Georgia Southwestern State University

Information & Instructional Technology

Progress Report and Update of MGT Strategic Plan - January 2004

 

The following report is an update to the MGT Strategic Plan for Information and Instructional Technology submitted on February 15, 2002. A copy of the MGT plan is available at http://education.gsw.edu/report/.  The purpose of the MGT study was to develop a strategic plan and recommended goals and actions that would facilitate the development of IIT functions and services at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).

 

GSW is a unit of the University System of Georgia, and maintains accreditation through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The University maintains a commitment to personalized learning in a residential setting, while providing distance learning and classroom-based education augmented by instructional technology.

 

GSW benefits from support provided by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG). This includes guidance and support for business functions (PeopleSoft), and student information systems (Banner) through the USG Office of Information and Instructional Technology, as well as guidance for institutional responsibilities.   As a state institution, the University maintains several core characteristics and purposes that guide the mission of the University as a whole. Specifically, the University “maintains a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the needs of an area of the state, and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state.” This core characteristic forms the basis not only for the University’s mission statement, but also for the mission of the Office of Information and Instructional Technology at GSW.

 

Table of Contents

 

Recommendation 1: Create a single, centralized technical team to provide cohesive support and development services.

 

- Organizational Developments

- Re-classification of OIIT positions

- Staffing Recommendations

- The OIIT Mission Statement

- The Instructional & Administrative Technology Advisory Committees

 

Recommendation 2: Develop Strategies to Enhance IIT Support Resources.

 

- Technical Support Procedures

- Department Support Representative Initiative

- Virtual Help Desk

- Automated Tools

- Software Depository

- Technical Support Survey

- Instructional Support Procedures

- Instructional Support Survey

Recommendation 3: Augment Organizational Infrastructure to Support Enhanced IIT Functions and Services

 

- Campus Computing Inventory

- Purchasing Plan

- Surplus Recycling

- Student Tech Fee Update

- Getting Started with Campus Technology Website

 

Recommendation 4: Identify and Enhance Technical Competencies for Students, Faculty, and Staff

 

- Faculty and Staff Development

- Faculty Web Development Options

- How To Documents Website

- Technical Service Provider Program

- Technical Competencies of Students

            Hurricane Watch

            Fine Arts & ITC

            OIIT Student Employment

OIIT Interns

The GSW Curriculum  

              

Recommendation 5: Address Staff Training, Development and Retention

 

- Staff Development Opportunities

- Restructuring of Staff Assignments

- Review of OIIT Staff Positions

 

Recommendation 6: Redefine Computing and Appropriate Use Policies and Procedures

 

- Departmental Servers and Department Technology Purchases

- Appropriate Use Policy

- Computer Incident Response Team - CIRT

 

Recommendation 7: Provide Secure, Supported Access to Communication and Data Sharing.

Increase the utility of network data for students, faculty, and staff as well as administrative support.

 

- Network File Service

- Student email

 

Recommendation 8: Enhance Enterprise Wide Security Infrastructure, Data Protection, and Business Recovery Tools. (updated May 2004)

 

- Goals for GSW Network

- Network Infrastructure Upgrade

- Next Steps in Networking Hardware Acquisition

- Network Access in Residence Halls

- Next Steps in Logical Network Development

- Information Systems Security

- Server Security

- Workstation Security

- Network Security

 

Recommendation 9: Develop Cohesive Web Presence.

 

- Website Revision

- Innovative Technology Website

- Multimedia Web Server

 

Appendix A: OIIT Job Descriptions

 

 

 

recommendation 1 back to top

 

Recommendation: Create a single, centralized technical team to provide cohesive support and development services.

 

Summary of Recommendation: Develop a cohesive and centralized technical support group to strategically support and develop IIT resources. Introduce the role of a high-level resource coordinator reporting directly to the President. Adopt mission statements for the centralized technical support team, ITC, and ITAC.

Goal

Objective

Measures

Timeline

Redefine central IIT reporting and planning structure

Develop Information Services Dept. and Director position

-  Develop position description

-  Develop mission statement for the IS Department and Director

Immediate

Immediate

Redefine the roles of the OAC, ITC, and ITAC

Integrate the OAC with Information Services Department

-  Reclassify current staff positions to support organizational developments

-  Update staff position descriptions to adequately reflect expanded role

Short term

 

Short term

Develop Instructional Technology Center

-  Identify the mission and purpose of ITC

-  Define staff roles and responsibilities

- Reclassify the Director as Technical Coordinator

Immediate

Short term

Short term

Develop the role of the IIT Steering Committee

- Develop Mission Statement and roles and responsibilities

-  Develop Subcommittees

Immediate

 

Short term

 

Organizational Developments  back to top

 

Starting in January 2002, Office of Information and Instructional Technology (OIIT) includes the Office of Administrative Computing (OAC) and the Instructional Technology Center (ITC). The Director of OIIT manages ITC and OAC and is responsible for the integration of technology into the instructional and administrative missions of the University. The director supervises the managers and staff of ITC, OAC and the Computer Production Coordinator. ITC includes instructional support (campus television station, distance learning facilities, media development, and faculty and staff development). In addition to the manager, ITC is supported by a Coordinator of Distance Learning & Instructional Technology and a Media Production Supervisor. OAC includes network services & security, enterprise systems (student records, financial applications, e-mail), web development, and user support. In addition to the manager, OAC is supported by a Network Coordinator, Webmaster, Database Administrator, Computer Lab Manager, PeopleSoft & Systems Administrator, and Computer Technicians.

 

All OIIT job descriptions have been re-defined and are provided in Appendix A.

