MWCC Technology Plan 2010 - 2011

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Technology Plan 2010 2011


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Table of Contents

Technology Strategic Plan Overview ................................................................................................................................. 3

Information Technology Plan Development ...................................................................................................................... 3

Institutional Vision. ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Institutional Mission ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

Information Technology Vision ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Information Technology Mission ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Information Technology Principles ................................................................................................................................... 4

Institutional Strategic Priorities for 2011-2013 ................................................................................................................. 4

Information Technology Strategic Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................... 5

Goal 1: Improve Technology Infrastructure and Equipment .............................. ....................... ................................ .... 5

Goal 2: Improve Web Services & Centralize E-Communications ............................. ....................... ............................... 6

Goal 3: Academic and Administrative System Support/Customer Service ......................................... ........................... 6

Goal 4: Support Technology that Enhances the Teaching and Learning Process ................................................ ........... 7

Goal 5: Data Support and a Culture of Evidence .............................. ........................ .............................. ...................... . 7

Goal 6: Information Security ....................... ................................ ....................... ................................ ...................... .... 8

Analysis of Current State .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Administrative Systems ................................................................................................................................................ 9

Help Desk Services ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Information Security................................................................................................................................................... 11

Instructional Technology ............................................................................................................................................ 12

Networking ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Telecommunications .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Training/Professional Development............................................................................................................................ 16

Web Services .............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Review and revision ....................................................................................................................................................... 18


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Technology Strategic Plan OverviewOver the past 23 years, Dr. Daniel Asquino has strongly advocated the use of technology to enhance and improve

student learning and teaching. Some of the significant projects during his tenure have included:

y The rapid expansion of distance learning and hybrid offerings;y The deployment of smart classroom technology in 70% of the college classrooms;y The use of Blackboard Learning Management System in 70% of on-campus courses;y The expansion of Banner to assist in student registration and scheduling, grade access, and financial aid;y Despite budgeting challenges, The Center for Digital Education recognized MWCC in 2007 and 2008 as being

among the most technologically-advanced colleges in the nation;

y Implementation of the Colleges campus-wide wireless computer network; andy Implementation of enhanced technology security and intrusion protection.

The purpose of this document is guide improvements in MWCCs technological environment, and to assist the College in

keeping pace with the changes that will assist the College, students and faculty to succeed.

Information Technology Plan Development

The development of this plan was assisted by MWCCs Strategic Planning Team, breakout sessions and Strategic Priority

Focus Groups conducted during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Institutional Vision.

MWCC is the college of choice for our community and a model of teaching and learning excellence.

Institutional Mission

MWCCs mission is to provide relevant, high quality learning opportunities and services that respond to diverse student

and community needs, foster student success, and stimulate civic, workforce, and economic vitality.

Information Technology Vision

Mount Wachusett Community College is recognized as a best in class leader among Massachusetts state universities

and colleges in the smart and effective use of technology and information systems to enable and enhance student

learning and success, community outreach and services, administrative and operational productivity and efficiency, and

continuous quality improvement across the college.

Information Technology Mission

To provide innovative, progressive technology that enables faculty, students and staff to have the best learning, teaching

and working experience possible. We will meet this goal through continued exploration, implementation and refinemen

of technology that meets our campus needs now and in the future, while continuing to offer high-quality customer

service and institutional support to the learning process.


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Information Technology PrinciplesThese principles are designed to support the Colleges core strategic priorities:

1. Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) shall use information technology to facilitate student learning,enhance their personal and career development, and assure student success.

2. MWCC shall use information technology to address different learning and educational needs.3. MWCC shall use information technology to provide access to lifelong learning opportunities to the local,

regional, and global community.

4. MWCC shall provide its faculty with the training opportunities and technology resources to make instruction andlearning more effective and engaging.

5. MWCC shall provide learning opportunities and support resources independent of time and location.6. MWCC shall provide technology, staff, training, and user support to enhance all College operations and

activities.

7. MWCC shall maintain, as a fiscal priority, meeting current industry standards for software and equipment toensure compatibility.

8. MWCC shall maintain partnerships with industry and consortia to meet the needs of the community and toenhance the effective use of technology.

