Technology Home

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Date:   Oct. 20, 2006
Revised: Jan. 17, 2007
Reviewed by: NCATE Technology Committee
Most recent revision: Nov. 27, 2007
Technology Committees
SFA Organizational Chart

DATA - Follow Up Recommendations
Created Oct 22, 2006 / revised, Feb. 3, 2007 and continues to be a work in progress. In all cases where a person is listed, the committee notes that there may be others we are not aware of who are more appropriate functionaries.  In that light, any person listed in this manner must be free to defer that responsibility as fitting.  In addition, the “Person to Implement” may delegate any and all of those duties to other committees or University personnel as deemed appropriate.  The “Person to Implement” need only oversee, review, and/or approve the progress, reports, revisions, and/or recommendations etc. generated as needed.
It is hoped some positive outcomes will result.  We have begun the on-going self-reflective process toward the effective integration of technology to improve efficiency and maximize learning in the COE.   Federal Report recommends thoughtful balanced approach.
GREEN boxes  =   Strength
RED words        =   Concern
GRAY boxes  =   Addressed after this report was first published in Oct 2006
Strengths
    * = also considered a strength
Concerns
Suggestions
Timeline
Person to initiate action
Results
Gray = ADDRESSED
SINCE THIS REPT.

The COE is moving ahead with lightening speed.
click here

Time is needed to improve skills  click here
Faculty need time to explore & improve technology skills. Does "time" block 13% who claim they cannot get the training they need or is it something else?

30% need info/support on better speeds from home.


Re: Request, speed/access of the Faculty at home: Coordinate with IT to find out what optimum configuration computers should have to take advantage of SFA VPN/network services.
Ongoing
The Provost must consider time spent on tech skill development as Scholorly/Creative work or under Teaching as part of the Tenure/Promotion process. 



IN PROGRESS
Overload options decreasing in Elem.Ed.
(Mar.2007)

Faculty and candidates are increasing their use of technology.
Departments request funding to equip all offices.



Routine upgrades & replacements are necessary (set up schedule & continue to respect MACs, too).

Other Suggestions:
Technology (Staffing - Support - Software - Parts - Materials - Infrastructure - Supplies - Maintainance, etc.) must become routine portion of O & M budget allocations on every level of university financing. 
Seek money & support for technology education in Texas http://www.tea.state.tx.us
/technology/

Establish a 5 year Technology replacement/upgrade
schedule.  We need to be replacing technology at least 20% a year.

Provost or Univ Financial VP & Ed Wittell (Tech), Faculty Senate, Others
ADDRESSED

Faculty Senate Report - Sept 2006

Update
The NEW policy
Jan 30 '07

Elem Ed continues to improve classrooms 11-07
70% of Faculty feel  the classrooms where they teach are well equipped with reliably functioning up-to-date technology
scroll down to Ques 15A, last 2 questions


Departments request funding to equip ALL classrooms.
only 31% still need classrooms upgraded in older buildings (offer sollution if not upgraded).

Check into 43% still having "some" problems w upgraded classrooms; check into this.

Determine who needs what, & resolve.

A) Upgrade "out of date" classrooms w most suitable teaching technologies available.
B) Bring other classes up to date w state-of-art teaching technologies.

A) Within 24 months.
B) Within 48 months

Department Chairs
Janice Pattillo
jpattillo@sfasu.edu
Elem Ed
Lynda Martin
martinlj@sfasu.edu

Human Sciences
Bill Bryan
bbryan@sfasu.edu

Human Services
Mel Finkenberg
mfinkenberg@sfasu.edu

Kinesio & Health Sci
Betty Alford
balford@sfasu.edu
2ndary, Ed Leadership

ADDRESSED
Upgrades on the way


23% need more or updated software in office / Faculty need to make needs known. Departments to fund upgrades as able.
Ongoing
Department Chairs to Faculty
TO BE PLACED on new agenda w new Tech.Committee
(explore procedure)
Continual updates and upgrades occuring across campus web-ct6 and wireless are examples)

Board of Regents working to upgrade technology

Focus Rept - Going Wireless in response to University  Strategic Plan for Technology, p.5
p.27 Catalog


Library Resources
Library Tour
Faculty Support
Collections
Resources
Research
TX Tides
Systems

More speed
and wireless
access
*

is requested.
Check requests for Wireless. There may be a lack of training or ability for unit members to access current wireless accounts. 