Current staff of the OIIT is presented here and at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/contact.shtml

Anthony Ianno, Director / CIO

Carolyn Gaughf, Computer Production Coordinator

 

Instructional Technology Center (ITC)

Royce Hackett, Manager of Instructional Technology

Lovely Lewis, Coordinator of Distance Learning

Robert Slenker, Media Production Supervisor

 

Office of Administrative Computing (OAC)

Ginger Perry, Manager of Administrative Computing

Janice Cliett, Network Coordinator/Server Administrator

Matt Blankinship, Wireless Network Support

Sveltlana  Peltsverger, WebMaster/Server Administrator

Tominica Pines, Assistant WebMaster

Robin DeVane, Database Administrator

Dean Crumbley, Computer Technician

Lynda Shaw, Computer Technician

Jarret Hartsfield, Computer Lab Manager

Tim Faircloth, Systems Administrator

Rena Sarkar Tech Support Assistant (Lab)

Brad Wolf Instructional Technology Center Support  

 

Re-classification of OIIT positions back to top

January 2003 - The Manager of Administrative Computing position is a result of the re-classification of a System Analyst II position within OAC. The Manager of Instructional Technology position is a result of the re-classification of a Media Production Supervisor position within ITC. In July 2003, the Video Production Specialist position was re-classified to the position of Media Production Supervisor. Re-classification requests are outstanding for the two Computer Technician positions. These re-classifications are considered extremely important for the retention of current computer technician staff that have been in their current positions for five years.

Staffing Recommendations back to top

OAC is short one computer technician. The computer support technician position vacated on December 31, 2002 has not been refilled. (Dr. Hanes email from December 19, 2002: “I have received the request to fill the computer tech position.  I am holding the position request until we have a clearer picture of the budget situation.  I know that the position is needed, but we are holding almost all position requests until January 15.  We will have a better handle on the budget by then”). OIIT recommends that this OAC position be filled as the budget allows.

The ITC Strategic Action Plan calls for an increase in the number and type of faculty development courses offered and an increase in the support for the development of faculty web pages and use of innovative technology.  In order to facilitate the implementation of the expansion of services offered in the area of instructional support, consideration needs to be given to the following recommendation from the MGT report: (“In order to provide the most comprehensive instructional support services possible, the ITC should invest in tools and personnel to assist faculty in the integration of instructional technology into every learning opportunity possible. Additional support staff should be added to provide instructional technology and instructional design support to faculty.”) OIIT recommends that a new Instructional Technology support position be added to ITC as budget allows.

The OIIT Mission Statement http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/mission.htm  back to top

 

The mission of the Office of Information and Instructional Technology (OIIT) is to support the overall mission of Georgia Southwestern State University as a caring community of learning by consistently providing professional expertise that enables the extensive and essential use of information technology in support of both administrative processes and academic pursuits. OIIT maintains a variety of administrative, faculty, and student-use networks and computers as well as a multimedia, distance learning, and faculty development classrooms. OIIT offers computer hardware and software setup and support, training, trouble-shooting and repair, equipment acquisition, backup, and network/data security. OIIT supports campus email, financial and student information along with other administrative systems, on-line course development, and student testing, along with academic and residential computer labs. We seek to interact with our constituents in a fair and empathetic manner.

In pursuit of our mission we:

  • Maintain a leadership role in the application of information technology to teaching and learning, supporting the integration of computing into the many disciplines of the curricula.
  • Maintain an awareness of current technology in order to promote, recommend, and facilitate appropriate use of technology in teaching, learning and administrative operations.
  • Set standards for computer hardware and software owned by the university.
  • Acquire and maintain modern, reliable and secure computing equipment to support institutional functions, including administrative, faculty and student.
  • Participate in the planning, setup, and operation of the highest quality computing laboratories.
  • Maintain secure campus networks that inter-connect buildings of the campus as well as other educational entities in the University System of Georgia.
  • Provide training and technical support to faculty, staff and students relating to the hardware, software, multimedia studio, and distance learning technologies being utilized on campus.
  • Provide timely technical support to all campus academic and administrative divisions.
  • Support Internet information resources including email services and web development.
  • Support creative infusion of new information technologies into campus activities through collaborative exploratory and development efforts.
  • Actively participate in determining future direction in technology on campus.
  • Assist faculty and campus groups in special projects involving technology.
  • Support the technical and operational functions of the campus-run cable access channel, providing community outreach through public affairs programming and promoting public awareness of Georgia Southwestern State University.
  • Use information technology for video and audio production, producing content for instructional and promotional needs.

 

The Instructional & Administrative Technology Advisory Committees  back to top

 

The Director of OIIT provides a leadership role with the Instructional and Administrative Technology steering committees. The Instructional Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) has redirected its focus exclusively to the use of technology in the classroom and how new technologies can be integrated in support of the GSW mission. Another major responsibility of the committee is to provide guidance regarding use of the student technology fee.  The ITAC committee has representation from academic departments, as well as the OIIT Director, ITC Manager, and University executive leadership. The newly established Administrative Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) is focused on administrative computing issues such as policy, network infrastructure, computer security, server administration and use of administrative systems. The ATAC committee has representation from administrative departments, as well as the OIIT Director, OAC Manager, the Network Coordinator and University executive leadership. Each of these committees meets monthly. http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/itac.shtml lists current members of the ITAC committee. http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/atac.shtml lists current members of the ATAC committee. Minutes from committee meetings are available at the web sites above.

 

 

Recommendation 2 back to top

 

Recommendation: Develop Strategies to Enhance IIT Support Resources

 

Summary of Recommendation: Utilize efficient and effective tools and strategies to provide high-quality, low-cost dedicated support.

