Tarrant County College

Tarrant County CollegeA District Wide ApproachAn Evaluation of the Information Systems & Computing Technology Plan - 1999

Schools that address technology have successfully adapted the endless opportunities presented by computer technology and married them in creative and challenging ways to the high-level technical capabilities and motivation of their students. Students and teachers become partners in the exploration of this new universe.

(Paige, Hickok, & Patrick, 2004)

Why?

Committee input fromAdministrationFacultySupport StaffVendorsStudentsHow?

The Technology Committee will formulate a plan to provide and maintain quality information systems and computing services that support the mission of Tarrant County College District. This plan will address methods and processes for implementing modern technology systems to support all elements of the College: Teaching & Learning, Student Support Services, and Administrative Support.The Plan Mission/Vision

The Technology Committees goal is to develop a District-wide information and computing systems strategic plan that will allow for the acquisition and maintenance of a totally integrated state-of-the-art system that serves the needs of student, faculty, and staff by expanding communication capabilities, enhancing teaching and learning opportunities, and facilitating the use of data to obtain information and foster knowledge.The Plan - Goal

ClassroomsTraining on technology integration and professional responsibilityFully equipped for multi-media presentationsAccess to targeted professional developmentTeaching & Learning The Plan

ClassroomsTraining on technology integration and professional responsibilityLacking in depth and applicabilityFully equipped for multi-media presentationsComputersSurround SoundIntranet & InternetDocument CamerasData ProjectorsAccess to targeted professional developmentTCC InstituteTeaching & Learning The Evaluation

Off-Site LocationsProvide interactive computer-based instructionCourse management software for off-site access by faculty

Teaching & Learning The Plan

Off-Site LocationsProvide interactive computer-based instructionTCC InstituteElement KCourse management software for off-site access by facultyCampus Cruiser

Teaching & Learning The Evaluation

LaboratoriesStudent access for information and tutorial aidsReporting features for faculty on student use of laboratory facilitiesTeaching & Learning The Plan

LaboratoriesStudent access for information and tutorial aidsIntegrated WebWeb AdvisorCampus CruiserOnline Library ResourcesReporting features for faculty on student use of laboratory facilitiesTeaching & Learning The Eavluation

OfficesComputer hardware and software will meet district standards and job specific needsPrinting will be available on local and network printersAccess to college wide databases and programsAccess to internet, file sharing, e-mail, and internet browserAbility to send and receive fax transmissions through the computerDesktop videoconferencing abilityAccess to librarys catalog and databasesExternal backup capabilitiesTeaching & Learning The Plan

OfficesComputer hardware and software will meet district standards and job specific needsPrinting will be available on local and network printersAccess to college wide databases and programsAccess to internet, file sharing, e-mail, and internet browserAbility to send and receive fax transmissions through the computerDesktop videoconferencing abilityAccess to librarys catalog and databasesExternal backup capabilitiesTeaching & Learning The Evaluation

Curriculum Review & DevelopmentOnline course proposal process (follows specialized criteria)Existing course and program evaluationsAbility to create schedules for multi-length coursesOnline ability to order reports (scheduling, enrollment summaries, etc.)Develop faculty qualification assessment systemAdminister faculty evaluations via computerTeaching & Learning The Plan

Curriculum Review & DevelopmentOnline course proposal process (follows specialized criteria)Online process not developed as of yetExisting course and program evaluationsAbility to create schedules for multi-length coursesOnline ability to order reports (scheduling, enrollment summaries, etc.)Limited based on Datatel ColleagueDevelop faculty qualification assessment systemStill done by handAdminister faculty evaluations via computerAvailable, but must be administered by proctorTeaching & Learning The Evaluation

Distance Learning/Non-Traditional InstructionTwo-way video conferencing at each District locationTraining for faculty/staff using specialized equipmentFaculty development in distance learning pedagogy and multi-media integrationToll free access to faculty for studentsTeaching & Learning The Plan

Distance Learning/Non-Traditional InstructionTwo-way video conferencing at each District locationVideo conferencing is availableComputer based & Online Courses now priorityTraining for faculty/staff using specialized equipmentSpecial Distance Learning Department implementedFaculty development in distance learning pedagogy and multi-media integrationSpecialized courses mandatoryToll free access to faculty for studentsNo longer availableTeaching & Learning The Evaluation

Computer Learning Centers (CLCs)Central Electronic Repository for the use of and/or access to instructional softwareStudent Support Services The Plan