Check w Cingular cell phone services to enact wireless data service such as in effect w other state agencies.
For immediate action
Ed Wittell / Bill Wagner (head of IT)

ADDRESSED
SFA Tuition Fees raised


TO BE PLACED on new agenda w new Tech.Committee
(access details)




Low need item 37% - Update laptops & software. (scroll down page)
Ongoing
Varied - Faculty Senate, President, OIT, others
ADDRESSED
UPDATE - Replacement Policy - Approved Jan 2007

Web-based courses and programs have grown  responding to community & candidate needs.
Advertisement page.


"Approved" / used modules and course creation to receive for credit toward tenure & promotion.
Ongoing
Provost IN PROGRESS
In some depts. this has been passed (Elem.Ed)

TO BE PLACED on new agenda w new Tech.Committee
(university-wide)

There is accountability
in the system

click here



Ongoing

Continue to use it to inform direction & improvements
Department Chairs
Univ/Unit/Chair


Follow up and
technology use Surveys
2005

2006

inform our direction.

We have begun a self-reflective
and self-renewing process.
Distance Education*
is strong & growing and struggles to maintain quality. Some faculty have not updated their skills or attended a training session in some time.  Some students who assist departments w technology have not attended OIT training.


Ongoing

Training and/or personal improvement for technology skills need to be encouraged and included for consideration in tenure/promotion dossiers.
Randy McDonald
rmcdonald@sfasu.edu

OIT

CONTINUALLY ADDRESSED
NEW - SFA Online
FACULTY - tools  support

Certificate Pgms
Accessible



Increasing numbers of COE are teaching web based courses and most faculty continue to update their technology skills.
Faculty requests  specifictraining*
(scroll down page for 2 sections w lists)


Technology workshops are popular and more are requested.




Ongoing

There is an ongoing effort by OIT to provide training in all areas as needs become apparent.  It is incumbant on faculty to be clear in requests for training so that useful programs may be developed in a timely fashion.
Randy McDonald
rmcdonald@sfasu.edu

OIT

CONTINUALLY ADDRESSED
Specific Training
Suggestion Box




Policy/Quality Assurance
Issue Needs (scroll down page) Continue prof'l developmt for faculty
Ongoing
Randy McDonald
rmcdonald@sfasu.edu

OIT

ADDRESSED
HOW TO guidelines
Quality Control
Policies & Support
ADA Compliance
This would be a good topic for the development of a suitable workshop.



Check into 54 faculty (22%) expressing adaptive technology concerns

Ongoing

More time or awareness approach in addition to these new links will help communicate what services/equipment, etc. are available & to whom.
Randy McDonald
rmcdonald@sfasu.edu

OIT
and Chuck Lopez
clopez@sfasu.edu
Disability Services
ADDRESSED
position announcement

ADA Compliance
Prospective Client
Client Resources
Faculty Resources


Many varied training opportunities
are offered  to new and seasoned faculty

Examples:
Tech.Newsletter
General Technology
Teaching Online
Online Orientation
Basic Skills
Advanced
Variety of Training
Adjunct skills click here & scroll down to bottom of page) should be investigated /they need to be included in info dissemination & needs.
2% of the faculty indicated they were dead set against technology.

Check to see who is & who is not using technology and why; some still not web-enhancing courses. Graduate level tech integration seemed to be lowest; good reason or not?

Attrition should resolve the issue for the very small number who appear to resist moving forward with technology.