Goal

Objective

Measures

Timeline

Utilize effective support staffing strategies

Reallocate staff support resources

-  Allocate staff time according to task type

-  Provide dedicated support staff to mission-critical initiatives

-  Assign staff liaisons to administrative departments and academic colleges

Immediate

 

Short term

 

Short term

Define support levels for platforms and software

-  Publish lists of fully supported platforms and software

-  Identify support levels for all other platforms and software

Short term

 

Intermediate

Engage in lifecycle funding

-  Conduct assessment and surveying activities (Steering Committee)

-  Replace one-third of all machines yearly

-  Maintain machines not more than four years

Short term

 

Intermediate

 

Develop Technical Support Web Site into “Virtual Helpdesk”

Provide Software Depot

-  Identify the software licenses available through the University

-  Provide downloads for available software

-  Provide links to vendor and additional technical support

Short term

 

Short term

 

Short term

Provide user administrated tools for routine support requests

-  Allow users to reset network passwords via Web tools

-  Provide e-mail administration tools to forward, “hold,” and listserv e-mail

-  Develop weekly updates to virus definitions, available through Web site

Intermediate

 

Intermediate

 

Short term

Utilize automated support tools

Provide automated tools for routine support requests

-  Utilize “Ghost” images to speed up hardware configuration process

-  Automate configuration management and regular system updates

-  Provide on-line network support requests

Short term

 

Intermediate

 

Short term

Augment ticket tracking system

-  On-line system should provide feedback to users (and allows staff to view pending support from anywhere)

-  System should allow prioritized needs and assign tasks to staff

-  Incorporate time tracking

-  Reports indicate staff utilization

Intermediate

 

 

Intermediate

 

Intermediate

Intermediate


Increase communication with users

Gather customer satisfaction information

-  Provide on-line survey to assess client satisfaction

-  Analyze responses to on-line survey, publish responses on-line

-  Respond to performance information

Intermediate

 

Intermediate

 

Ongoing

Provide system performance stats

-  Provide up-to-date planned and unplanned outage  (“down time”) details

Short term

Increase communication regarding business practices

-  Convey hardware recommendations and defined support levels

-  Provide formal feedback in budgeting and planning process

-  Provide updates on system developments and training opportunities

Short term

 

Intermediate

 

Short term

 

 

Technical Support Procedures back to top

 

Several strategies have been created that improve support provided to the GSW community. New procedures for requesting technical support have been developed that insure each request for support is handled in a timely and responsible manner. These steps are as follows:

 

1. Requests for support are placed via email (techsupp@canes.gsw.edu), by phone (2074) or by web at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/supportRequest.shtml

 

2. The request is entered in TARP - the on-line database support tracking system. The OAC Manager and OIIT Director receive a copy of the TARP form via email.

 

3. The person making the request will receive an email from the OAC Manager or OIIT Director indicating which technician has been assigned the request…

 

“This request is being handled by “Technician Name”. They will contact you shortly regarding completion of this request.”

 

4.  As quickly as possible (within 2 hours), the technician will contact the person making the request and set up a day and time for the request to be handled. If an individual must give up their computer a temporary replacement computer will be set up in its place.

 

5. After the technician has completed the request, the person who made the request will receive an email from the OAC Manager or OIIT Director (whoever assigned the request) letting them know the job has been completed and ask for feedback… 

 

“This tech support request is completed. Please let me know if there are any issues with the completion of this request.”    Please fill out a survey regarding the support you received at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/techsuppsurvey.pdf

 

6. The OAC Manager will close out the request in TARP.

 

The OAC Manager prioritizes support requests and is continually in touch with technical support staff via beeper, phone and walkie talkie.    

 

Department Support Representative Initiative

 

Another new technical support strategy follows the shared support model. A departmental liaison has been identified for each administrative and academic unit. http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/dsr.shtml provides a list of departmental liaisons. The liaison acts as a local point of contact for computing support in their departments and provides an integral link between OIIT support and each department on campus. A “how to” training website has been developed to support the department liaison http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/techsupp/training.html. Each liaison has also been provided the opportunity to attend a training session specific to their department needs (Mac and PC). Each liaison has signed the Computer Support Representative Agreement http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/CSR.pdf and have been granted administrator privileges to the computers in their department which allows for the installation of software and basic troubleshooting. To date the representatives have assisted in the campus computing inventory project as well as in setting critical updates in Windows 2000, setting Anti-Virus software updates, and responding to requests within their department.

 


Virtual Help Desk back to top

 

The OIIT web site has been developed to provide a “virtual help desk” with important information relative to all areas of OIIT in the support of administrative and academic technology at GSW http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/index.html.

 

Automated Tools back to top

 

In effort to automate the setup of new workstations and re-installation of OS and software on existing workstations, technical support has been provided with a ghosting server and laptop. The server and laptop contain images of the various hardware platforms available on campus. Each image contains the standard OS and software configuration. This allows for any campus workstation to be setup in a matter of minutes. The server is used primarily for setup of new workstations. The laptop allows convenient ghosting of lab and office workstations without adding to network traffic. The campus site license for Ghost Server is valid through December 3, 2004.

 

Software Depository back to top

 

OIIT maintains an inventory of licensed software that can be checked out from the OIIT help desk in Morgan Hall 105.  A complete list of licensed and supported software is available at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/techsupp/software.html#Approved. In addition, software downloads are available at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/downloads.shtml.

