Technology Master Plan Spring 2012 Technology Plan Members

Technology Plan Task Force Members Marijo Alexander, Executive Assistant to the President Richard Andree, Computer Technology Instructor Mindi Askelson, Director of Placement and K12 School Relations Theo Beckmann, Instructional Technology Bob Bender, Industrial Maintenance Mechanics Instructor/Wind Technology Scott Blankenbaker, Music Instructor Bill Dowden, Instructional Technology (Co-Chair) Alan Erdahl, Biology Instructor Olle Gladso, Automotive Technology Instructor Dan Harber, Director of Technology (Co-Chair) Alexander Jacobson, Student Jeannie Kearney, Librarian Rob Koehler, Student Tim Michaud, Information Technology Specialist Brenda Mandt, Computer Technology Instructor Monica McBee, Information Technology Specialist Sandy Roe, Web Developer Allison Vainshtein, Business Technology/Accounting Instructor Steve Wald, Law Enforcement Instructor Tricia Whalen, Enrollment Advisor Samuel Wipplinger, Student BJ Witts, Graphic Designer Amy Wangen, Instructional Technology (Project Manager)

Technology Roundtable (TRT) Members Bill Dowden, Instructional Technology (Co-Chair), Dan Harber, Director of Technology (Co-Chair) Richard Brown, Student Sandra Clover, Student Nick Dietrich, Student Brad Doss, Chief Financial Officer David Hietala, Dean of Academic Affairs, Extended Learning Alexander Jacobsen, Student Catherine Janning, Student Jeannie Kearney, Librarian Rob Koehler, Student Barry Kurtz, Farm Business Management Instructor Vicki Lunning, Training and Development Representative Sandy Roe, Web Developer Samuel Scheffler, Student Cassandra Tensen, Student Stephen Wald, Law Enforcement Instructor Samuel Wipplinger, Student BJ Witts, Graphic Designer Brittany Zernek, Student

Riverland Community College Technology Plan — Spring 2012

Table of Contents Page Section I—Planning Alignment and Integration ...... 1 Key College Planning Efforts ...... 1 Alignment of Technology Plan with Other Plans ...... 2 Future Goals/Plans…………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Section II—Statement of Technology Initiatives ...... 7 Planning Elements ...... 7 Planning Risks and Assumptions ...... 8 Goal Completion Measurement ...... 8 Disaster Recovery Planning ...... 8 Riverland Web Site ...... 8 Current Budget Concerns ...... 8 Teaching and Learning Environment Plans ...... 9 Technology Competency Training, Orientation, or Assessment Initiatives ...... 9 Faculty and Staff Training and Professional Development...... 9 Computer Lab Initiative ...... 9 Mobile Computing/Laptop Initiatives ...... 11 Residential Computing Initiatives ...... 11 Student User Accounts ...... 11 Classroom Technology ...... 11 Instructional Management Systems ...... 12 Academic Software/Systems Initiatives ...... 12 Accessibility for Students with Disabilities ...... 13 Grants or Other Related Projects that Support Technology-Enhanced Teaching ...... 13 Administrative Functions...... 14 Mobile Computing ...... 14 Help Desk Support for Faculty, Staff and/or Students ...... 14 Administrative Software/Systems Initiatives ...... 14 Data Integrity ...... 14 E-Learner Services ...... 14 Technology Environment ...... 14 Telephony Initiatives ...... 14 Technology Infrastructure ...... 15 Bandwidth ...... 15 Security ...... 15 Video and Media Services ...... 15 Technology Policies ...... 15 Section III—Assessment ...... 16 Assessment Plan ...... 16 Plan Integration ...... 16 Updating Technology Master Plan ...... 16 Work Plans ...... 16 Constituent Satisfaction ...... 16 Appendix 1—2012 Technology Surveys ...... 19 Student Technology Plan Survey ...... Staff/Faculty Technology Plan Survey ......

Riverland Community College Technology Plan — Spring 2012

Section I—Planning Alignment and Integration Key College Planning Efforts A variety of documents were reviewed as the Riverland (College) Master Technology Plan was updated. Information was considered from the following documents:  Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Strategic Plan 2010 – 2014  College President’s Work Plan, FY11  Riverland’s Mission, Vision and Value Statements  Riverland Communications Plan, 2011 – 2012  Riverland Retention Plan, FY 2011 – 2013  Riverland Master Facility Plan, 2011  Riverland Master Academic Plan, 2011 - 2015  Riverland Affirmative Action Plan, 2010 – 2012

As the College’s different plans are revised, Riverland’s Mission, Vision and Purposes/Goals will serve as a guide. As new plans emerge, other plans will be reviewed for compatibility and adjusted as necessary. The table on the following pages shows alignment between these plans.