Department Chairs
Randy McDonald
rmcdonald@sfasu.edu

OIT



TO BE PLACED on new agenda w new Tech.Committee
(adjunct skills)


Students are given increasing access to online
support services,
campus computing, the library, Shack,
Media center


New Student Center and Library hours that keep improving provide additional access.

The student center mission clearly intends to support its students.



33% need - improve computer access for students /scroll down page.

Any university this size should have a computer lab accessable 24/7/365.
Need to assess the needs of students w limited financial resources to make sure no one is being left behind.  Efforts in this area will also make SFA more competetive in the E-University market.


Improvements evident but not sufficient.
ASAP
Ongoing

Department Chairs
to Randy McDonald
rmcdonald@sfasu.edu
Tiffany Evans
tevans@sfasu.edu
University Tech-Committee

TO BE PLACED on new agenda w new Tech.Committee
(explore improved access)


State testing requires & monitors integration of technologyscores are very high
Candidate technology proficiency should be monitored more closely.

There is a lack of consistancy in the University.  Some units have required Tech Training (e.g., Elem Ed requires ELE 304) while others do not. Technology proficiency within each unit's domain of study is a necessity. 
 
Better accountability in how technology is being taught.

Continue to monitor testing requirements while we maintain & improve instruction/experience w current technologies re: each field of instruction.

ASAP &
Ongoing
Department Chairs

ADDRESSED
State of Texas is correcting this; no longer an option. The natural result will become aparent soon since SFA is used to top scores on state teacher exams.

Candidates and OSP integrate technology into field experience. Field integration is not strong in some areas.
More attention to field integration is recommended.

Better delineate how technology is used in the field & investigate ways to improve. 


Check into existing Professional Development Schools (PDS) that link SFA w local schools & community.

ASAP &
Ongoing

Department Chairs
Field Directors


TO BE PLACED on new agenda w new Tech.Committee

IN PROGRESS
Some progress already evident; Internship committee is addressing and TX will require it soon.

Sample Email to begin exploring ways to improve field experience 11-27-07






New Teaching Center
Teaching Excellence Center - Technology Focus

There is a concern about lack of knowledge & coordination
of efforts
among
*many stake holding entities at the university.
Consolidate the many committees or open door to cross communication: Standard 5, Tech Committees, OIT, Teaching Excellence...
Ongoing
Dean will direct Dept. Chairs to designate who will comprise this committee to continue its work. At that time, they may consider who will do what, if any modifications are to be made.
ADDRESSED
Dean prefers various committees to remain intact for now, and will request chairs to designate those who will continue this NCATE Technology Committee.



Create ONE place for faculty to access the confidential info they need (currently there are two: MySFA and P2V)

Dean to initiate when necessary; currently prefers this duplication for backup purposes.
ADDRESSED
Technology Support
OIT - Instructional Support and Faculty Services

University level* support is weakest.

Check into 23% disatisfied w university level support.
ASAP
Assoc Dean & Ed Wittell

ADDRESSED
New Hires continue
in OIT
COE Tech Coordinator
University Position Announcements
University Positions - Update 11-9-07
New Staff Support
ONGOING - through Oit
Train at your own pace
Insufficient human/financial resources to mitigate this need.  See comment above.
Add more competent technology staff. One or two more full time, trained assistants are needed (not GAs.)
NEW-Technology Fee
New Tech Supt Guidelines 10-07








Although not a weakness mentioned, check into electronic library satisfaction since some responses were vague in specific feedback indicating partial satisfaction. Consider asking a different question.
Ongoing
Tiffany Evans
tevans@sfasu.edu
The Teaching Excellence Committee might prove useful in this regard.
ADDRESSED
ONGOING
Info Literacy at SFA

New Links
Revised & Updated Student Links
The Library needs to make the faculty more aware of how their resources can meet needs.  Many resources are under-utilized while needs are still un-met. This is potentially a very powerful asset; if tapped properly, it could place SFA at a
significant advantage in recruiting & retaining best faculty & students! 