 

Technical Support Survey back to top

 

A newly created technical support survey was distributed to faculty and staff in June 2003. A summary of results is provided here. There were forty-one responses.  All respondents found Tech Support to be helpful and courteous. Thirty-eight rated the overall service as excellent or very good. Two considered overall service to be good and one indicated service was fair. Twenty-seven respondents considered the new procedures used by technical support to be excellent or very good. Four considered the new procedures to be good and one indicated the new procedures were fair. The survey form is available on-line at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/techsuppsurvey.pdf. A request to fill out the survey is also included at the conclusion of each technical support request.

 

“This tech support request is completed. Please let me know if there are any issues with the completion of this request.   Please fill out a survey regarding the support you received at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/techsuppsurvey.pdf”.

 

Instructional Support Procedures back to top

Policies for requesting instructional technology support have been implemented and detailed procedures for requesting instructional support have been added to the OIIT website. Requests can now be made via e-mail at itc@canes.gsw.edu, by phone (2074), or by web at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/itcsupport.shtml.  The use of email and online forms has enhanced communication with users and provided a method of documenting services performed, along with current status.  A list of instructional support services offered by the department has also been placed on the OIIT website at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/itcservices.shtml including a detailed description of each service, contact information and charges.  On this site, OIIT has also developed an online adobe acrobat form for equipment checkout http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/checkout.pdf allowing faculty, staff, or students to easily reserve and checkout equipment online.  A page of important instructional support resources has also been developed for the OIIT website at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/itcresources.shtml, including links to GSAMS, PeachStar, and WebCT.

A virtual help desk for WebCT has been developed for the faculty and students of GSW at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/webct.shtml.  Resources include a WebCT tutorial http://online.gsw.edu/web-ct/help/en/mywebct/mywebct_about.html and a list of frequently asked questions along with information concerning accessing WebCT accounts, requesting courses, and adding students to classes. The instructional technology support website http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/itcservices.shtml will continue to be developed with additional resources concerning instructional technology.

Instructional Support Survey back to top

 

An ITC service evaluation form has been developed to evaluate services performed in the areas of online support, instructional hardware & software support, multimedia & presentation support, video production, and equipment checkout.  This evaluation form will be implemented in Spring 2004 and is available online at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/itcsuppsurvey.pdf.

 

 

 

Recommendation 3 back to top

 

Recommendation: Augment Organizational Infrastructure to Support Enhanced IIT Functions and Services

 

Summary of Recommendation:

 

Goal

Objective

Measures

Timeline

 

 

Redefine IIT-related business practices

Augment asses-sment, distribution and maintenance

-  Engage in formal assessment

 - Engage in lifecycle funding

Intermediate

 

Long term

Redefine procurement process for acquisition of IIT resources

-  Revise budgeting process to support consistent resource support and development

-  Require support plans for local (department) owned servers and other hardware

Intermediate

 

Short term

 

 

 

Redefine the role of human resources in the support process

Familiarize new employees with IIT practices and policies

-  Incorporate technology review into new employee orientation

-  Ensure that new employees review appropriate use policies

Short term

 

Short term

Provide ongoing reinforcement development opportunities for faculty and staff

-  Ensure that every employee reviews and signs for acceptance of appropriate use policies every other year

-  Liaise with IS Director and Human Resources Department to provide training to faculty and staff

Short term

 

 

 

Intermediate

 

Campus Computing Inventory back to top

 

A complete inventory of all campus desktops http://168.18.216.106/inventory.htm and laptops http://168.18.216.106/inventorylt.htm has been undertaken. A separate database exists for labs and faculty/staff workstations. These database inventories are updated on a daily basis by technical support and provide a means for determining lifecycle replacement of campus computers. The OIIT web master is currently working on creating a web-based interface to the inventories to provide increased access and search capabilities.

 

Recent acquisitions based on the inventory include lab upgrades for CIS, HPER, and Continuing Education, as well as several faculty/staff purchases using year-end funds. The inventory is also being used to determine where hardware and software upgrades are required. The minimum standard for workstations has been set to 350 Mhz with128 RAM running Windows 2000. Where necessary, workstations are being upgraded and replaced to meet this standard. OIIT has inventoried all servers on campus and has taken over administration of servers in Continuing Education, CIS, Business and Geology.

 

OIIT is also working closely with unit heads establishing a purchasing plan for technology needs in each department. An email was sent to unit heads on 7-14-2003 requesting input on departmental technology needs… “In addition to the computer inventory, it would be useful if each Unit Head would provide a list of current technology needs for their unit. This list can include computers, printers, scanners, software, LCD projectors, and any other technology needs that would be appropriate for the purchasing plan.” To date the School of Business, School of Education, Admissions Office, and Library have provided responses. All department technology purchases must be approved by OIIT.

 

Purchasing Plan  back to top

 

Campus wide computer inventory provides a means for determining lifecycle replacement of campus computers. Below is a current list of computers that are 350 Mhz or less.

Last Name

First name

department

manufact

model

processor

Ram

Student workers

 

Academic Affairs

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

333 MHz

64 MB

Cold Storage

 

Accounting

Dell

OptiPlex GX400

266 MHz

64 MB

Position

Receptionist

Admissions

Dell

Optiplex GX1

350MHz

64MB

Director

 

Admissions

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

128 MB

Gillis

Paula

Arts & Sciences

Dell

Optiplex GX1

350MHz

128MB

Howell

Curtis

Business

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

64 MB

Reed

John

Business

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

256 MB

Henley

John R.

Business

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

64 MB

Fathi

Michael

Business

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

64 MB

Services

Career

Career Services

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

130 MB

Thomas

G. D.

Chemistry Dept

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

64 MB

Daniels

Monique

CIS

Dell

OptiPlex Gx1

350 MHz

392 MB

Cook

Karen S.

