Toni McClory, chair; Ray Esparza; Tom Foley; KC Hundere;
Elizabeth Lynch; Sue Murry; Karen Schwalm

1. Introduction
2. Summary Chart
3. Recommendations
4. Appendix

As explained more fully below, two categories of requests—presentation systems and remote computer clusters—deserve special attention. Over the past several years, departments have made compelling cases for these items and they have been funded in whole or in part by the deans on an ad hoc basis. This year, the demand for presentation systems and clusters dramatically increased and there is every indication that the trend will continue. Accordingly, the Committee believes that it is time to adopt a more systematic approach to the funding and replacement of these units. This report proposes such a plan and separately addresses current and long-term funding issues in four areas: (1) the Five Year Lab Plan; (2) the new initiatives (presentation systems and clusters); (3) the Desktop Project; and (4) the remaining requests.

0. PRIORITY ONE: THE FIVE YEAR LAB PLAN
1. The CRC recommends that funding of the Five Year Lab Plan remain the college’s top technology priority.

As in prior years, the CRC remains firmly committed to the Five Year Lab Plan. This plan provides scheduled upgrades to student computer labs that are essential to core Business, CSC, Math, Science, English, Graphics and Technology programs; makes advanced computer resources available to other disciplines through the Palette and other projects; benefits students campus-wide through the maintenance of the two HTC computer pits; and provides for the orderly reallocation of older equipment, thereby conserving College resources.

2. The CRC recommends that presentation system upgrades accompany the annual computer upgrades in the student labs.

The Committee estimates that including presentation system upgrades in the five-year lab rotation cycle will add approximately $25,000 to the overall annual cost of the Plan. Presentation systems in lab classrooms are essential. When projectors fail or seriously degrade, the lab loses much, if not all, of its instructional functionality. The Committee believes that a scheduled replacement policy for projectors (in contrast with the current, ad hoc approach) will improve the budget planning process, reduce the operational expenses associated with moving permanently-installed equipment, and ensure that the projection units are fully compatible with the hardware upgrades already scheduled for the labs.

3. The CRC recommends the following modifications to (upcoming) Year Three of the Five Year Lab Plan:
• MAC LAB: Switch LAC with English Lab (HTC 151) so that the English Lab will receive upgrades in Year Three and the LAC in Year Four
• IBM LAB 1: Domino machines from HT1-143 to Nursing only, thereby freeing up 11 machines
• IBM LAB 2: Permanently switch the order of domino labs HT2-150 and HT2-155 so that HT2-155 will receive computers from T1-132 in Year Three and HT2-150 will receive computers from T1-127 in Year Four; HT2-155 will receive domino computers in Year Five, etc.
• IBM LAB 4: Switch the Electronic labs in T1 with Math/CSC HTC 159 lab so that the Math/CSC lab will receive upgrades in Year Three and the Electronic Labs in Year Four

The need for flexibility in the Five Year Lab Plan has always been recognized. The above modifications are relatively minor and are proposed in response to changed circumstances. They will not add any additional cost to the Plan and will allow Year Three resources to be more effectively allocated.

4. The CRC recommends the creation of the Music Lab in Year Three by using 22 refurbished computers retired from the HTC Mac Pit; it is contemplated that these computers will be upgraded in Year Five, as per the original Lab Plan.

   Under the original Five Year Lab Plan, the Performing Arts Department is not scheduled to receive computers for a music lab until Year Five. This timetable was partially premised on the belief that the new music building would not be completed until then. The imminent completion of the Performing Arts facility prompts the CRC’s recommendation for this modification of the Plan.

2. PRIORITY TWO: NEW INITIATIVES FOR PRESENTATION SYSTEMS AND REMOTE COMPUTER CLUSTERS

1. Presentation Systems
1. The CRC recommends that the college initiate a five year program to equip 60 classrooms on campus (i.e., approximately one-third) with standardized presentation systems and further, that it develop a plan for upgrading these systems on a scheduled rotation cycle analogous to the Five Year Lab Plan.

Seventeen requests for complete or partial presentation systems were submitted this year, making this the largest single category of new requests. Not only did these requests cut across all disciplines, the proposed instructional uses were highly diverse. Enthusiasm for this technology was so strong that many pioneering departments were returning with requests for second, third or fourth systems to outfit all their available classrooms.

A compelling case was made that presentation systems benefit non-traditional learners and diverse student populations in all disciplines, not just in those traditionally associated with computing. Lectures incorporating multimedia materials allow complex concepts and skills to be explained in new ways that inform as well as capture and hold student interest. In addition, because presentation software has become so easy to use, high quality, sophisticated presentations can be produced with a minimum of effort. Accordingly, it is attracting instructors who might not have considered using technology in the past. For all these reasons, the CRC concludes that presentation systems are becoming the new blackboards of the classroom. To accommodate the sizeable current and anticipated future demand, the Committee proposes a gradual, five-year implementation program.

