Plan Element

Technology Sub-Committee Response

8/20/97

Plan Element	Expected Indicators	Update	Cost	Savings
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Eliminate Under utilized, unnecessary or duplicative programs	List actions taken to eliminate programs for FY 1996-97…	Monograph holdings are being reviewed to eliminate duplicative books at either site. Serials holdings are being reviewed to eliminate duplicative paper subscriptions of magazines, journals and newspapers at either site. For the first time in the MUGC history, existing library personnel will take on full responsibility for a stand-alone library operation. Existing Morrow Library technical services staff perform the serials, acquisitions, cataloging and binding duties for the MUGC library to avoid hiring of duplicative staff at MUGC. Existing Morrow Library systems & automation staff perform all aspects of the online catalog maintenance for the MUGC library to avoid hiring of duplicative staff at MUGC.		$80,000
	What actions are being taken during 1997-98?	MUGC library holdings will be migrated into the existing MU VTLS database to avoid duplication of online catalog hardware and software. CD-ROM and electronic library subscriptions at MU, MUGC and MUSOM are being combined and networked to avoid duplication and expand service to all clients.		$210,000 $20,000
E. Combined Administrative functions	List actions taken during FY 1996-97 to combine administrative functions, and show efficiencies that have been achieved.	Marshall University and West Virginia Graduate College merged computing services and library faculty/staff. Additionally, both are unified intra-institutionally under Information Technology to provide even greater efficiency. Efficiencies in redirection and utilization of staff, shared administrative systems (Banner SIS, Finance, Library System, Banner Human Resources, modem pool, Web and Phone Registration, etc.) and educational services (Computer Based Training, WebCT course development, electronic journal subscriptions, software licenses). Redirection of Savings – Towards electronic delivery methods to expand services to all users. Director of WVGC Library services became the Associate Director of MU Libraries. Libraries adopted the agreement of Library Cooperation 3/26/96. Libraries & Computing Services began cooperative initiatives.		$380,000
	List actions for FY 1997-98.....	Head of Administrative Services & Technology added MUGC technology planning and provision of computer services to current job responsibilities. Head of Technical Services added MUGC provision of technical processing services to current job responsibilities. Head of Public Services added MUGC provision of user education and extension services to current job responsibilities. Coordination of Instructional Technologist throughout campus to improve efficiency and reduce duplication of services and training.
	What effect have the above actions had on services to students, faculty, and staff?	Ubiquitous and expanded resources and access for students, faculty and staff.
G. Incentives and Professional Development	What evidence indicates that professional development activities designated to improve teaching and learning are occurring.	All faculty and staff are eligible for College credit for Internet Specialization Program (Introduction, Research, Business, Plug-ins, and Networks). Over 300 faculty and staff have participated in the program. Eleven Technical Advantage grant proposals were awarded 1.2 million dollars for the electronic transformation of course materials and technical training of faculty. An additional $10,000 was awarded for campus based technical training. Dr. Michael Little receives the "Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology" award from the Center for Advancement in Teaching and Learning. Faculty Special Project are awarded for professional and course development ($200,000 base plus $45,000 technical) Technical training opportunities in the form of videos, workshops, teleconferences, conferences, demonstrations, desktop Computer Based Training modules, courses, etc. were expanded to provide over 3800 hours in training and development opportunities.
	What evidence indicates that professional development activities........	Faculty developed over 25 electronically deliverable courses over the Internet. This is anticipated to increase by 500% over the next year. Faculty are actively using the Email, Audix, Listserves and the Internet throughout their courses. During FY 1996-97, 70% of all faculty and staff in the library attended external professional development including conference attendance, job training or continuing education programs. PALINET seminar was provided at Marshall University for library computer technical and public services training. MU will continue to be a regional training site.