Institutional Strategic Priorities for 2011-2013

y Academic Excellencey Student Access and Successy Community Responsiveness and Engagementy Financial Sustainabilityy Institutional Efficiencies and Effectivenessy Communication


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Information Technology Strategic Goals and ObjectivesThe strategic planning process identified overarching goals and associated objectives. These goals provide the

foundational direction, with the objectives forming the strategic initiatives supporting those goals.

Goal 1: Improve Technology Infrastructure and Equipment

Objective 1 Provide high quality, optimally functional equipment and technology that will assist in the teachingand learning process, support students and facultys educational endeavors and result in student

success.

1.1.1 Reintroduce a master PC Replacement Plan Strategy for upgrade of computers in classrooms, labs, the

library and learning resource areas, and faculty/staff offices.

1.1.1 Devise replacement plan and cycle: 3 to 5 years

1.1.2 Obtain necessary funding for continued replacement

1.1.3 Implement, maintain and document s comprehensive replacement schedule

Objective 2 Infrastructure Upgrades: Invest in a SANS Server environment to support desktop virtualization andreduce hardware replacement costs.

Objective 3 Internet and Speed: Increase bandwidth and networking shaping capabilities to maximize speed of

internet on all campuses.Objective 4 Comprehensive Multimedia/Hardware/Software Replacement Cycle: Replace classroom and lab

hardware multimedia systems (projectors/computers) every four years and software every six years;

adopt a four year replacement cycle for administrative systems; establish a dedicated annual budget

allocation to hardware/software replacement, replacing 25% of equipment annually.

1.4.1 Develop a comprehensive replacement plan for classrooms and labs with projected replacement

dates

1.4.2 Compile an accurate, up-to-date campus software inventory and determine replacement/upgrade

dates.

Objective 5 Improve Telecom Services

1.5.1 Investigate and implement new phone system for Leominster campus.1.5.2 Investigate and implement adding Garrison Child Care Center to Gardner phone system


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Goal 2: Improve Web Services & Centralize E-Communications

Objective 1 Develop and deliver a fully functional, single sign-on portal over a 5-year period

2.1.1 Develop and launch the student portal

2.1.2 Develop and launch other portal segments

2.1.3 Hire a web administrator to create templates and develop set up for others to add content to portal.

2.1.4 Investigate and Purchase a Content Management System for MWCC Website. (Compatible withCampus EAI) for updating/maintaining web site currency).

Objective 2 Investigate technology improvements that maximize college communications, staff productivity and

facilitate staff redeployment.

2.2.1 Electronic Communication Tools: Develop a Faculty and Staff Intranet/information channel within the

new web portal; activate SharePoint and its chat room capacity throughout the College; improve

videoconferencing and video streaming capabilities at all campus sites.

2.2.2 Develop electronic processes for the Business Office, HR and other departments, saving on paper,

staff time, etc.

Goal 3: Academic and Administrative System Support/Customer Service

Objective 1 Provide high-quality, readily available technology customer service to students, faculty and staff.

3.1.1 Re-establish locally staffed Help Desk during normal working hours.

3.1.2 Utilize contractor services (PerceptIs) for after- hours/weekend service needs.

3.1.3 Work with other MWCC departments on a streamlined, concise technology project request process

for technology projects that will take ISS two weeks or more to complete.

Objective 2 Establish an open communications policy with faculty and staff to discuss current and future

technology needs and plans with technology departments.

3.2.1 Work with Deans and Academic Council to open dialogue about academic technology needs and

plans.

3.2.2 Technical Support: Provide faculty advisors, service/support staff, and students adequate technical

training and support to maximize use of technologies to enhance student learning, student support,

and cost efficiency/productivity

Objective 3 Improve classroom and student support service technologies by preparing a priority list of academic

technology needs in high demand programs and services to ensure these programs have state of the

art equipment and technology provided to students is relevant and high quality.

3.3.1 Dedicated student computer labs/instructional support space/facilities: Make more

functional with high speed capabilities and adequate technical support for students

3.3.2 Educational Technologies: Improve the use of educational technologies in the classrooms, labs, andacademic support services and provide on-going technical training for faculty and staff

Objective 4 Work on more effective ways to provide technology services to MWCC satellite campuses in Athol,Burbank, Devens, and Leominster.

3.4.1 Investigate/pilot the use of Office Communicator (or similar MS product) that will allow ISS staff to be

in real-time contact with clients on other campuses.

Objective 5 Technical Training: Work on development of online training capacity.