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Alignment of Technology Plan with Other Plans

MnSCU College Riverland's Communicat Retention Plan Master Master Affirmative Technology Plan Strategic Plan President’s Vision and ions Plan Facility Plan Academic Action Plan Work Plan Value Plan Statements

Strategic Major Above all Strategic Outcome Goal 3 Section 4.1 Strategic Program Goal 1 Direction 2: Activities: else, we value Direction 4: B1.1 Explore the and 4.2: Direction 1: Objectives: Software utilized by Riverland st Goal 2.3 people. Innovate to development of Create 21 Increase will be compatible with current Provide 2.3.1 meet current unique course century Access and *Policy and technology standards. multiple Increase We value and future delivery options learning Opportunities. Process efficient and online and learning. educational for Career spaces. Awareness. Goal 2 effective hybrid needs. Technical related Strategic Hardware utilized by Riverland delivery options offerings. studies courses Direction 2: *Recruitment will represent current for educational We value personalized using online Promote and and Hiring technology standards. programs and 2.3.2 delivery plus measure high- Process. services, student services. Expand ITV structured learning quality Goal 3 penetration, affordability, and access. assistance (SLA) learning *Career Technology will be integrated including model. These programs and Development into Riverland learning and large online courses will services to and Growth work areasto ensure equal regional We value the be supplemented support Opportunities. accessibility. schools and provision of with mandatory teaching and smaller, technology open computer lab learning. *Training and Goal 4 rural school and sessions staffed by Development. Riverland’s Web sites will districts. equipment College Lab Asst provide users: students, that enhances Outcome Goal 10: *Affirmative employees, and the community 2.3.4 learning and Use predictive Action at large, access to current Develop the delivery modeling to target Resources. information and services. online of services. high-risk students services for enrolled in QM Goal 5 students that certified online Riverland will research, mirror on- courses with implement and support quality ground interventions and distance education to broaden

services. services to increase student access. retention.

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Strategic We value Strategic Outcome Goal 7: Section 4.1 Strategic Program Goal 3 Direction 4: diversity and Directions D1.1 Establish a and 4.2 Direction 1: Objectives: Technology will be integrated st inclusiveness. and Goals collaborative Create 21 Increase into Riverland learning and Goal 4.1-Build partnership, called Century Access and *Policy and work areas to ensure equal organizational 1. Increase FastTRAC,with learning Opportunities. Process accessibility. capacity for access, Adult Basic spaces. Awareness. change to meet opportunity Education – Albert Strategic Goal 4 future and success. Lea, Austin and Direction 2: *Recruitment Riverland’s Web sites will challenges and Owatonna to staff Promote and and Hiring provide users: students, remove barriers a GED and Basic measure high- Process. employees, and the community to innovation Skills lab at quality at large, access to current and Riverland learning *Career information and services. responsiveness. campuses. The programs and Development Goal 4.4- ABE staff will services to and Growth Goal 5 Critically provide tutoring support Opportunities. Riverland will research, examine and and support for teaching and implement and support quality improve students who do learning. *Training and distance education to broaden structures, not have college Development. student access. technologies, level math skills. Work-study *Affirmative policies and processes to students will assist Action support with basic Resources. transformative computer skills so innovation. underprepared students can participate in basic computer skills online.

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MnSCU College Riverland's Communica Retention Plan Master Master Affirmative Technology Plan Strategic President’s Vision and tions Plan Facility Academic Action Plan Plan Work Plan Value Plan Plan Statements

Institutional We value Goal 4 Goal: personalized Riverland’s Web sites will provide Restructure services, users: students, employees, and the and upgrade affordability community at large, access to public Web and access. current information and services. site: riverland.edu. We value the provision of technology and equipment that enhances learning and the delivery of services.

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Future Goals/Plans

Goal 1 Software utilized by Riverland Community College will be compatible with current technology standards.  Software utilized by Riverland will be within one software version from latest release.  An annual spring meeting will be held with interested parties to determine classroom software.  Student technology fees will be utilized to pay for software in computer labs and student-used computers.  Department/individual software requests will be evaluated by Management Information Systems (MIS)/Office of Instructional Technology (OIT) and recommended for implementation by the Technology Round Table (TRT).  Faculty and staff software will be upgraded as appropriate.  Additional funding for software will be from the general fund and other available sources of revenue.  Training will be provided to maximize the efficient use of the software and facilitate the transition to new software versions.  Earlier versions of software are available for business and industry training as requested if feasible.

