and 128
  
  During the past year, the use of Scantron technology on campus was reviewed by all users in order to better coordinate updates to software and hardware and to minimize cost to the college. A new plan was developed which determined where users would access these systems and what systems to replace.
  
  
• Installation of multi-media teaching station at West Montgomery High School
  
  Not done. Further justification needed.
  
  
• New computer furniture and monitors for student research stations in the Library.
  
  Completed and installed.
  
  
• Upgrade to campus connectivity
  
  Planned for early summer of 2007. 10 MEG via fiber

2007-2008 Activities

Evaluate and make recommendations to Planning Council on proposals that may include:

• Technology Replacement Plan
• E-mail for students
• Improving the learning environment and ergonomics
• Space planning
• Flat panel monitors in classrooms
• Testing of Business Continuity Plan
• Professional Development Activities
• Networking/security issues
• Hardware/software purchases
• CIS & R18 implementation
• Use of student technology fee
• Vista OS deployment
• Office 2007 deployment
• Blackboard hosting review