3.5.1 Working in collaboration with HR and other relevant departments, determine technical training needs

for College

3.5.2 Develop and implement online training on various topics for College

Objective 6 Increase collaboration efforts among local college peers.

3.6.1 Collaborate (when able) on major IT purchases (such as hardware and software) to reduce costs.


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3.6.2 Share best practices on technologies and projects to reduce implementation costs.

Goal 4: Support Technology that Enhances the Teaching and Learning Process

Objective 1 Be the resource for Academic Affairs and other academic related departments to keep pace withtechnological change; support diversified teaching and learning modalities and assist Academic Affairs

and other departments in locating relevant technical training.4.1.1 Open up communications between key MWCC educational programs (STEM, etc.) to ensure that

technological needs and the effects on the Colleges current infrastructure are addressed correctly

and efficiently.

4.1.2 Investigate innovative technology solutions for classrooms, while paying attention to limited financial

resources.

4.1.3 Strengthen/improve MWCCs online technical capacity to deliver quality online academic learning and

support by ensuring network is stable and fast, and faculty are trained to use technology.

Objective 2 Increase online course enrollment by 10% and increase online course offerings by 5 new courses.Objective 3 Implement Faculty Technology Training

Goal 5: Data Support and a Culture of Evidence

Objective 1 Provide Easy Access to Data/Information to be used for Attracting Students, Servicing Students,Advising Students and Student Retention Efforts

5.1.1 Provide access to more comprehensive student data/information for student educational planning,

marketing, advising, tracking, and early intervention; secure the resources to build an on-line

educational planning capacity (integrated with Banner) and a more intrusive advising system to assist

with retention efforts.

Objective 2 Operational Transactional and Data Support Systems: Implement reporting solutions that allows staff

to access reports and reporting data in a self-serve web-based format.

5.2.1 Activate Banner Self Service Finance, Self Service HRCMS, and People Admin on-line PAR capabilities

and develop training for users

5.2.2 Assist the College in providing greater accountability by allowing easy documentation of College

effectiveness and outcomes, linking performance to funding.

Objective 3 Data Support and Culture of Evidence: Ensure the College has the data it needs in easily accessible

formats to support the new Strategic Plan, its key priorities, and a culture of evidence (specifically

student tracking and progress monitoring; institutional effectiveness and learning outcomes

assessment).

5.3.1 Improve external trend data/analysis and dissemination

5.3.2 Use data consistently to drive all planning, budgeting, assessment


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Goal 6: Information Security

Objective 1 Security Compliance: Upgrade Firewall and network/systems security; implement an identity

management system/process.

Objective 2 Encryption: Ensure that data is protected.

6.2.1 Encrypt all end-point devices expect for shared devices that should be purged of stored data regularly.

6.2.2 Encrypt mobile storage devices

6.2.3 Develop method to intercept and protect data in transit from unencrypted transmissions

Objective 3 Training & Education: Train all MWCC staff, faculty, students, vendors and contractors on the MWCC

Information Security Policy.

6.3.1 Develop online training program and ensure that all required individuals have successfully completed

(in conjunction with HR)

6.3.2 Develop training and communications to educate users on proper ways to transfer data

6.3.3 Maintain training schedule (collaboration with HR) so that all new staff, faculty, students, vendors and

contractors are trained regularly.

6.3.4 Ensure that all relevant individuals renew training once per year.

Objective 4 Collaborations: Expand collaborations and relationships with other colleges and universities

6.4.1 Collaborate with other public and private schools on security projects and best practices to ensure

that all MWCC data is safe.

6.4.2 Plan for annual audits to ensure security of data.


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Analysis of Current StateThe following SWOT analyses provide a review of the current state of each technology area.

Administrative Systems

Support the enterprise applications, including Banner, BlackBoard LMS, and Web-based applications

Strengths Weaknesses

y Strong technical knowledge of staffy Adoption of new technologies to meet

business needs

y Knowledge of business processes and cyclesy Blackboard Learning System externally hostedy Good documentationy Good Vendor Relationship (RTS)

y Manpower

Opportunities Threatsy Automation of processes y Lack of funding

y Lack of professional development

Priority Action Items

y Upgrade Oracle database from 10g to 11gy Investigate and deploy Banner 8 student functionalityy Develop custom selective applications for web admissions process.y Implement a training database for new hires.y Create web-based reporting that is available to users that displays college performance metricsy Develop reporting tools that identify at risk students to increase retentiony Investigate open enrollment through Banner.y Implement a new freeze process that has minimal overhead while still meeting the colleges and state reporting

needs.

y Continue to convert Microsoft Access database to APEX.y Convert remaining oracle reports to appropriate reporting tool.y Begin conversion of current SQL to leverage concurrent curriculum rules.y Purchase Linux servers to replace EOL Sun Solaris servers.y Continue participation on the SMART Advisory Board.