CIS

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

392KB

Student

Graduate

CIS

DELL

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

130 MB

Dunn

Myra

Education

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

333 MHz

196 MB

Classroom

Classroom

Eng & For Lang

Dell

Optiplex GX1

350 MHz

64MB

Spare

N/A

Eng & For Lang

Dell

Lattitude Cpi

300 MHz

64 MB

Weiland

Tom

Geology/Physics

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

333 MHz

64 MB

Gervin

Coretta

Health Center

Dell

Optiplex Gx1

350MHz

196 MB

Andrews

Ben

Health Center

Dell

Optiplex Gx1

333 MHz

320 MB

Gervin

Coretta D.

Health Services

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350MHz

196 KB

Talukdar

Mohammed

History & Pol Sci

Dell

OptiPlex Gx1

350 MHz

64 MB

Spaniol

Fra/hp lab

HPER

Dell

Latitude Cpi

300MHz

256 MB

Blanchard

Valerie

Carter Library

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

333 MHz

64 MB

Crawford

Missie

OSL

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

64 MB

Jackson

LaKeshia

OSL

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350MHz

64 MB

Schraufnagel

Darcy

OSL

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

64 MB

Guest

Katrina

Post Office

Dell

OptiPlex GX1

350 MHz

384 MB

Worker

Student

Registrar’s office

dell

OptiPlex GX1

350MHz

65 meg

Tripp

Donja

Student Accounts

Dell

Optiplex GX1

350MHz

128MB

Worker

Student

admissions

dell

opti plex gx1

350MHz

64mg

Worker

Student

admissions

dell

Optiplex GX1

350MHz

64mb

 

Note: there are currently 49 PC’s with 400 Mhz or less and 84 PC’s with 500 Mhz or less.

 

The Computer Lab Inventory indicates the following labs need new computers as funds are available.

* (7 PC’s) Nursing 105: GX1 233 MHz 64 MB RAM (5) Compaq Deskpro 32 MB RAM (2)

* (10 PC’s) Dorms: GX1 400MHz 128 MB RAM

(18 PC’s) HPER Lab - Column 1 103: GX1 233 MHz 64 MB RAM (15) GX1 333 MHz 64 MB RAM (3)

(4 PC’s) Math/Science Roney 203 (2) 205, 209: GX1 333 MHz 64 MB RAM

(3 PC’s) Academic Skills GX1 400 MHz 128 MB RAM

(20 PC’s) CIS CWH 202 GX1 350 MHz 128 MB RAM

(8 PC’s) English 106 GX1 350 MHz 192 MB RAM

(10 PC’s) English 113 GX1 350/400 MHz 192 MB RAM

(2 PC’s) Library GX1 400 MHz 128 MB RAM

(2 PC’s) Psychology 8-6 GX1 400 MHz 128 MB RAM

 

Surplus Recycling  back to top

 

As of November 2002, OIIT established a policy that monitors would no longer be purchased with computer orders. Monitors are obtained from surplus property for free if from state or for twenty dollars if from federal. To date, this has resulted in savings of $18,620.

 

 

Monitors and CPU’s purchased from surplus

#          item                             GSW cost                  total cost                     order cost       savings

25        monitors 17”              $ 20.00 each             $ 500.00                     $5000             $4500

9          450 Mhz CPU            $ 20.00 each             $ 180.00 total            $1800             $1620

 

Free monitors

#          item                             GSW cost                  total cost                     order cost       savings

40        monitors 17”              free                             $ 0.00                         $8000             $8000

15        monitors 21”              free                             $ 0.00                         $4500             $4500

                                                                                   

                                                                                                                 total savings:$18,620         

 

Student Tech Fee Update   back to top

 

The Instructional Technology Advisory Committee along with the student representation on that committee has approved the following purchases for FY 03.

 

A new computer lab in Business School – 36 new computers, LCD ($34,000.)

* Upgrade to dorm labs – 10 new computers ($7500.)

* Upgrade to nursing lab – 7 new computers ($5000.)

Fine Arts Lab – Software ($3000).

Biology Labs – 2 LCD systems and related technology ($10,000)

 

ITAC minutes from 9-17-03 http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/minutes/itac091703.pdf, minutes from 10-15-03 http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/minutes/itac101503.pdf and minutes from 11-18-03 http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/minutes/itac111803.pdf detail student technology fee discussions and approvals. 

 

OIIT is currently developing a form that will be used for future requests for technology fee funds.

 

Getting Started with Campus Technology Website

 

OIIT has developed a Getting Started with Campus Technology for faculty and staff website http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/GettingStarted.html and printable document for new and existing faculty/staff. Information includes: contact information for OIIT, computer lab location and hours, hardware and software standards, distance learning options - GSAMS and Peachstar, email account and policy, web site account and policy, computer use policy, banner account and training, technical support procedures and services, instructional support procedures and services, networking, security, and abuse, GSW TV, WebCT account acquisition and procedures. 