	What was the approximate total funding for such activities	Institutional Funds $610,000 for Technical Advantage $245,000 for Special Projects (Check with Sarah Denman) $18,000 for Internet Specialization waivers External Funds $620,000 for Technical Advantage $20,000 Microsoft Educational Software Awards $2,800 Netscape Software Awards
	What was the extent of faculty involvement and participation in such activities?	Approximately 39% of all faculty participated in some form of technical training during 1996-97.
H. Student and program Assessment	What evidence indicates that effective placement and assessment of student learning is occurring.......	Internal assessment of student library skills indicated a need for bibliographic instruction in core classes. The library unit was implemented for the University 101 course, Fall 1997.
IV. PROGRAMATIC AND SUPPORT SERVICES CHANGES
A. Partnering Activities	List programmatic partnering.......FY 1996-97	Existing Morrow Library technical services staff performed the serials, acquisitions, cataloging and binding duties for the Health Sciences Library and will continue to provide this service. Existing Morrow Library systems & automation staff perform all aspects of the online catalog maintenance for the Health Sciences Library and will continue to provide this service. May 1997, the MUGC library lost one full time Library Technical Assistant position who performed circulation and document delivery services.
	What actions are being taken FY 1997-98?	September 1997, the Morrow Library lost 2 full time staff person due to phased-in retirement who performed government document public service and processing. Library and Computing staffs in the areas of user services will unify their activities in training and user support. Technical staffs throughout the entire campus in Instructional Technology, Web development, Network management will attend campus-wide meetings to share knowledge, training and resources. Existing Morrow Library technical services staff will begin to perform the serials, acquisitions, cataloging and binding duties for the Marshall University Graduate College Library. Existing Morrow Library systems & automation staff will begin to perform all aspects of the online catalog maintenance for the Marshall University Graduate College Library.
	What actions are contemplated through FY 2000-2001?	Provide library services to more remote sites and distance education centers. Implement a full computer based training library instruction package via the Web. Consider other methods for providing services such as computer aided instruction, CU-See-Me technology for providing reference services and installation of expert reference computer systems. Collaborated with other universities, regional business and the K-12 community to share in the cost of technical training programs and services.
	What effect have the above actions had on students?	Improved access to information and services. Improved library and research skills in use of information.
B. Other Academic Efficiencies … applications of Instruction Technology.		Twenty-five existing graduate and undergraduate courses are converted for delivery entirely via the web. Departments and Colleges such as History, Physics, Art, Music, Communications Disorders, Integrated Science, Nursing and Medicine make extensive use of multi-media products to enhance their course materials. Non-Science majors are required to take one (or is it two?) Integrated Science courses in which they use computer models to investigate, analyze, and generate report on scientific phenomena. These models make extensive use of commercial software products involving the use of word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia components. West Virginia State Police actively participate in interactive video instruction for courses such as Forensics. The FBI center, CLIN, Corp of Engineers, and many other state and federal agencies are actively pursuing Marshall for electronic delivery of course materials. Creation of Advantage Valley as a regional economic development resource for the Ashland, Huntington, Putnam and Charleston areas.
	Describe any academic efficiencies .....1996-97	Installed distance learning interactive video classrooms at Huntington, So Charleston, and Point Pleasant to interconnect with SWVCC facility at Logan to offer classes at multiple locations simultaneously. Jun 1997: Installed interactive video multipoint controller to increase efficiency of system	$350,000 $264,000
	What initiatives ... 1997-98 plans:	Add one distance interactive video distance learning classroom with laptop computers at So. Charleston to increase capacity Opening of the Drinko Library and Information Center with specialty rooms for interactive video, electronic courseware creation, group study areas, presentation auditorium.
