Abstract: Technological Assimilation: Best Practices and Implementation is a look at the practical methodology utilized at the university level to compel usage of technology. Every classroom at St. Edward's University of Austin, Texas is a SMART classroom designed by technology staff. Classroom technology responses are typically five minutes or less and one third of the display devices are networked. This interactive session will provide examples of successful integration of technology and support techniques for all classrooms. Utilizing teamwork, cooperation and timely support, this is the "Leave No Faculty" behind approach to integration of technology. Included is a guide to the process of transitioning faculty from basic technology usage to supporting more advanced online course management systems and other digital initiatives. The best practices include suggestions and tips for marketing assimilation, as well as examples of statistical measures of success. Participation is encouraged.

Objectives

The primary objective of this presentation is to provide interactive examples of how Information Technology staff members create an environment conducive for the end user to utilize technology. This presentation will provide educators and technology staff members with successful methods to create technology usage infrastructure in an educational setting. Examples of established standards and techniques are given. Planning for the SMART classroom design, regular and emergency support, as well as instructor training and utilization assessments techniques are examined. Another objective is to provide a guidance for determining whether a classroom is, user friendly, intuitive, ADA compliant for technology, or adaptive for various learning and teaching styles. The keys to assimilation are considered. Concepts, standards and rationales to focus on technological benefits, solutions and the rationale for using technology are presented. Standardization of controls, equipment, formats, software and other key elements are necessary, however there must exist a degree of flexibility and compromise. The “80-20” rule is the concept of limiting choices while at the same time allowing a deviation of up to twenty percent. Mac's can exist on a PC campus or vice versa, but for assimilation to work there must exist a standard. Software packages may vary within a range of about twenty percent without a distinguishable difference in quality of support. Finally we must consider that as technology gradually changes so does the SMART classroom. One third of the technology is changed every year to keep up with current trends. Understanding Product Lifecycle Management is another objective. Separating technology equipment from service is not only a practice, but a necessity. There needs to be planned obsolescence. At St. Edward's University the obsolescence plan encompasses, recycling, marketing, donation and recruitment.

Topical Outline

I. The assimilation process a. Public relations and buying into technology b. Direction and choices c. Practical methodology d. The keys to assimilation II. Focus on technological applications a. Solutions, rationale for using technology b. The 80-20 rule and choices c. Costs of Assimilation d. Success and reliability e. Satisfied end users. III. Marketing change and challenges a. Technical difficulties b. Responses and automation IV. What are the Best Practices? a. Product Lifecycle management b. Digital Initiatives or the lack thereof c. Evolution towards increased technology usage d. Measuring success and creating inference statements V. Strategic Priorities a. Who provides the services? b. Personnel and skill requirements c. In-house Engineering d. Technology management philosophies e. Realistic Goals for Higher Education today f. Faculty mentoring and partnerships

Prerequisites

This is a workshop for persons interested in technology integration into the classroom. There are no prerequisites. College educators, Technology staff, Instructional Designers and IT managers are encouraged to attend.

Experience Level

Intermediate

Qualifications

Patrick Iglehart has over sixteen years of industry experience and is responsible for the operations of Instructional Technology's Media Services at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. He plans the design of multimedia classrooms, integration of technology and provides instructional training for end users. He guest lectures for Speech and Communication classes. He is a graduate student and has a BA in Media/Communication Arts, from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, Texas and an AA in Radio, TV and film, from San Antonio College, San Antonio, Texas. Patrick worked overseas in a similar capacity designing multimedia classrooms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also served as an Assistant Director and Producer for CrimeStoppers of San Antonio, Texas and taught continuing education classes. Paul Jarmon has over eighteen years of successful experience managing installation, repair and rental. At St. Edward's University, Paul serves as the Project Engineer for Instructional Technology. He designs Internet/Computer classrooms and provides engineering support for special events and other campus activities. Paul attended the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Electrical Engineering. He also attended the Institute for Audio Research, in New York, New York majoring in Studio Recording and Psycho-acoustic studies. Paul has coordinated award and trade shows for nationally known clients. He was part of the design team for two award-winning boardrooms for Fisher-Rosemount, currently Emerson Process Management. He was also part of the design team for a 130 seat Distance Learning/Lecture classroom for the School of Pharmacy at UT Austin. Patrick and Paul were recently named Adjunct faculty by International Communications Industry Association and presented at INFOCOMM in 2001 and 2002. They also presented, “Technology in Every Classroom, Beyond the Design”, at the CCUMC, Consortium of College University Media Centers' conference in November 2003.