 

 

 

Recommendation 4 back to top

 

Recommendation: Identify and Enhance Technical Competencies for Students, Faculty, and Staff

 

Summary of Recommendation: Develop programs to utilize interested students, faculty, and staff as Technical Service Providers (TSP)

Goal

Objective

Measures

Timeline

Increase student technical competencies

Provide competency development opportunities

-  Identify goal student technical competencies

-  Infuse practice and development of competencies in every learning opportunity, including orientation and coursework

-  Provide multidisciplinary certification-track courses such as TSP courses (below)

Short term

 

Ongoing

 

 

 

Intermediate

Increase faculty and staff technical competencies

Provide technical competencies development opportunities

-  Establish goal faculty and staff technical competencies

-  Administrative subcommittee provides programmatic support to HR department to provide opportunities for competency development

Short term

 

Short term

 

Short term

Utilize competencies in selection and review processes

-  Incorporate goal competencies into selection process

-  Recognize competency development in review/tenure process

Long term

 

Long term

Develop Technical Service Provider (TSP) Program

Develop Program infrastructure and Certification Track

-  Establish goals, duration, and mission of program

-  Establish logistics of program

Short term

 

Intermediate

Develop Training Materials

-  Identify Trainer

-  Develop curriculum reflecting industry standards for IT training

Intermediate

Intermediate

Establish Incentive for Participation

-  Provide students with course credit

-  Provide appropriate incentives for faculty and staff participation

Intermediate

Intermediate

Launch Program

-  Provide dynamic launch for TSP program

Intermediate

Intermediate

 


Faculty and Staff Development back to top

 

ITC provides faculty and staff development. Every semester ITC offers courses in WebCT, Eudora, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and FrontPage. ITC also offers courses in multimedia and provides individual training on the use of instructional technology in the classroom.  The Distance Education and Instructional Technology Coordinator attended a series of intensive Microsoft Office Development workshops including courses in Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.  This training enabled the center to expand its Microsoft Office offerings to include Access and Excel, in addition to increasing the depth of coverage offered in all of its other Microsoft Office courses.  During spring of 2003, ITC added courses in Microsoft FrontPage, Publisher, and Excel to the existing courses offered which raised the number of participants in faculty and staff development training from 59 participants to 111 and the total learning hours from 204 to 292.  ITC continued to expand its course offerings by adding Access in the fall of 2003.

 

In fall 2003, OIIT offered courses  in Eudora, Front Page, Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, Access and Excel. The spring semester 2004 course schedule is now available at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/courses.shtml.

 

A workshop in use of WebCT Vista was offered to campus WebCT power users (Dr. Frank Spaniol, Dr. Judy Malachowski, Dr. John Stroyls, Dr. Tom Weiland,  and Mrs. Etrat Fathi) with three possible dates/times during the first week of December. There was little interest, so WebCT Vista training will be offered to the entire campus Spring 2004.

 

ITC has developed an evaluation form for participants of faculty/staff development courses http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/itcfacdevsurvey.pdf. In a report run in May 2003, there were 28 responses to the evaluation.  One hundred percent of the respondents indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the instructor, material, hardware, software, and the meeting of goals and expectations.  Ninety-six percent indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the pace of the courses.

 

OIIT Faculty and Staff Development from Fall 02 & Spring 03

Attendees:                             120

Course Hours:                       58

Total Person Hours:              310

Date(s)

Course

#

Course Hours

Total Person Hours

Aug. 21, 22

WebCT Fundamentals for Course Design

16

2

32

Aug. 28, 29

WebCT Content Management

15

2

30

Sept. 4, 5

WebCT Student Mangement/Gradebook

10

2

20

Sept 11, 12

WebCT Quiz Mangement

8

2

16

Oct. 21, Oct. 31

Microsoft PowerPoint

8

4

32

Oct. 30

Eudora Overview

3

2

6

Nov. 7

Multimedia

5

2

10

Nov. 5, Nov 12

Microsoft FrontPage

4

4

16

Jan. 12, Jan 28

Microsoft PowerPoint

2

4

8

Jan. 30, Feb. 6

Microsoft Publisher

3

4

12

Jan. 22

Eudora Overview

2

2

4

Feb 19, Feb. 26

Microsoft FrontPage

3

4

12

Feb 20, Feb. 27

Microsoft Overview

4

4

16

Apr. 9

Excel Overview

5

2

10

Apr. 16, Apr. 24

Excel Overview

6

4

24

Jun 10

Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1

6

2

12

Jun 17

Microsoft PowerPoint Level 2

6

2

12

Jun 18, Jun 25

Excel Overview

5

4

20

July 9

Eudora Overview

5

2

10

Sept. 9

Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1

2

2

4

Sept. 16

Microsoft PowerPoint Level 2

2

2

4

 

TOTALS

120

58

310

 

Faculty Web Development Options back to top

 

Two options are available from OIIT for the development of course related web sites - WebCT and FrontPage. Training for WebCT and FrontPage was offered during faculty planning week in September and again during the fall semester through ITC. FrontPage, WebCT and WebCT Vista training will be offered during spring 2004 http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/courses.shtml.

OPTION 1 (WebCT) is hosted at http://online.gsw.edu. The Board of Regents has selected WebCT as the standard course management tool for the University System of Georgia. GSW is licensed to allow instructors to use WebCT to deliver courses completely on-line or to supplement classroom lecture.


Information is available on the GSW WebCT page at http://www.gsw.edu/webct, including
       How do I request a WebCT ID or course?
       How do I add GSW students to my WebCT Course?
       How do students access their WebCT Account?

There is also a WebCT Tutorial at http://online.gsw.edu/web-ct/help/en/mywebct/mywebct_about.html

Faculty interested in setting up a course or learning more about WebCT can contact
Lovely Lewis in the Office of Information and Instructional Technology at 931-2969 or by email at llewis@gsw.edu

OPTION 2 (FrontPage) is hosted at http://itc.gsw.edu/faculty.  Microsoft FrontPage is part of GSW standard software suite. It is a web page editor that allows publishing directly to the ITC web server. The following steps are necessary for faculty to have a website on the ITC faculty web server:

1. Setup an account. Visit http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/webprocedures.shtml for web account procedures and application. 
2. Attend a FrontPage training session during faculty planning week or during the semester http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/courses.shtml through ITC.
3. A page template is available at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/itc/index.html. It is the GSW default web page for all new web accounts for faculty.
4. Visit http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/techsupp/frontpage.html#Updating which provides a tutorial on how to make changes to this template.

