tkt8763-01: [Fwd: Your Technology Planning Questions]

To: <creelj@network-one.com>
Subject: Your Technology Planning Questions
From: "Lynn Manley" <l_manley@tec.nh.us>
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1998 10:05:54 -0400

Hi, Jo Anne. I'm new to EDTECH also and have found it extremely useful already. I am in charge of the technical side of implementing a Virtual Campus with community access sites for the NH Community Technical College system. The biggest problem we found in our planning process were the delays caused by state government and college system processes and paperwork, and the effect of these long delays on the morale of all those on the planning committee, especially those from outside the system. We spent almost a year of holding monthly meetings where everyone felt we were merely "treading water".

That having been said, the planning process (especially that which has taken place in the two months since the Project Director and I were hired) has been essential to the environment in which we are operating. In addition to college faculty and administrators, we are dealing with a nearby city government, public library, housing authority, vocational high school, and community outreach program. Clearing up misconceptions and assessing their actual needs and resources has allowed us to move forward at a rapid rate, which has everyone back on the bandwagon cheering.

The single best piece of advice which I would give to others planning for technology use is to have realistic expectations of what can be accomplished and the time it will take. Although the field of technology is growing and changing rapidly, it does take considerable time and planning to implement it successfully.

I'm looking forward to becoming more involved in instructional technology in my new position. I hope the above information is helpful and wish you success in your endeavors. Having been a public school teacher myself, I know that holding down a teaching job and earning a masters at the same time is not an easy task!

Lynn Manley

l_manley@tec.nh.us
Domain Technician/Trainer
TIIAP Virtual Campus Project
NH Community Technical College
603-334-6306