Goal 2 Hardware utilized by Riverland Community College will represent current technology standards.  Hardware utilized by classrooms, faculty, and staff will be upgraded on a three- to five-year rotation based on software requirements and fiscal constraints.  Upgrades will be determined by MIS based upon individual equipment usage and needs.  Department/individual hardware requests will be coordinated through MIS and TRT.  Student technology fees will be utilized to fund hardware in computer labs and student-used computers.  Riverland Community College will explore emerging technology that could be used to facilitate the learning process (e.g. mobile computing devices). Additional funding for hardware will be from the general fund and other available sources of revenue.  Alternative sources of funding will be pursued to enhance technology growth within the College.

Goal 3 Technology will be integrated into Riverland Community College learning and work areas to ensure equal accessibility.  Riverland will assist employees and students to become proficient in the utilization of technology.  Riverland will provide sufficient time and support (i.e. personnel and financial resources) to assist faculty with technology integration.  Riverland will provide adaptive equipment, software, and training ensuring access to classrooms, labs, the library, and employee work areas.  Staff development and OIT will collaborate to provide training for employees.  Classrooms and lecture halls will be equipped and upgraded with multimedia capabilities based on room usage and educational needs.  Classroom and library equipment will be determined by room usage and educational needs.

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Goal 4 Riverland Community College’s Web sites will provide users: students, employees, and the community at large, access to current information and services.  Riverland’s Web sites will function as one of the College’s primary communication tools for students, employees, and the community.  Riverland will provide Web sites that are user-friendly, easy to navigate, follows the College’s design standards, and reflects users’ needs.  Riverland will research and implement steps to create, modify, and check Web pages for ADA compliance.  Riverland will provide the necessary time and support (i.e. personnel and financial resources) to create and maintain the sites.

Goal 5 Riverland Community College will research, implement, and support quality distance education to broaden student access.  Riverland will research emerging technologies to increase access to distance education.  Riverland will research and promote the increased utilization of online, hybrid and Web-enhanced courses.  Riverland will provide sufficient time and support to assist faculty and students with their distance education needs (i.e. college resources, technical support, and teaching methodology).

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Section II—Statement of Technology Initiatives Planning Elements Planning Risks and Assumptions Purpose/Objectives of Technology Round Table—The Technology Round Table (TRT) was established to consider technology needs at Riverland. TRT is a college-wide cross-functional team including students that serves as the technology “think tank” for the College and provides leadership by:  developing and maintaining a Technology Master Plan,  overseeing the acquisition and maintenance of technology-related equipment and software,  serving as a college-wide resource for technology expertise and information,  assessing the effectiveness of technology at the College,  providing a vision for the use of technology in the future.

TRT addresses areas such as:  instructional methodologies relating to technology in the classroom,  computer systems including hardware, software, networking, Internet, etc.,  telephony,  distance learning,  mobile computing,  expenditures for equipment and items that support technology.

Scope and Authority of Decision-Making—TRT has the authority to make recommendations regarding the selection, purchase, budget, and implementation of technology-related products and services to the Director of Technology and/or the Administrative Council.

Meeting Frequency—TRT typically meets three to five times per school year for 1.5 hours. Agendas will be distributed by e-mails to all college faculty/staff and decisions will be reached on a consensus basis. Members will decide where/when to meet, and appoint an annual Chairperson and Recorder.

Technology Vision Statement—To be an institution that advances the appropriate and responsible use of technology that will enhance students’ teaching/learning process, operation of the College, and services to our communities.

Members of the TRT, students, and interested College employees developed this technology plan. The goal of this plan is to provide direction to the institution regarding technology. In order to achieve the vision and to follow through with its directions, prioritizing institutional needs and fitting technology into those needs is extremely important. It is anticipated the technology plan will be a flexible, evolving document. The committee is in agreement that the ever-changing needs of the institution and the ever-changing field of technology would make it not only difficult but inadvisable to establish a plan that would be completely specific. This is a dynamic plan that is intended to grow and adapt as new needs are recognized and as new technological tools become available.