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y Rebuild and deploy new images on computers with Windows 7.y Implement Deep Freeze 6.6 to install and maintain updates.y Encrypt computers with True Encryption software.y Improve the ISS website with information on tips tricks and hints on how to use software.y Investigate desktop Virtualization.y Schedule a recycle plan of computers for all campuses.y Implement web conferencing.y Test and research Office 2010.y Look at improvements of services for IT.y Schedule a recycle plan of printers for all campuses.y Develop security for computers, laptops, hard drives, thumb drives, and wireless devices.y Increase documentation.y Research new antivirus software that will also

Help Desk Services

Provide appropriate support for end-user technology and systems that advances teaching and learning and staff

productivity.


y Skilled, dedicated and devoted team.y Customer service focusy Committed to student successy Developing new ideas with independent

research, testing and deployment.

y Manpowery Lack of professional developmenty Customer technical abilityy Difficulty enforcing change in environment.

Opportunities Threatsy Staff willing to learn and growy Utilization of student workersy Collaboration between Media Services and Help

Desk to provide high caliber customer service

y Opportunities to better educate campus ontechnology

initiatives/procedures/requirements.

y Increased device/classroom/campus supportrequired to maintain technology.

y Falling behind competitors due to lack of funding.y Skill sets out of sync with current technologies


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y Rebuild and deploy new images on computers with Windows 7.y Implement Deep Freeze 6.6 to install and maintain updates.y Encrypt computers with True Encryption

Information Security

To insure the confidentiality of electronic personal information and the proper handling/operation of technology

assets


y Policy Libraryy Information Backup and Recoveryy Antivirus systemy New Firewall Intrusion Preventiony Compliance with state and local regulations.

y Campus not educated on policies.y Little enforcement at present time.y Challenge of culture change on campus.

Opportunities Threats

y Equipment for new offices that can meet currentstandards.

y Emerging technologies for securing andencrypting data.

y State-wide collaborations among CIOs and ISOs,other higher education institutions

y Education of campus may decreaseinappropriate use of network systems.

y Strengthening standards for data security (Stateand Federal)

y A campus-wide lack of adherence to InformationSecurity Policies that opens College up to

threats.

y Development of new threats/sophisticatedattacks

y Open source hacking toolsy Carelessnessy Phishing attacksy Decreased response time to threatsy Lack of consistent regulatory deadlines.


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y Develop quality control template for online courses.y Offer training to faculty interested in distance learning.y Provide resources to online students and faculty.y Hire a part time mentor/counselor to work with first time online students to assist with retention.y Implement an Early Morning Faculty Professional Development Seriesy Offer 10 Instructional Technology Council Webinars each semester.y Pilot iTunes program to encourage instructors to use technology in classroom.

Instructional Technology

To ensure technology supports the teaching and learning process, including distance learning


y Blackboard: Training and utilization ongoingy Dedicated staffy Increased online/distance learningy E-tutoringy Podcastsy First-time, Online Mentoring Initiative

y Faculty/staff adverse to changey Adjuncts not in loopy Minimal training for students/faculty on how to

take/do online services

y Dropout rate for online students

Opportunities Threatsy Continue to increase online course offeringsy Increase support for online studentsy Train faculty how to do online course

development and determine quality controls.

y Getting back to basics academics and studentsuccess/support anything to address

teaching/learning

y Open enrollment coursesy Effective involvement of part-time staff

y Lack of fundingy Lack of professional developmenty Need to insure that all online courses meet

quality matters rubric.