	Planned for 1997-98	Computer Science CSD101 will be converted to a competency test with Microsoft certification to be delivered in multiple modes (network, lab, Internet, lecture). The course is being standardized with a common test, syllabus, and electronic course materials. Continued and expanded use of computer models for Integrated Science courses
C. Programs Added	Identify programs added during 96-97:	Masters degree program in Technology Management Bachelors degree program in Environmental Science List new courses/faculty… Dr. Bernard Gillispie (with the caveat that he is a faculty assigned to the Center). Don’t know the costs. Institutional research would have those numbers
D. Support Service Changes Describe increases in student access to computers during 1996-97	Describe any changes in student access to computers during '96-'97.	One additional public access lab with 25 Pentium pro computers with full multimedia and presentation capabilities. A specialty lab of six computers was added for student athletes. Integrated Science and Technology added 25 Pentiums (a mixture of towers and notebooks) All public lab facilities machines were upgraded in memory disk space and multimedia capabilities. Additional public lab computers are not known until equipment committee meets. For non-science majors taking Integrated Science courses: One computer lab with 10 Pentium pro computers with full multimedia and presentation capabilities.
	What Actions are contemplated through FY 2000 - 20001	Wiring of Holderby Hall for room access to the network $180.00
	Describe any increase in student access to library services......	January 1997, VTLS Web gateway installed to provide Internet access to the online catalog. Fall 1996-Project MUSE implemented to provide campus-wide Internet access to full text journals in humanities and social science. January 1996, Library Web Pages implemented to provide pathfinders and guides, Ask A Librarian and interactive Document Delivery/ILL requests. Fall 1996, ARIEL equipment installed at Morrow Library to provide digital document transfer and enhance ILL services. Spring 1997, ARIEL installed at MUGC. Use WebEDD electronic document delivery program created at MUSOM for Internet delivery of document directly to any patron. This will also be used to deliver documents to remote areas, clinics, and libraries.
	How has the institution supported library automation during FY 1996-1997?	The Library and Computing Fee (LCF) funded the Web Gateway purchase and installation and migration of MUGC data. LCF is funding the acquisition and networking of CD-ROM subscriptions and the purchase of VTLS94/UNIX hardware/software for the online catalog. Instructional Technology Office funded tuition waivers for staff automation and Internet training. IT office funded faculty and staff computer upgrades and connections to the Internet. LCF Document Delivery line item will support subscription and remote access to EBSCO Host, an Internet full text periodical subscription.
	What actions in the above areas are being taken during FY 1997-98?	Migration of MUGC data, purchase/installation of VTLS94/UNIX and Virtua/UNIX hardware/software/training. Acquisition/installation of EBSCO Host full text Internet periodicals. Acquisition, installation and networking of CD-ROM databases. Electronic document delivery program. Wiring Buskirk Hall for room access to the campus network $42,141 Wiring of Laidley Hall for access to the campus network $16,400
E. Staffing and Personnel Changes	What changes have been made.......	Library merger has added duties and responsibilities to the Head of Technical Services and staff, head of Public Services and staff and Head of Administrative Services and Technology and staff. Vacant library positions have been modified adding more duties and provision of services to MUGC: Extension Services, User Education and Document Delivery/Digital Resources Librarians. Existing library staff positions are being modified to prepare for new services and provision of service to MUGC. For the first time in the MUGC history, library personnel will take on full responsibility for a stand-alone library operations.
	For any changes affecting classified staff.........	Attrition savings due to 2-year phased retirement of a full time Library Associate in Government Documents department. Attrition savings due to retirement of a full time Library Technician at the MUGC library in South Charleston.
	How are these changes linked.....	Both changes reflect a reduction of staff since their duties will be delegated to existing staff.
	What specific changes are being planned for 1997-1998?	Document delivery program will move into Technical Services to provide staffing. Systems & Automation personnel will provide technical services to MUGC library. User Education Librarian will provide instruction services at MUGC. Extension Services Librarian will provide services at MUGC and other distance education centers
	What will be the potential effects of these planned or projected changes......	Cost avoidance strategy. Additional personnel will not be hired to provide these new services. General reduction in staff and increase in efficiency as per Senate Bill 547.