Management Information Systems (MIS), Office of Instructional Technology (OIT), and Web Development—Currently the College has eleven employees in MIS, OIT and Web development. MIS has seven employees, one full-time Director of Technology and six full-time technicians.

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The technicians provide hardware and software support for all staff, faculty, and computer labs. The MIS Department is also responsible for maintaining and upgrading phone hardware and software, and long-distance access codes. Work-study employees provide additional support to MIS. Three individuals are employed in the OIT office. These individuals support faculty, staff, and students in the utilization of technology, and distance learning endeavors. The Web site is the responsibility of the Web Developer. Goal Completion Measurement Evaluation of plan goals will be accomplished by surveys and data comparison in several areas.  Surveys o Technology—Spring 2012 with similar questions to the 2006/2003 survey o Student Satisfaction—Request that technology questions will continue to be included.

 Statistical Data Comparison and Research o Computers and Software . Age of equipment in primary computer labs falls within three- to five-year rotation plan . Age of equipment at full-time employee workstations falls within three- to five-year rotation plan . Application software will be within one software version from the latest release in the computer classrooms o Multimedia Classrooms . Increase number of faculty using multimedia classrooms . Increase number of multimedia classrooms available . Maintain and upgrade existing multimedia classrooms using current technology o Course Management Software . Increase number of Web-enhanced and online courses . Increase number of users (faculty and students) o Streaming video . Increase student access to digital video media . Provide secure environment for copy-written materials Disaster Recovery Planning Riverland performs a backup to disk operation of primary servers on a nightly basis. The basic premise of the disaster recovery plan is that with facilities in three different communities, servers located in three communities, data backed up to disk in multiple locations; if a disaster hit in any individual location, operations could be resumed in an alternate facility in a short time period. This pertains to office support services as well as classroom facilities. Riverland Web Site Riverland’s Web Developer is responsible for maintaining the design standards for the College’s Web site; creating new Web pages and applications; and maintaining Web pages. The College’s Web site and Social Media is coordinated through the Communications Department. Current Budget Concerns It is hoped that the current budget concerns/constraints have no long-term adverse effect on technology in ways that are outside of Riverland’s control. For Riverland to continue with its technology improvements and plans, it is imperative that technology funding be maintained.

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Teaching and Learning Environment Plans Technology Competency Training, Orientation, or Assessment Initiatives Technology information is available to students via a variety of sources. The College’s Web site contains a section entitled Computer Resources. This section includes information about network resources, college e-mail, Web browser e-mail, password lookup, MIS help desk, Desire2Learn (D2L), the computing contract, and acceptable use of the College’s computers. The Student Handbook and College Web site identifies how a student may receive their username and password and the location of the Student Help Desks.

Four different basic computer classes are available depending upon student needs—Introduction to Computers, Microcomputer Applications, Essential Computer Skills and Introduction to Laptop Computers. Each course is designed for a specific audience. Introduction to Computers and Essential Computer Skills are for career program majors and Microcomputer Applications for transfer majors. The Introduction to Laptop Computers class is provided to laptop participants whose curriculum does not include one of the earlier mentioned courses. Riverland faculty and staff are currently developing a First Year Experience course. This course will provide new students with an overview of the variety of services and resources available at Riverland, including computer resources. Faculty and Staff Training and Professional Development The OIT office provides individual and group sessions to all College employees. MIS also provides individual instruction, as requested. Hands-on training sessions are periodically offered at faculty conference and professional development days. These sessions are conducted by OIT, MIS, and other employees. The quantity of sessions scheduled depends upon how recently new software has been implemented.

Academic Affairs has designed and implemented an orientation process for new faculty, both adjunct and full-time. OIT provides software and hardware instruction for equipment that is in common usage throughout the College at this orientation. OIT also offers in-depth instruction for faculty in areas of their interest. This office will continue to review and offer training sessions for employees. Computer Lab Initiative Riverland maintains several different types of computer/classroom configurations. The configuration options include—only desktop units, desktop units and laptop connections, laptop connections (hardwired or wireless), and library/open lab areas.

Quantity of Computer Labs Desktop and Library/Open Desktop Laptop Laptop Lab Albert Lea 5 2 0 1 Austin East 3 1 0 2 Austin West 3 1 0 1 Owatonna 3 0 1 Total 14 4 0 5

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The table below reflects computer inventory information for spring 2012 regarding the number of computers in each lab and the purchase date of those units.