Specific Dept requests
(scroll down to bottom of page)

VARIED
VARIED
Department Chairs
Randy McDonald
rmcdonald@sfasu.edu

OIT

CONTINUALLY ADDRESSED
NEW ACTIONS
Specific Training
Suggestion Box
ONGOING

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NCATE's Task Force Recommendations for Stimulating Effective Use of Technology in Teacher Education    http://www.ncate.org/public/technology21.asp?ch=113
NCATE's Task Force recommends: Components of the technology plan could include such items as goals, objectives, and outcomes for technology use; how equipment and software will be acquired; how technology priorities will be established; how faculty and staff development will occur; how the college efforts will link to and be reinforced by public school initiatives and plans; how connection to the Internet will occur; how technology can support a continuous improvement model of teacher education; and what the education unit expects of its teacher education graduates regarding technology competence.


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Various Committees related to Technology
Email addresses are located here: http://www.sfasu.edu/faculty/directory.asp


NCATE Standard 5 Committee
Faculty Qualitications, Performance, & Development
Mel Finkenberg, Chair
Members: Jay Lee, Dottie Gottshall, Susan Barber, Mitzi Perritt, Claudia Whitley, Shay Runnels, Bob Choate, Susan Abbott, Mike Hopson

NCATE Steering Committee
Betty Alford; Bill Bryan; Craig Coleman; Debbie pace; James Lowry; Janice Pattillo; John Jacobson; John Leonard; Lee Stewart; Lisa Mize; Lynda Martin; Mary Nelle Brunson; Mel Finkenberg; Neill Armstrong; Ron Anderson; Sandra Cole


NCATE Technology Committee
Carol Abel, Chair cabel@sfasu.edu
Marie Davenport davenportmk@sfasu.edu
Jarod Lambert lambertjm@sfasu.edu
Steve Josephsen sjosephsen@sfasu.edu
Robert Judy rjudy@sfasu.edu
Sally Swearingen sswearingen@sfasu.edu
Edward Wittel ewittel@sfasu.edu



Information Technology Committee - Dept of Elem Ed (new)
Dr. Wynter Chauvin, Chair   wchauvin@sfasu.edu


OIT Distance Ed Advisory Committee
Dr. Randy McDonald, Chair
http://www.oit.sfasu.edu/disted/facsup/deac.html


Teaching Excellence Center - Technology Section
Drs. Lauren Scharff and John Moore, Co-Directors
http://www.sfasu.edu/research/ind_sfam.htm


Office of Instructional Technology (OIT)
Director Randy Mcdonald 1010 rmcdonald@sfasu.edu
Policy and procedures, grants, miscellaneous  Randy McDonald 1010 rmcdonald@sfasu.edu
Staff:
Distance education, online teaching, course requests Gail Weatherly 1818 gweatherly@sfasu.edu
Distance Education Support Specialist Andra Floyd 1919 afloyd@sfasu.edu
WebCT student support  Matt Tyler 4633 tylermatth@titan.sfasu.edu
ITV, videoconferencing, classroom solutions, workshops, technical assistance, Campus Pipeline Randy Watson 2774 rwatson@sfasu.edu
Course design, training, WebCT help, technical assistance, ADA Melane McCuller 1452 mmcculler@sfasu.edu
Web site James Rockett  1341 oitwebmaster@sfasu.edu
WebCT faculty support  Tyson McMullen mcmullentl@titan.sfasu.ed
and Nkchinyere Osuji  1217 osujinc@titan.sfasu.edu 
Systems administration, server support, networking Bryan Tarpley  2137   no email provided
Business transactions, accounts, employment, miscellaneous  Cynthia Wilson 1010 cwilson@sfasu.edu


University Level - Academic Technology
Membership: Appointed by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs,consisting of one faculty member from each college as well as non-rotating members from representing offices providing particular expertise on a continuing basis.  All members may vote.