Faculty interested in setting up a course or learning more about FrontPage should contact Ginger Perry in the Office of Information and Instructional Technology at 931-2792 or by email ginger@canes.gsw.edu

 


How To Documents Website  back to top

 

A website has been set up at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/howto.shtml that provides step by step instructions for common procedures:

Managing Accounts and Passwords (Windows 2000 Pro)

How to Protect Your Computer from Viruses

How To Diagnose & Fix Hard Drive Problems

Basic Configuration and Maintenance for Internet Explorer and Netscape

Troubleshooting hardware (printers, hardware connections, device manager)

Software Troubleshooting and Guidelines

Backing Up Your Data

How to make your own CDs

FrontPage & GSW Web Account

Eudora

Adobe Acrobat Tutorial

 

Technical Service Provider Program back to top

 

As detailed in Recommendation 2, a departmental liaison has been identified for each administrative and academic unit. http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/dsr.shtml provides a list of departmental liaisons. The liaison acts as a local point of contact for computing support in their departments and provides an integral link between OIIT support and each department on campus. A “how to” training website has been developed to support the department liaison http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/techsupp/training.html. Each liaison has also been provided the opportunity to attend a training session specific to their department needs (Mac and PC). Each liaison has signed the Computer Support Representative Agreement http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/CSR.pdf and have been granted administrator privileges to the computers in their department which allows for the installation of software and basic troubleshooting. To date the representatives have assisted in the campus computing inventory project as well as in setting critical updates in W2K, setting Anti-Virus software updates, and responding to requests within their department.

 

Technical Competencies of Students back to top

 

Hurricane Watch   The Office of Information and Instructional Technology assists members of GSW’s student television production organization, “Hurricane Watch” by offering them instruction on how to use video cameras, lighting kits, microphones and editors in order to produce educational programming for airing on the campus’s television station, GSW-TV.  The students engage in producing programming in a studio or in a field production environment.  They learn what it takes to become proficient camera-people, floor managers, editors, directors and on-air talent.  Each week, they produce shows ranging in subject matter from current events, sports, movies and fitness.  In doing so, they work closely with the staff members of the Instructional Technology Center to make sure that their programming is produced in a creative, quality assured and timely manner.

 

Fine Arts & ITC   Over the last few years, GSW’s Department of Fine Arts has begun integrating video production into the curriculum of its students.  During this time, GSW’s Office of Information and Instructional Technology has maintained a close relationship with the Fine Arts Department in helping its faculty incorporate new technology in the field of video production into their course material.  One way of doing so has been that OIIT has allowed fine arts students access to its editing bays and production studio in order for them to gain real-world experience in producing their own creative projects for class.  The most recent collaboration involves students assisting the OIIT in its weekly show tapings for class credit. During the Fall of 2003, each student in professor Jeff Green’s theater appreciation class was required to work five hours with the ITC staff or members of “Hurricane Watch” in helping produce their weekly shows.

 

OIIT Student Employment   OIIT employs several students who work in the areas of lab supervision, technical support, wireless networking, network administration, network security, media development, web development, and administrative systems support. This provides GSW students an excellent opportunity to develop technology skills and build their resume.

 

OIIT Interns   Each semester OIIT accepts a student intern from the Computer Information Systems program. The intern is provided an opportunity to gain experience in all areas of information systems supported by OIIT.

 

The GSW Curriculum   The technical competencies of students are being addressed through components of the curriculum.  Through last year, all students were required to take CIS 1000 as part of CORE Area B. The course is a survey of common microcomputer applications with an emphasis on hands-on experience with software packages that are currently being used to support these applications. Although CIS 1000 is no longer required for graduation, it is still an option for CORE Area B. UNIV 1000, the freshman orientation course, introduces students to the library's technological resources and to the use of WebCT. In the School of Arts and Sciences, major use of technology is included in Learning Support Language Arts classes, Freshman Composition classes, Introduction to Political Science, The Study of History and Methods of Social Research. The School of Business requires majors to take a course in Microcomputer Applications and to use computer application in Accounting Systems. The School of Education requires all majors to complete successfully CIS 1000 and EDUC 3200, Audiovisual and Technology Methods. Secondary Materials and Methods require students to use Microcomputer Applications. All Middle grades and Special Education students are required to complete EDUC 2800, an introduction to educational computing. In the School of Nursing, Computer Assisted Instruction and WebCT components are used extensively in most courses. 

