Response Report

Comprehensive Requirement 3.4.12

The institution's use of technology enhances student learning and is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs. Students have access to and training in the use of technology. (Technology use)

 

As noted in 3.4.9, the institution may have technology access problems due to issues with between one-fourth and one-third of its lab computers. Documentation is needed to show that these problems are being addressed.

The institution supplies evidence of ensuring that all students have training in the use of technology. According to the core curriculum in the University Catalog, students in various disciplines are required to take a core level class in technology and/or computers.

While evidence of the appropriateness of technology to education is indicated in the compliance narrative, no documents were supplied which contain policies and procedures for the use of technology to enhance student skills. The On-Site Committee should seek documentation that indicates technology training is appropriate to meeting the objectives of the institution's programs. The On-Site Committee reviewed documentation of the Institution's use of technology, which was found to be appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs. For training, all of the Institution's students, faculty, and staff have access to the Information Technology Customer Services Desk, which provides technological support. There is a Student Technology Handbook that focuses primarily on on-line registration procedures and the Faculty Technology Handbook, which focuses on submission of, and reviewing, student grades and faculty schedules. Students may also receive technology training through the selection of computer courses within the GEC. A specific list of on-line training workshops, short courses, and custom training for student and faculty also exist. Although it was noted that past trainings have occurred in discussions, there was no documentation of participation or evaluations.

Recommendation 3: The On-Site Committee recommends that the Institution document faculty and student participation in technology training that is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs.

 

Response:

Technology access issues are being addressed by significant investment in technology enhanced classrooms and labs from technology fee funds, Thurgood Marshall grant funds, Microsoft grant funds, and through QEP funding designated to build four technology based writing labs available to all ASU students. In the year since the Compliance Certification was submitted the equipment and network infrastructure has been completely refreshed in eleven computer labs. Five computer labs are in the process of update, five computer lab updates are out for bid and two computer lab updates are on order [1].

Albany State University begins student technology training to support electronic communication, writing, and research skills in ASU 1200. An introductory course that all freshmen are required to take, the course includes the objective to "Gain skills necessary for a seamless transition from high school to college". Technology training in this course includes use of Ram Email, sufficient training in Microsoft Word to produce three assigned papers, and a class session spent teaching students to use to web effectively for research materials in Unit Seven: Surfing Information Technology [2]. These skills are further developed in subsequent courses and are designed to support the objectives of academic programs.

The University recognizes the critical importance of a continually developed technology training program for students, faculty and staff that is appropriate for meeting university objectives and continuous enhancement of educational quality. Training Policy: Guidelines for technology training offerings [3] was developed and has been undergoing implemented since late spring, 2008. The guidelines include the requirement that all training be designed to support major goals of the organization (page 4), appropriate methods for tracking attendance (page 5), a sample attendance report (page 9), and a sample evaluation form (page 10). Finally, each technology training session is required to document a focus statement, a brief course summary, and course objectives stated in the form of learning outcomes (sample on page 11).

Supporting Documentation:

[1] Campus Lab Refresh Plan: Refreshed technology available to students

[2] ASU 1200 Syllabus

[3] Training Policy: Guidelines for technology training offerings