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Executive Summary and Recommendations

Definition of Technology

For practical purposes, technology in this document means electronic communications and information technology: specifically, computer hardware and software and networking hardware and software. Conceptually, technology is very complex and difficult to define, but most people today think of computers as technology, and what they mean by "computers" is the machine, its software, its connections to the Internet, and the Internet itself.

In this report, what we mean by technology comprises

• computer hardware and software, including, for example,
  • personal computers
  • minicomputers and servers
  • printers, monitors, specialized drives and so on
  • operating system, communications and productivity software
• networking hardware and software, as well as
  • computer installations like classrooms and labs
  • telephones
  • satellite systems

(Further discussion of some of the issues of defining technology can be found in Appendix 15: What We Mean by Technology. Also, Appendix 8: Microcomputer Standard for Faculty Office Applications specifies personal-computer components, and Appendix 9: Campus Network Infrastructure discusses in some detail the university networking requirements.)

Purposes and Recommendations

An overarching goal of this Teaching, Learning and Technology Roundtable (TLTR) plan is to support SCSU's strategic goal to achieve leadership in communications and information technology in instruction and administration. This technology plan addresses technology resources for all campus constituents, academic distinction, scholarship, creativity and research, student growth and development, administrative services, community and emerging technologies.

This is our vision: Members of the university community will have access to expanded learning, teaching, scholarly and creative opportunities as well as information resources anywhere and anytime.

This TLTR Technology Plan offers a realistic funding plan and the description of minimum standards for productivity and networking hardware and software, along with principles for implementation. Through the TLTR, the University is establishing a plan that makes it possible for the entire SCSU community to be part of the communication process and to play a role in the University technology planning. The critical importance of faculty, student, staff and administrator preparedness will be addressed through a campus-wide effort designed to integrate technology into the fabric of the teaching/learning process.

The TLTR recommends the following:

• The TLTR should be established as an ongoing roundtable to provide input about user needs and to recommend modification to the Technology Plan, as needed.
• All funds currently used for information and communication technology in both the academic and administrative areas should be identified to help decision-makers focus on general campus technology needs.
• The funding plan proposed by the TLTR, which addresses technology needs for the next five years, should be adopted. (See Appendix 12: TLTR Budget Recommendation for details about the budget recommendations of this technology plan.)
• The Office of Academic Affairs will be responsible for implementing and evaluating this plan.
• Academic units are responsible for setting technology expectations and integrating them into program goals for their disciplines.
• SCSU must provide electronic instructional environments to support dynamic teaching and learning.
• Faculty and staff need to be recognized for technological innovation in scholarship, research, creative work and teaching that leads to more effective teaching and/or is shared with colleagues within the institution and the profession.
• Faculty and staff need to be recognized for collaborative efforts in developing and disseminating applied knowledge between individuals and agencies both inside and outside SCSU.
• An office addressing intellectual property should be designated at SCSU.
• The TLTR should set up a process for addressing minimum computer standards, with input from students, faculty, staff, administrators and university technical support staff.
• The University replacement cycle for electronic equipment should be responsive to the technological marketplace.