	Describe steps currently being taken.....	Vacant library positions have been modified adding more duties and provision of services to MUGC: Extension Services, User Education and Document Delivery/Digital Resources Librarians. Other positions may be modified to provide new services as we continue to evaluate our organizational structure.
IV. TECHNOLOGY
A. Student Access to Computers	Access defined....	Student access is the availability of a networked computer configured with the campus network image. This allows students to access the Internet and campus centric software and course applications. There are eight public computer facilities on the Marshall University main campus. Currently over 200 networked computers (90% PC computers and 10% Macintoshes) populate these facilities. There are over 500 networked computers available in specialized departmental labs (i.e. English, Medical School, Nursing). Resident Halls are wired and provide computer lab facilities in the resident halls. Public lab facilities are staffed and monitored. Students have remote access via the WVNET modem pool. Currently, the Huntington campus supports 100 high-speed dial-up connections. MUGC supports two open computer labs available for either instruction or student access with total of 20 stations. Labs open 8 am –10 pm M-F, Sat and Sunday hours also. Labs assistance available on call. A 12-station computer learning center used for instruction and training of students, faculty, and staff. Electronic library resources are available via password and Banner authentication. Software provides several aspects of the user profile such as method of access and materials used. Daily/monthly statistics on patron use are provided by electronic subscription vendors. Interlibrary loan and full text journal access is monitored to indicate collection development and distance education needs. The Ask A Librarian web submission form generates feedback from users.
	Describe plans to increase student access, including costs involved	Holderby Hall will be wired to increase student access, including costs involved Replace and upgrade 2 student computers each at Beckley Center and Bluefield centers from current stock of computers 24-hour computer study lab in Drinko with consulting services. State-of-the-art multi-media presentation rooms in Drinko. Drinko will become a catalyst in the use of information technology in the classroom.	$1000
B. Campus wide infrastructure	Describe the current status of and plans for development of LANS, servers, WAN connections, connections, etc., Including projected costs.	At the Environmental Center, all computers are connected to a Pentium pro server, along with a backup server, and tape backup mechanism, through the campus internet infrastructure. The Environmental Management Incubator has a laboratory with approximately 25 computers, connected to the same server using 100Mbps category 5 cables. The cost of renovating the facility, even though done by Marshall (the in house estimate done by Dave Fenney) was approximately $120,000. The cost of the computers and other equipment is approximately $125,000. The cost of the software licensing is approximately $50,000. Currently seeking specifications to connect the Huntington and South Charleston campuses $186,000. MUGC Administration building (occupied 7/1/1995) fully wired with telephone and data cables to every office and workstation. Two LANs, 8 servers, switched Ethernet network, with 180 workstations connected to LANs. WAN is connected to WVNET. System is being extended to Academic Center (Library, Manufacturing Lab, and classroom building) with inter-building fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, and copper voice cable, with completion date of December 1, 1997. Wiring & Cabling VTLS94/UNIX and Virtua software and hardware purchase cost. CD-ROM server hardware and software cost. New CD-ROM subscriptions and enhanced license agreements to provide access to MUGC library and dial-up or remote users. Data migration, VTLS clients, Web Gateway ports and annual maintenance costs for MUGC library access to the online catalog. The entire Marshall University Main Campus has been networked with an FDDI 100Mbps-fiber backbone servicing all building since 1987. Service is delivered to the desktop as Ethernet 10Mbps – 10BaseT (some 10Base2). There are currently over 2,700 nodes distributed over 40 shared 10Mbps segments tied directly to the FDDI backbone. All faculty desktops and all professional staff are connected to the campus network, MUNet, which is administered and managed solely by University Computing Services. Seventy-five percent of student residence hall rooms are provided free 10BaseT service for connection of student owned computers to MUNet. Thirty major central servers are tied directly to the FDDI backbone providing database warehousing, file, print, web, CD-ROM, messaging/groupware, conferencing, and email services. Most of the campus horizontal cable plant is Category 3 