2. To achieve the 60-classroom goal, the CRC recommends that 12 new presentation systems be funded on an annual basis, with 7 allotted to regular lecture classrooms that are not included in the Five Year Lab Plan.

Consistent with this recommendation, the Committee has identified and ranked seven presentation requests for funding this year, as indicated on the Summary Chart under Priority Two.

3. The CRC further recommends that all future presentation systems conform to uniform, campus-wide specifications, and that these specifications be reevaluated on an annual basis. Until a new standard is adopted, the CRC proposes that campus presentation systems consist of a Desktop-level computer, a ceiling-mounted projector, and a video distribution amplifier.

The Committee believes that continued ad hoc purchases of non-standard presentation equipment is not in the long-term best interests of the College. Considerations such as price, upkeep, support, file-sharing, networking, and compatibility with other campus equipment warrant standardization.

4. The CRC further recommends that an inventory of all existing presentation systems be undertaken; that future installations be distributed to classrooms rather than departments; and that classroom assignments should encourage the widest possible sharing of this technology across disciplines.
2. Remote Computer Clusters
1. The CRC recommends the funding of a limited number of new remote computer clusters each year with no commitment to continued funding beyond the initial installation. The Committee further recommends that such clusters be regarded as experimental and periodically reviewed for efficacy.

Ten of the requests reviewed by the CRC this year were for small, new computer installations outside of the High Tech Centers and established labs. All of the proposed remote clusters were for student use, although not all were for instructional activities. For a variety of different reasons, the requestors argued that existing campus installations were inadequate for their particular purposes or that students would be better served by computer access at the requestor’s remote sites.

The CRC believes that serious expense and support considerations justify a cautious approach to these requests. Nonetheless, the increasing number and variety of cluster requests reveal a widespread and thoughtful recognition of the role of technology in serving students. Establishing small, carefully designed computer clusters close to those who have the greatest investment in their success seems both a low-risk and creative way to expand the quality and reach of technology across the campus. It also provides significant opportunities for faculty and staff to increase their own learning, to become more technically self-sufficient, and to move into mentoring roles with their peers. Thus, the Committee recommends the funding of a limited number of new remote clusters each year to explore different ways of delivering computer access to existing and new student populations.

3. PRIORITY THREE: THE DESKTOP PROJECT

1. The CRC supports the long-term continuation of the Desktop Project and recommends that it be gradually merged with other 5-year technology planning cycles in anticipation of the end of current District funding. To build a sufficient reserve for this purpose, the Committee recommends that the College earmark $100,000 of savings for the Desktop Project in 1998, $200,000 in 1999, and $300,000 each year thereafter.

The Desktop Project has enabled the college to connect hardware infusion and upgrades with opportunities for employee learning. The process has been refined over the past two years and is documented on the college web pages at http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/apollo/desktop. A significant benefit of this program has been the ability of faculty and staff to manage the speed of their own learning with respect to technology and to schedule their own hardware upgrades. The proposed reserve will enable the College to sustain this program when the present District funding ends. Specifically, it will allow 20% of the employee desktop machines to be upgraded on an annual basis beginning in the year 2,000.

2. The CRC further recommends that when deans budget for new employee slots that are not included in the Desktop Project, they transfer $3,000 per new slot into the Desktop Project account, retroactive to July, 1996 when the Project funding levels were established.

This proposal will enable employees hired to fill new permanent slots to become part of the Desktop Project process.

3. The CRC recommends that deans contribute $1,000 to the Desktop Project account for each new employee hired on an OYO or temporary assignment, retroactive to July, 1996 when the Desktop Project began.

This proposal will help defray the costs of providing refurbished machines to these employees. Employees hired in these new positions will become part of the Desktop Project process, eligible to receive refurbished computers adequate for the tasks they were hired to perform.

4. PRIORITY FOUR: THE REMAINING REQUESTS

The CRC proposes that the remaining requests be funded in the order indicated in the Summary Chart above. As in prior years, the Committee prioritized the requests by taking into account such factors as the number of students who would benefit from the technology, how essential the equipment was to existing or future programs, support and upkeep requirements, and other basic considerations. However, the sheer volume requests this year—and the recognition that the demand for technology will only continue to escalate—prompted more far-ranging discussions. Additional issues that surfaced during the committee’s evaluation process included:

• whether the request involved a plan for sharing of resources across programs, departments or locations;
• whether the department making the request had been creative in stretching or leveraging its existing technology resources;
• whether the department’s faculty or staff possessed the expertise to support colleagues in using the requested resources, thereby reducing outside support requirements and broadening use;
• whether the request reflected full recognition of associated operational costs such as software, paper, toner, maintenance, networking, etc.;
• whether the technology requested was dated or likely to be supplanted by different technological solutions in the foreseeable future;
• whether the request was aligned with the scheduling of campus building, remodeling, hiring or program implementation

To improve communication and planning in the budget process, the CRC recommends that the departments be given feedback regarding the evaluation of their specific technology requests.

