III Purchase site licenses for downloadable software to ease upgrading for staff.

Having currently supported software available on the network for easy downloading is the best approach to solving the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade software on staff computers. This approach can allow staff to follow their own upgrade path, and to keep current without adding to the burden of computer services staff. Site licensing of supported software and allowing network upgrades is an efficient use of limited resources.

IV Expand information available on the web: course schedule, student info, staff info (i.e. leave balances) Fund the creation of an "intranet" website for internal information.

The World Wide Web is a powerful tool for disseminating and collecting information of all kinds. Students, staff, and faculty can all benefit from having the most possible information available on the Web, and having the ability to use the Web to submit information and requests of their own. Ideally, application, registration, requests for financial aid, and payment of bills could take place using the Web, reducing the need for slow, expensive paperwork and automating many processes that now require a considerable time investment by staff. Recognizing the need for security and protection of privileged information, TACT recommends creating a secure internal "Web" or intranet, and creating a secure external website for student information.

V Include funding for technology maintenance and replacement in all budget planning.

Information technology is never a one-time only investment. The pace of change in this area is enormous, and budget planning must consider maintenance and upgrading of this technology as a requirement. TACT recommends including funding for this need in all budget planning.

VI Incorporate technology literacy requirements as appropriate into current job descriptions.

Given Lane’s expanding reliance on technology, current job descriptions should be updated to incorporate the current and future technology needs of all positions. Adding technology literacy requirements where appropriate, and hiring technology literate staff, will reduce the need for extra training and ensure that Lane staff in all areas are able to keep up with change.

VII Fund strategic projects that incorporate innovative uses of technology such as SLI, Students First, and the Community Learning Centers.

The Strategic Learning Initiative has given faculty the tools and encouragement they need to begin incorporating exciting new technologies into their curriculum. Students First has similarly developed innovative ways to utilize technology in serving our students. And the community learning centers have opened up new avenues of access to the internet and Lane classes for students. It is important that Lane recognize and continue funding such long term, technology-oriented efforts.

VIII Add teaching workstations with internet and projection capabilities into classrooms.

Lane’s classroom environments should keep pace with innovations in technology. Instructors should have the best available tools, including access to the internet, projection, and multi-media, to provide students with the best possible learning. While TACT recognizes that all classes and all classrooms do not need these tools, we believe a significant percentage of classrooms should have these tools available.

IX Improve staff access to information and technology

In order to make the best use of the powerful new information tools, all faculty and staff must have easy access to these tools. The campus network should be reconfigured to provide the most comprehensive possible access, removing barriers to access both from on and off campus. The network should allow the use of up-to-date tools such as Java applets, multi-media technologies, and streaming audio and video. Providing funding for infrastructure and staff, and changing policy where necessary to improve faculty and staff access should be a high priority if Lane is to move forward.

X Increase opportunities for student access to information and technology.

Lane’s goal is to provide the best possible learning environment for all its students. As computer technology takes on a more central role in that learning environment, (as well as in the work environments most students will enter after school) it is crucial that Lane take steps to ensure the best possible access for its students. In particular, Lane should be sure that economically disadvantaged and physically disabled students have equal access. Changes to lab fees, financial aid and the physical layout of computer labs should be considered with the broadest possible access as a goal. Trainings in basic computer and internet use should be expanded for students, so that those who enter Lane less computer literate (often older, returning students) can quickly catch up with their more fortunate peers. We must give all our students the tools they need to compete effectively in the 21st century.