twisted pair. New construction and all major renovation projects are cabled with Category 5/5+ horizontal cable. All fiber distribution cable is multimode with a minimum of 6 pair provided to all buildings. Major buildings have as much as 48 pair of fiber cable servicing them. WAN service is provided via two Frame Relay T1 circuits from Bell Atlantic as part of the WVNET Southern Cloud. Near term plans call for upgrading the campus backbone to a Switched ATM/FDDI environment ($75,000/year for 3 years) and installing edge switches behind current 10BaseT hubs to reduce the average number of clients per 10 Mbps segment from 50 to 20 as well as delivering switched 10 Mbps private service where required ($100,000 per year for 3 years). We are also planning during FY97-98 to establish an ATM/OC3 based connection to our new South Charleston Campus (MUGC) integrating voice, data, and video services ($120,000 first year - $60,000 recurring). Implementation of a variation of the DLCC proposed upgrade to the WVNET WAN service to provide OC3 service to Marshall and the MUGC is expected during FY97-98 and is critical to our operation (see WVNET for costs). In addition, an upgrade to our current Internet and Internet2 bandwidth is critical with redundant POPs from multiple ISPs to the state ATM Backbone is critical (see WVNET Strategic Plan) for our continued delivery of educational content to West Virginians. Completion of our John Deaver Drinko Library/Information Technology Center will provide Bell Atlantic Sonet Ring service to our main campus. Long term networking plans call for a phased upgrade to our current horizontal cable plant beginning in FY2000 and implementation of campus-wide wireless networking similar to that planned for use in our new John Deaver Drinko Library/Information Technology Center (to be completed summer 1998) but including voice and data integration.	$28,000 $135,000
	Describe the planning process and priorities for further infrastructure development....	1997-98: New classroom & office shared facility is being developed for Mid-Ohio Valley Center in Point Pleasant, WV. Facility will be fully wired with category 5 and coaxial cable, with networks and WAN connections. University wide priority will be to connect campuses with all centers through WANs. Second distance learning classroom with 15 laptop computers will come on line January 1, 1998. Annual priorities are drafted by the Director of Information Technology Research, Planning, and Standards based on projected budget and continual survey of campus requirements. These priorities are presented to and reviewed by the Technology Strategic Planning Steering Committee and approved after review by the Associate Vice President of Information Technology.	$3,000,000
C. Plan for Technology-Based Courses	Describe how Instructional Technology is currently being used to deliver courses	Instructional Technology is currently involved in helping faculty and staff create courses to be delivered via the world wide web using a Distance Learning Simulator (DLS), WebCT and via Satellite Television. Also, courses are currently being created to be delivered via the Marshall LAN in labs using Computer Based Training (CBT) modules. Savings: The costs for a professional company to create Marshall’s courses for the Internet would have been $100,000. Redirection of Savings: Salaries of Instructional Technologist, Web Developer, and the purchase of new equipment and training programs Courses are currently delivered via pre-produce Public Television telecourses (open to broadcast), live satellite delivery, telephone conference systems, interactive video systems, and internet web-based courses, and some courses are enhanced by computer listserve features. Video Conferences and instructional programs are regularly downlinked at both MU and MUGC to provide current information to faculty, staff and students on technology issues, and curriculum materials are regularly recorded from satellite sources for classroom use. Funding sources include SatNet and institutional resources. Library materials are currently being delivered via the web and MU network. A virtual library component to WebCT will be implemented fall 1997.	WebCT $3000 CBT $1,800-$20,000
	What are the plans for further development of technology-based courses?	Computer aided instruction and expert systems are being considered to deliver computer based library training and bibliographic instruction. Bibliographic instruction will take place in a multimedia classroom when the Drinko Library is completed. Increase number of web-based courses Increase number of distance learning interactive video classrooms and number of courses delivered via video Over two dozen electronic courses are currently in production and will be released via the world wide web this fall and next spring. Faculty are beginning to gain the interest and knowledge necessary for on-line course creation, and the rate of new courses being created is increasing at a rapid rate.