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y Upgrade Media Services facilities to support High Definition Video Environment.y Investigate, pilot and implement a video/audio lecture capture system.y Investigate, pilot, and implement a migration for video tape recording to digital technologyy Develop a master plan for refreshing mediated classrooms, and technology in common areas, and projection

systems

y Research security camera systems (wireless technology) and coordinate with the ISS Department

Media: AV/TV

Provide support for the audio/video needs of the classroom and the College.


y Skilled and dedicated staffy Adaptive to changes in AV Technologyy Increased demands on servicesy Supports Broadcasting and Electronic Media

Program

y Customer service orientedy Design and In-house installations of Smart

classrooms saves money

y Event and video production services forcollege and community organizations

y Increasing demands for servicesy Manpower shortagey Constant need to update equipmenty Difficulty serving 4 campuses with 3 person staff


y Automation of Smart classrooms can easemaintenance and better serve staff.

y Solicit donations from industry to boost BEMprogram

y Enhanced facilities can attract more BEMstudents

y Greater collaboration between Media Servicesand Helpdesk to provide high caliber customersupport

y Increase streaming video and classroom lecturecapture opportunities

y Technology changes difficult to keep up withy Limited funding makes it difficult to compete with

technology advances of other colleges

y Lack of spacey More professional development opportunities

needed to update skill sets.


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y Implement the use of system virtualization to reduce costs and simplify hardware platforms.y Investigate the use of workstation virtualization to replace selected desktop systems on campus.y Develop a replacement schedule for networking equipment.y Implement student wireless printing.y Upgrade network within next 2 years to get gig up link to desktop

Networking

To provide a reliable, secure network that keeps pace with the technological needs of the College.


y Solid, stable network environment.y Knowledgeable staffy Reliable internet providery 50M to Internet Service Providery New Palo Alto firewall allows astute network

control.

y Wireless network strong, almost through entirecampus.

y Good vendor relationships

y Small staffy Old equipment.y No budget.y Limited expansiony No adherence/enforcement of network policies

across campus.

y Perception (Big Brother)y Only 1 G capacity out to Distribution (i.e.

Fitchburg State has 10G)

y Network Closet Conditionsy Old wiring, expensive to update


y Strong network security firewall in place forintrusion prevention.

y Train campus staff and faculty on importance ofprotecting the network (in their daily work lives)

y Cost of replacing and/or upgrading equipment.y Network Closet Conditionsy New technologiesy Complex environmenty Campus culture (apathy towards change, want

the status quo)


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Telecommunications

To provide reliable, quality voice communications.


y New phone system(s) in Gardner and Devensy Knowledgeable staffy Good customer servicey Solid vendor relationships (Carousel)

y Leominster phone system needs upgradey Child Care Center phone system needs to be

added to Gardner main system

y Old telephonesy Limited staffing


y Staff willing to learn and growy Upgrade to new equipment for better service

y No fundingy Old wiringy Switch room condition


y Integrate Leominster campus into Gardner campus phone system.y Integrate Molly Bish child care center back into Avaya switch.y Acquire digital polycom phonesy

Acquire more phone numbers for potential integration.


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y Offer training to faculty interested in distance learning.y Implement an Early Morning Faculty Professional Development Seriesy Offer 10 Instructional Technology Council Webinars each semester.y Pilot iTunes program to encourage instructors to use technology in classroom.

Training/Professional Development


y Dedicated staffy Staff and Faculty eager for trainingy Blackboard Training Working Well

y No fundingy Training needs to support strategic plany Who will seek out funding for training programs

(HR?)

y Growing population of developmental students;need to train


y Development of online training via portaly Content Management System for portaly Training Collaboration with other collegesy Training for Banner, Admin Software, Web Portal

can be developed

y Hire or assign trainer for campusy Return on investment (better-trained staff)

y Lack of professional development = lack ofcurrent knowledge/cutting edge skills for staff


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y Investigate and implement a Content Management System.y Implement Student Portaly Implement Employee Portaly Develop future portal opportunitiesy Implement SharePoint Intranet

Web ServicesTo provide efficient online service capabilities to students, faculty, and staff


y Portal underwayy Campus interest in online services y No employees with necessary skill sety Campus slow to accept change (electronic vs.

hard copy)


y Hire a skilled web administratory Develop electronic capabilities (PARs, IPRs,

Performance Evaluations, etc.)

y Develop plan to fully utilize portal staff &faculty training, communications, etc.

y Development of new automated applications forstudent service areas enrollment, advising,

financial aid, etc.

y No fundingy Falling behind competitors in this area


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Review and revisionThis plan will be reviewed, revised and updated each fiscal year. Changes will be noted and appended to the document.

MWCC Technology Plan 2010 - 2011

Documents