Computer Learning Centers (CLCs)Central Electronic Repository for the use of and/or access to instructional softwareCampus CruiserOnline Library Database AccessStudent Support Services The Evaluation

District-wide Support ServicesAdministrative function support (budgeting, scheduling, purchasing, etc)Ongoing technology trainingStandardize system hardware and protocolsProvide a common graphical user interface

Student Support Services The Plan

District-wide Support ServicesAdministrative function support (budgeting, scheduling, purchasing, etc)Datatel ColleagueOngoing technology trainingTCC InstitureStandardize system hardware and protocolsImplemented, but flexible for specific usesProvide a common graphical user interfaceMS XPDatatel ColleagueWeb AdvisorCampus Cruiser

Student Support Services The Evaluation

Instructional MediaDerive a totally integrated graphics service system meeting District standards and faculty, staff, and student needs

Student Support Services The Plan

Instructional MediaDerive a totally integrated graphics service system meeting District standards and faculty, staff, and student needsAdopted the all encompassing Datatel Colleague

Student Support Services The Evaluation

Tech Support/Library/Learning ResourcesComprehensive, automated library/learning resources system

Student Support Services The Plan

Tech Support/Library/Learning ResourcesComprehensive, automated library/learning resources systemOnline local catalog accessExternal database accessERICEBSCOHostetc

Student Support Services The Evaluation

Financial Aid/ScholarshipsQuick and easy access with EDExpress softwareAccess to information from the Dept. of EducationAbility to stop transactions and identify the appropriate reason for the stopEasily access information for federal, state and internal reportingCompliance with cash mgt. regulations including depositsElimination of paper in paper foldersAbility to apply, check the status, and direct available funds via the web

Student Support Services The Plan

Financial Aid/ScholarshipsQuick and easy access with EDExpress softwareMultiple applications now availableAccess to information from the Dept. of EducationLinked with DoEdAbility to stop transactions and identify the appropriate reason for the stopDatatel Colleague allows for easy evaluationEasily access information for federal, state and internal reportingLinks with federal and state reporting systemsCompliance with cash mgt. regulations including depositsDatatel Colleague fully interacts with GAAP and regulationsElimination of paper in paper foldersDone accessed and stored electronicallyAbility to apply, check the status, and direct available funds via the webIntegrated systems allow for easy access

Student Support Services The Evaluation

TestingImplement computerized Testing CenterProvide Internet delivery of the Accuplacer

Student Support Services The Plan

TestingImplement computerized Testing CenterCLEPACEStandardized TestsProvide Internet delivery of the AccuplacerOn demand delivery

Student Support Services The Evaluation

Veterans ServicesTimely and accurate certification of enrollmentAppropriate updates of student informationEligibility status

Student Support Services The Plan

Veterans ServicesTimely and accurate certification of enrollmentDatatel Colleague keeps trackAppropriate updates of student informationUpdated online w/VA & Datatel ColleagueEligibility statusDatatel Colleague

Student Support Services The Evaluation

Counseling/GuidanceAutomated transcript evaluation systemComprehensive student information systemImplement a transfer tracking system for students

Student Support Services The Plan

Counseling/GuidanceAutomated transcript evaluation systemDatatel ColleagueComprehensive student information systemDatatel ColleagueImplement a transfer tracking system for studentsTHECBDatatel ColeagueArticulation Agreements

Student Support Services The Evaluation

ConnectivityTrainingCommunicationLeadership/CoordinationStandardization Across DistrictData Availability/AccessibilityEvaluationTechnology Critical Issues

InfrastructureSolid, reliable, network for offices, classrooms & labsTrainingTCC InstituteElement KProfessional Development SeminarsCommunicationEmailSocial NetworkingLeadership/CoordinationLeadership commitment across all levelsStandardization Across DistrictHardware, Software & ProcessesData Availability/AccessibilityDatatel Colleague Access and ReportsEvaluationStanding Committees & Evaluation teams continually assessing and evaluating current & future technology needsTechnology Critical Issues

Alvarez, J., Harper, J., Inman, R., Reyes, R., Rode, J., & Smith-Allen, L. (1999, April 12). Tarrant County College District: Information Systems & Computing Technology Plan [Scholarly project].

Paige, R., Hickok, E., & Patrick, S. (2004). Toward a New Golden Age in American Education: How the Internet, the Law and Today's Students are Revolutionizing Expectations (United States, Department of Education, Deputy Secretary and Educational Technology). Retrieved February 13, 2010, from http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/plan.pdf References