 

APPENDIX: 1998/99 REQUESTS WITH RECOMMENDED DISPOSITIONS

 

DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM	REQUEST	PRIORITY / DISPOSITION First number indicates priority category (1 through 4); second number indicates ranking within that category.
Academic Advisement	Projector & laptop for high school presentations	Existing resources (borrow from Innovation Center when needed)
Admissions & Records	14 computers for SPS & EC [7 adequate]	Existing resources (refurbished)
Admissions & Records	6 computers for student access to enrollment information	2 - # 1 (using refurbished computers)
Admissions & Records	3 high speed laser printers	4 - # 12
Admissions & Records	Replacement scanner for SPS	4 - # 3
Admissions & Records, et. al. (joint request)	Complete document imaging system with server, peripherals & software	4 - # 20
Applied Science	Computer to run projector in SC124	Existing resources
Assessment	4 Desktop-level computers for Assessment testing center	4 - # 19
Art	3 Photo-imaging workstations [2 adequate]	2 - # 2
Art	2 digital cameras	Existing resources
Art	Mac for new lab tech	New hire
Art	Mac for faculty replacement	New hire (Desktop covered)
Automotive	CD carousel for Mitchell On-Demand	4 - # 14
Automotive	Techline PC system for accessing GM Service manuals	4 # 23
Automotive	SBTS system for accessing Ford service manuals	4 # 23
Biology	Dual platform laptop	Existing resources (borrow from Innovation Center)
Business	26 video cameras for 2 labs	4 - # 26
Business	Presentation system	2 - # 2
Business	Presentation system	2 - # 4
Business	Presentation system	4 - # 10
Business	Presentation system	4 - # 16
CAD	Ink-Jet Plotter	4 - # 27
CAD	D-Size Scanner with software	4 - # 26
Career Services	2 computers for student access in Career Center [considered along with Counseling request for 5 computers]	4 - # 15
Chemistry	Projector for presentation system [has computer already]	4 - # 9
Chemistry	Presentation system	4 - # 24
Chemistry/Biology/Math (joint request)	Presentation system for cross-curriculum program	2 - # 1
CFS	Presentation system	2 - # 6
CFS	Server, network cards and cabling for T1-148	4 - # 21
Communication	Desktop computer & printer	New hire
Communication	Desktop computer & printer	New hire
Counseling	PowerMac	New hire (Desktop covered)
Counseling	Power Mac	New hire
Counseling	5 computers for student access in Career Center [considered along with Career Services request]	4 - # 15
Counseling	Laser printer for Career Center	Existing resources
EMT	Copy machine	Contact copy service
EMT	2 laser printers [1 adequate]	4 - # 4
EMT	2 computers	Existing resources (refurbished)
Engineering & Technology	PowerMac	New hire
Engineering & Technology	6 Data acquisition boards	Supplies
English	3 Desktop-level computers	New hires
Financial Aid	4 desktop level computers [refurbished adequate]	Existing resources (refurbished)
Financial Aid	IBM card for Mac	Existing resources
Financial Aid	Fast laserjet printer with Fax	4 - # 5
Food & Nutrition	Cabling for T2-109	4 - # 21
Foreign Languages	1 computer for Language Lab with CD	4 - # 17
Foreign Languages	28 Tandberg Student Units for Language Lab	4 - # 26
Foreign Languages	3 Desktop-level computers & printers	New hires
Graphics	Epson color printer to be shared with Art	4 - # 6
Graphics	3 Power PCs for printing support	4 - # 13
Graphics	2 Pentium Pros for HT1-144	4 - # 18
HPER	1 presentation system	4 - # 25
LAC	Replacement server	4 - # 2
LAC	3 Pentiums for TMS	4 - # 9
LAC	3 PowerMacs	New hires
Library Media Center	1 high-speed printer off of OPAC	Existing resources
Library Media Center	Avid non linear digital video editing system	4 - # 8
Library Media Center	2 CD-ROM LAN towers	4 - # 17
Library Media Center	5 laser printers for use by general public	4 - # 25
Marketing & Public Relations	Mac	New hire
Marketing & Public Relations	Phone and network line	Existing resources
Mathematics	New projector for HT2-159	1
Mathematics	Presentation system	2 - # 5
Mathematics	Presentation system	4 - # 22
Mathematics	4 Desktop computers	New hires
Nursing	Upgraded computer	Existing resources (refurbished)
Performing Arts	25 Macs for Music Lab	Existing resources (dominos from HTC Pit)
Performing Arts	Sound modules & other peripherals for Music Lab	4 - # 1
Performing Arts	Recording studio upgrades	4 - # 7
Police Academy	Presentation system	2 - # 7
Psychology	Computer to complete presentation system for 142	Existing resources
Psychology	Presentation system	2 - # 3
Religious studies	Desktop Computer	New hire
Safety	Desktop Computer	New hire
Student Success Council	2 Desktop computers (refurbished ok)	New hires
Video Production	Non linear video imaging system	4 - # 11

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