Chair:   Appointed by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Term:     One, Two and Three-year terms
Function: The Academic Technology Committee is charged with planning and budgetingcomputer and network systems and for making recommendations regarding the future development and integration of these systems within Academic Affairs.

Dr. Anthony Duben
Co Chair  Dean,  Colege of Sciences & Mathematics  non-rotating 
Dr. Tiffany Evans Co Chair  Library Director,  Library  non-rotating
Dr. Randy McDonald  Director,  Instructional Technology  non-rotating
Dr. John Moore  Co-Director,  Teaching Excellence Center non-rotating
Dr. Wynter Chauvin Associate Professor,  Elementary Education  2007/2008
Mr. Greg Harber  Lab Director,  Computer Science  2008/2009
Dr. I. Kuai Hung Assistant Professor,  Forestry  2007/2008
Dr. Norman Markworth Professor,  Physics & Astronomy 2008/2006
Mr. Christopher Talbot Assistant Professor, Art 2006/2007 
Dr. Michael Walker Associate Professor,  Psychology


Faculty Senate - Technology Committee
Committee Report - Sept 2006
Committee Members
SFA Technology Policy - under review - 2007





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Brookings Papers on Education Policy 2000
Introduction by Diane Ravitch
http://brookings.nap.edu/books/0815773579/html/7.html#pagetop
Gary Chapman measures the impact of the federal investment in technology in the schools. Whether this is a worthwhile investment, he notes, depends on one's view of technology as a learning tool. After carefully considering the case for and against technology in the schools, Chapman comes out for a balanced approach; he recognizes the enormous importance of technology in the workplace of the future but raises serious quesions about children's need for learning experiences that computers cannot provide.(p. 6-7)

To summarize Chapman's recommendations:
Federal Support for Technology in K-12 Education
http://brookings.nap.edu/books/0815773579/html/307.html

 p 342 by Gary Chapman
Copyright 2000, the Brookings Institution Press.
The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20036   Telephone: (202) 797-6000


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Updates

Faculty Technology Committee Report - Sept 2006

Chair Barker is a member of the Computer Replacement Policy committee. This policy has been a very contentious issue. Originally, the policy came down already formed with the intentions of using a single vendor to replace computers every four years, and to eventually get rid of Macs. The news created a reaction, which led to a heated open forum meeting this summer. Faculty were extremely dissatisfied with the policy, and it was suggested that the committee be expanded to include faculty representatives. Meetings have been held on Fridays to hammer out a new policy which now states that PCs will be replaced on a 4-year rotational basis and Macs will be replaced on 4-yr basis. The single vendor idea is still an issue. There is a question as to whether any significant savings will be made by using a single vendor, and although there are still issues to be ironed out, things are looking more reasonable now. A base configuration has been specified at a cost of about $1300. More robust computers can be acquired if the department will pick up the difference in price. Presumably, the money for computers will not come out of departmental capital equipment money. It is still a work in progress, but is looking much better in terms of faculty concerns.
Q: Senator Walker heard a rumor that we have site license for XP but Dell won't sell us a computer unless we pay for XP again. A. Chair Barker had not heard that.
Q:. Senator Guidry asked if the department pays for computer upgrades beyond $1300? A. Yes.
Q: Senator Moon asked if we are currently spending $1300 for computers we replace? A. He would not think so. ITS thinks we would get a better discount if we buy lots of them at once, and we’d get higher quality computers. Senator J Ballenger said it is her understanding that computers wouldn't have to be given up if the person didn't want to. Other questions included: Are we the only university that has not gone to centralization? Has a survey been taken of other universities? We need to ask questions of the committee.
Barker has asked Larry King to chair a special committee to study systems across Texas and report on the characteristics of each and which one might be a good match for SFA.

UPDATE - JAN 2007 - Computer Replacement Policy Approved - Minutes

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