 

 

Recommendation 5 back to top

 

Recommendation: Address Staff Training, Development and Retention

 

Summary of Recommendation:

 

Goal

Objective

Measures

Timeline

Provide systematic staff development

Develop training and development plans for each staff member

-  Provide opportunities to participate in formal training and certification activities

-  Continue to participate in local and customized development opportunities

Immediate

 

 

Ongoing

Review staffing plans

Capitalize on task-shifting opportunities

-  Increase reliance on automated or user-administered support tools

-  Divide support staff time to provide most efficient service possible

Intermediate

 

Short term

 

Perform staffing review

-  Reassess the appropriate number of technical support staff needed

Intermediate

Review salary and benefits

Perform salary analysis

-  Perform internal and external pay equity study every other year

Immediate

Perform benefits review

-  Perform benefits review every other year

-  Revise benefits as appropriate

Intermediate

Provide support for faculty/staff participation

Identify participation levels for various programs

-  Ensure that participation in support programs makes efficient use of members’ time and talents

Long term

Formally recognize participation

-  Provide recognition and support for participation in programs, commensurate with time and effort required for participation

Long term

 

OIIT Staff Development Opportunities

 

A multitude of staff development opportunities have been provided to OIIT staff from fall 2002 though spring of 2003. Seven OIIT staff members attended Rock Eagle, the USG Annual Computing Conference, from October 23-25, 2002. Two staff members attended Rock Eagle October 22-24, 2003.  Conference workshop topics at Rock Eagle include leadership development, data management, general networking, security, administrative computing, new teaching and learning technologies, web development and helpdesk support.  CompUSA held a Windows 2000 server administration workshop at the GSW library computer lab during the week of January 13-17, 2003. Ten OIIT staff, one GSW student and a staff member from RCI attended this workshop.  

 

The Distance Education and Instructional Technology Coordinator attended the TLAT conference, WebCT Vista training, a series of intensive Microsoft Office development workshops including courses in Microsoft Access, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel training through New Horizons in Atlanta from March – June 2003.  The three full time employees of the OIIT staff are attending GSW courses related to their professional development.  The Manager of ITC is taking graduate courses in the School of Computer and Information Sciences and should complete his Masters in Computer Science in Spring 2004.  The Media Supervisor and the Distance Education and Instructional Technology Coordinator are both enrolled in the B.A.S. of Technology Management program in the School of Business.  The Media Supervisor is on track to graduate in Spring 2004. 

 

Student Accounts offered Crystal Reports training in September 2003. This training involved several units from GSW including two OIIT staff.

 

The OIIT Campus Information Security Officer attended an Information Security Workshop on November 19-20, 2003 and The OIIT Webmaster attended Windows 2003 Overview Workshop on November 17-18, 2003.

 

OIIT employs several students who work in the areas of lab supervision, technical support, wireless networking, network administration, network security, media development, web development, and administrative systems support. This provides opportunities for all OIIT staff to be a supervisor and provides students with an excellent opportunity to develop technology skills and build their resume.  An important outcome of the OIIT student-training program is that if a relevant position in OIIT becomes available students will be qualified to fill these positions.

 

Restructuring of Staff Assignments back to top

 

OIIT staff assignments have been re-structured to enhance network security and support. The Computer Lab Manager provides backup for network security and for response to the network abuse reports received from the USG Board of Regents or identified locally at GSW. One of the computer technicians provides backup for network support in the area of network related issues and outages.

 

Review of OIIT Staff Positions back to top

All OIIT staff positions have been reviewed and job descriptions have been updated according to shifting responsibilities. To date, three positions have been reclassified and reclassification requests are outstanding for the two computer technician positions.

 

Recommendation 6 back to top

 

Recommendation: Redefine Computing and Appropriate Use Policies and Procedures

 

Summary of Recommendation:

 

Goal

Objective

Measures

Timeline

Augment policies relating to appropriate and secure use

Redefine support role for resources owned and operated by departments

-  Migrate to shared support role

-  Require support plans for local servers and hardware purchase and development

Short term

Intermediate

Augment all additional policies to reflect IIT best practices

-  Reflect changes to support structure in policies and procedures

-  Revise policies every other year

-  All students, faculty, and staff review policies after revision

Short term

 

Ongoing

Ongoing

Strengthen policies relating to security

-  Address privacy expectations and establish monitoring activities

Short term

Augment practices relating to appropriate and secure use

Develop responses to inappropriate use

- Establish consequences for inappropriate use

- Provide mechanism administering consequences

Immediate

 

Immediate

Augment physical security practices

-  Provide mechanism for responding to security breaches and potential need to quarantine affected hardware

-  Utilize Steering Subcommittees for investigations of security breaches

Immediate

 

 

As needed

 

Departmental Servers and Department Technology Purchases back to top

 

OIIT has inventoried all servers on campus http://168.18.216.106/server.html and has taken over administration of servers in Continuing Education, CIS, Business and Geology. All campus servers must be registered using the form from http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/forms/ServerRequest.pdf. The Manager of the Office of Administrative Computing or the Manager of the Instructional Technology Center must approve all technology purchases submitted by departments on campus.

 

Appropriate Use Policy back to top

 

The computer and network use policy http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/computerpolicy.shtml is in the process of being re-written and updated to include policy related to network security, policy on server administration, policy related to hardware and software standards and policy to address peer to peer sharing.

 

The GSW website policy http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/webpolicy.shtml is in the process of being re-written and updated to ensure common look, functionality and security of all university, college and department web pages.

 

The Getting Started with Campus Technology web site for new and existing faculty & staff at http://www.gsw.edu/~oiit/GettingStarted.html  includes a review of hardware and software standards, email account and policy, web site account policy and procedures, computer use policy, USG appropriate use policy, banner account policy, networking, security and abuse. As of January 2004, all new staff and faculty will be required to review all appropriate use policies and sign off on their agreement to these policies.

 

Computer Incident Response Team - CIRT back to top

 

Procedures have been developed for responding to computer security incidents. Complaints may be received via the abuse@canes.gsw.edu email account.  USG Board of Regent complaints are routed to this account via the abuse@usg.edu email account. A response to each incident received from abuse@usg.edu is required. The Campus Information Security Officer is the GSW contact for these complaints and makes the official response. Complaints are also received via the techsupp@gsw.edu email account or by phone at the techsupp number (2074).  Some on-campus security situations are discovered during routine monitoring of the network.