	Describe cooperative efforts with other institutions to develop and deliver technology-based coursework	Currently, a beginning Psychology course is being created to be delivered via the World Wide Web in cooperation with Marshall University and West Virginia University. Participation in offering and receiving live video courses delivered via Satellite Network of West Virginia. Collaborate with WEVCC in offering 2+2 programs via distance learning interactive video system Collaborate with West Virginia University in offering Engineering courses via interactive video systems Redirection of Savings: I am not sure about the status of this, but would like to put a place holder for talks about courses being taught in cooperation with SWVCC, etc.,
D. FACULTY DEVELOPMENT	Describe the significant projects on campus which have encouraged faculty to enhance their use of Instructional Technology	As part of the Technology Advantage grant, faculty had conducted several workshops to train other faculty in the use of multimedia tools, hardware and software. With eleven faculty members receiving Technology Advantage Awards to create new instruction, many other faculty members were exposed to this new era, and were encouraged to enhance existing and create new electronic materials. With the introduction of automated course creation programs, such as WebCT, faculty have seen how easy the creation of electronic media can be, and have began to pursue this area. The installation of the interactive video classroom with its more sophisticated presentation features and the opportunities to reach more students at the same time with limited travel, sparked interest among faculty and departments to consider use of presentation software and other technologies. Received internal grant funding to support electronic library literacy of faculty on MU and MUGC campus. Library faculty received funds for Internet connections and new equipment. Tuition waivers were provided for faculty to attend Internet Specialization Program courses.
	What are the plans for further faculty development related to instructional technology?	Continue development of in-house workshops for faculty training Faculty Internet training will continue. Multimedia classroom in Drinko Library will be used for faculty training and development. Training will be coordinated across all departments and campuses. Additional Instructional Technologist will be hired and housed in selected colleges to support discipline specific needs and support. These will be coordinated vie Information Technology. Faculty members are constantly being exposed to the emerging technologies around campus, and training sessions are being provided monthly for them to participate. These sessions show faculty what is available and how to use the new technology to spark interests.
	How does the reward system provide incentives for appropriate use of Instructional technology?	As part of the Tech. Advantage grant, faculty was provided a stipend to attend multimedia-training workshops. Faculty have been awarded stipends for attending certain training sessions across campus and then using the knowledge that they gain to help others in their departments. Also, those faculty who create electronic courses are awarded a stipend for the work that they perform, and also receive a stipend on a per-student in the course basis.
VII. What efforts are being made to facilitate economic development in the institution’s service area?		Advantage Valley Regional Economic Development Program is about collaboration. This education and facilitation effort reaches the community, institutions, and businesses to bring together their energies and resources to seize the opportunities made possible via telecommunications and technology. The program serves as a catalyst for regional action. Its educational initiatives enhance the effectiveness and adaptability of the region and its education, government, social sector and business organizations. The program identifies and advances initiatives within the region to stimulate collaboration, innovation, and the redesign and transformational change in the economic, government, educational and social sectors. Economic Development Agency (EDA) grant: In August 1995, the Environmental Center was awarded a 1.1 million dollar grant (800K grant, 300K match) from EDA with the primary goal of retaining and creating jobs in the area. As part of the grant, the Center has established the Environmental Management Incubator (EMI). EMI provides several information and other services, with regards to environmental issues, which helps businesses stay operational in the area. RCBI Flexible Manufacturing lab facility in So. Charleston (in the context, jan, of Huntington, Wheeling and the other facilities they are building MU Institute for Professional Education and Training (now part of School of Extended Education) has mission to provide workforce training and related economic development activities.
	Describe partnering efforts designed to foster economic development	The Center has a representative to several local and state level steering and other committees, such as the WV State Geographic Information Systems (GIS) steering committee and the Hatfield McCoy Recreational Association steering committee. These committees are involved in long-term planning and execution of strategic technology based solutions that affect many businesses in the region.