The Philosophy: What and Why we Did It

Ray Cross, President

The Philosophy: What The Philosophy: What and Why we Did Itand Why we Did It

Our Vision Our Vision StatementStatement

“The State University of New York College of Agriculture and

Technology at Morrisville aspires to be an academically

challenging , business-oriented, technology-focused

entrepreneurial learning community.”

What Are We What Are We Doing?Doing?

• Technology Strategy1. -- Mobile Computing

Program by Program

2. -- Nomadic Learning Wireless Networking

3. -- Continuous Communications Cell Phone Implementation

4. -- Totally Digital Environment Cell Phone and Network Integration

• Strategic Partnerships

Technology Technology StrategiesStrategies

• Mobile ComputingMobile Computing -- Phase I– Place an Emphasis on Mobility– Build a Modern Infrastructure– Create a Common Access Tool– Create a Technology Comfort Level– Create Added Value– Develop Strategic Partnerships – Create a Marketable Difference– Encourage, Empower and Support Faculty

Development– Reduce Investment in Computer Labs

Technology Technology StrategiesStrategies

• Nomadic LearningNomadic Learning -- Phase II– Eliminate the “umbilical

cord”– Create a Nomadic Learning

Environment– Emphasize Mobility and

Flexibility– Promote Rapid Change– Improve Teaching/Learning

Process– Promote Collaborative

Activities

Ranked # 1 for Two Consecutive Years

Wireless in every Academic Building and beyond!!

• Continuous Communications -- Phase III

– Replace all phones in the dorms with cellular phones

– Provide all students with digital communications tool

Technology Technology StrategiesStrategies

Continuous CommunicationsA Totally Cellular Environment

• Totally Digital Environment -- Phase IV

– Blended Cellular and Wireless Network Systems

– Mobile Commerce

– Pervasive Computing– “BlueTooth”

Technology– Security

Technology Technology StrategiesStrategies

An Integrated An Integrated Communication Communication

SystemSystem(Voice/Video/Data)(Voice/Video/Data)

Totally Integrated Access Tools

Technology Technology StrategiesStrategies

• Strategic Partnerships Strategic Partnerships – Place an emphasis on

mutually beneficial long-term partnerships

– Limit role of “low-bid” mentality in key strategic areas

– Engage our partners in strategic planning (theirs and ours)

– Partner with other academic institutions to evaluate impact and outcome

Why Are We Doing Why Are We Doing This?This?

• Changes in Society• Cultural Shifts• Changes in the Work

Place• Changing Desires of

Learners

• Knowledge and Knowledge and LearningLearning

• Directly Connected Directly Connected • IndividualityIndividuality• MobilityMobility• MiniaturizationMiniaturization• Speed or Velocity Speed or Velocity

Key Societal and Key Societal and Cultural ChangesCultural Changes

• Mentality shiftsMentality shifts-- from public phones to personal phones.

• Location shifts --Location shifts -- from a geographic focus to a “being connected” focus.

Individualization shift --Individualization shift -- from mass production to mass customization.

• Relationships shiftRelationships shift-- from a family with members living in many different states to a family with all members living in a “continuously connected” community.

Cultural Cultural ShiftsShifts

• Education and Training Education and Training (Knowledge)(Knowledge)

• Pervasive Impact of Pervasive Impact of TechnologyTechnology

• Mobility Mobility • Speed or Velocity of Speed or Velocity of

Changes in the Work Place Changes in the Work Place

Key Changes in Key Changes in the Work Placethe Work Place

Changing Desires Changing Desires of Learnersof Learners

• Learners want to be more NOMADIC

• Learners and employers want learning to be more “collaborative”

• Continuous contact -- students want faculty and staff to always be available

• Learners want more relevant and realistic learning experiences

• Learners want to study and learn “anywhere, anytime”

Some Some Philosophical Philosophical Questions and Questions and

IssuesIssues• Is this necessary?• Are we modern day

“Sophists”?– Important role of liberal arts – Impact of technology on society

• Teaching the tool?– A tool within the discipline– A universal level of comfort

with technology

THANK YOUTHANK YOU