Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 6 of The Illinois Commitment
Technology Plan
John A. Logan College
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice? The College’s Technology Plan accurately assesses and
projects instructional and administrative use of technology, resulting in adequate technology infrastructure and the
human resources necessary for effective instruction and administrative support. The Technology Plan has
documented links to the College’s primary planning document The Plan and, ultimately, the budget.
Description of the effective practice: In 1994, in response to rapid growth and mounting technological needs, a
nine-member Technology Implementation Committee was appointed by the president. This committee was later
charged with the responsibility of developing a Technology Plan to assess current technology successes and
challenges, and to design a blueprint for the College’s future information technology. The first Technology Plan was
presented to the Board of Trustees in October 1998. This planning process is re-evaluated annually and
recommendations are made by the TIC Committee to the associate dean for information systems and ultimately the
vice-president for business services. Approved recommendations are included in The Plan.
The College’s Technology Plan reflects a continuing commitment to support of student learning in an increasingly
technological society. The five areas of technology addressed in the Technology Plan are instruction, information
systems, infrastructure, user support, and web technology. Input from staff, both inside and outside of the Technical
Implementation Committee, is incorporated into the plan. Various publications and journals such as University
Business provide trend indicators that are used in planning. Multiple online sources of information are incorporated.
Conferences such as EDUCAUSE have provided valuable planning resources. The Illinois Community College
Board provides a listserv of technology administrators and information on how technology is handled in Illinois
community colleges. Indicators exist throughout the Technology Plan that the College’s Information Technology
department is monitoring changes in every facet of technology to stay abreast of changes. For example, the
Technology Plan details the installation of wireless connectivity in 2003 and how it was expanded each year until all
but two buildings are now equipped. Another example is that in spring 2004, a Citrix software server was added for
students in technology-related classes to use in their coursework – enabling them to access anywhere, anytime. This
is showing increased usage with 414 students served in the 2005 spring semester, up from 384 the previous fall
semester.
How does this practice achieve sustainability? The Technology Plan achieves sustainability via the Technical
Implementation Committee which meets monthly.
What are the results/measurable outcomes? The effectiveness of the Technology Plan has resulted in a strong
technology infrastructure. Information Systems and Media Services have been proactive in providing computers,
hardware, servers, multimedia classrooms, wired and wireless networking, multimedia equipment, and other
technology infrastructure for use by faculty, staff, and students. In 2003, a wireless network was installed and has
expanded to cover most of the campus. The wireless network ensures connectivity for a growing number of faculty,
students, and staff using mobile computing devices.
Blackboard software for online teaching has been funded and usage has been encouraged and developed. The
College offers more online classes each semester. Online enrollment jumped from 291 students in 13 sections in
spring 2003, to 487 students in 20 sections in spring 2004, an increase of 67 percent. An additional 600 students take
traditional courses with an online component each semester. A Fall 2003 survey shows that 85 percent of students
believe that taking an online course enhanced his or her respective learning experience; 85 percent of online students
were either satisfied or very satisfied with their classes, with less than 8 percent saying they would not take another
online class. As faculty becomes more versed in designing and building high-quality components and learning
objects for online instruction, the technological outlet will be in place to provide greater student-centered learning and
an opportunity for faculty to implement more effective instructional methodologies into the curriculum.
Contact Information
Name: Robin Pauls
Email: robinpauls@jalc.edu
Phone: (618) 985-3741
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