Computer Labs: Location, Quantity of Units, and Age Albert Lea Room Qty Purchase 101 26 July 10 103 25 Aug 09 104 31 Jul 12 106 laptop/desktop 3 July 07 SSC 201I 12 July 06 Open Lab 110 14 July 06 108 laptop/desktop 9 July 06 301 10 Aug 08 Total Units 130 Austin West Building Room Qty Purchase A108 31 Aug 10 A109 31 Jul 08 Student Success Center 6 Nov 06 CPRO Lab 5 Aug 11 Nursing Lab 5 Dec 08 Total Units 78 Austin East Building Room Qty Purchase N111 31 Aug 10 N112 31 July 08 N113 31 Jul 11 Open Lab 40 Jul 09 Library 7 Aug 07 N123 (Faculty Ctr) 5 Aug 11 Total Units 145 Owatonna Room Qty Purchase 131 31 July 11 133 25 Jul 09 135 25 July 08 Kiosk 5 Oct 10 Total Units 86 Grand Total 439

Each building has different computer lab hours. Location and hours of the computer labs must be effectively communicated to students. Students also need to be informed that all computer labs can be used for school work if no class is currently in the lab, and students can see the availability of the room based on the posted room schedule.

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Computer Lab Hours Albert Lea Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Austin East Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Austin West Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday 7 a.m.– 9:00 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Owatonna Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mobile Computing/Laptop Initiatives Riverland Community College has had a laptop initiative since 1998. Only the Business and Office Technology program is involved, utilizing approximately 160 units. Wireless access is provided at each of our campuses with approximately 90% of Riverland’s facilities having access to the wireless network. As the technology advances, we will continue to explore expanding wireless access and reliability. Residential Computing Initiatives Riverland’s Austin campus has housing available through the Riverland Community College Foundation. The Foundation owns and serves as the management agency and is responsible for the housing facility. Due to the fact that the College does not own the housing complex, the College does not provide computer services at this location.

Student User Accounts Riverland students have unique usernames and passwords which are used to access on-campus computers and D2L. This provides students with a personal data storage on a College server. Students who feel their information has been compromised may contact MIS personnel to have their password changed. eServices accounts use a different username and password and are used by students to access a number of services including course registration, financial aid, bills and payment, check grades and interactive degree audit reports. Classroom Technology TRT has been utilizing technology fees to increase the number of multimedia rooms available in each building. Each year six to nine rooms have been renovated. Included with this endeavor is the implementation of multimedia carts for checkout. Going forward, we (TRT, Academic Affairs, MIS, and OIT) will continue to evaluate the need for further multimedia rooms, adding and enhancing these rooms to continue to meet the growing needs of our students and faculty.

Faculty may submit TRT requests for individual equipment or software that would enhance their classroom instructional methods or discipline specific technology. These requests are reviewed three times per year by TRT.

OIT staff continue to research and assist faculty with the implementation of technology in their classes, both online, and in the classroom. This information is utilized by the TRT committee and MIS as decisions are made related to technology.

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Instructional Management Systems Riverland currently utilizes D2L, which is available through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Office (System Office) server. The OIT office provides support to both employees and students in their use of D2L.

During the summer, one D2L training session is normally scheduled for faculty, the session is two days in length. Typically, this session is designed for year-end questions and new faculty who are interested in becoming involved with D2L. Since 52 percent of all classes use D2L, training has been expanded to include a broad range of topics related to both in-person and online education. The training provides an opportunity for faculty to share best practices with their peers.

Two help courses have been designed. The How to Use D2L at Riverland course is utilized by students as a way to experiment with commonly-used D2L features. A Faculty D2L course contains materials designed to provide ideas and assistance for Web-enhanced, hybrid and online courses.

Students enrolled in an online course receive a welcome postcard from OIT before the semester begins. The postcard explains how to access online courses, online resources, and references optional D2L orientations for students.

The quantity of courses and student accounts continues to increase each semester. The table below indicates an exponential growth in the use of online and Web-enhanced education in the school. This growth is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. OIT will continue to offer orientations for students either as a general D2L orientation or geared towards a particular class requested by faculty.

Web-enhanced Course Online/Hybrid Course D2L Seats Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Semester Semester Semester Semester Semester Semester 2011-2012 119 132 144 145 6284 6089 2005-2006 90 119 37 42 2269 2200 2001-2002 31 35 8 7 600 992

The College is accredited for distance delivery of instruction through the System Office to offer all degrees and programs through distance delivery from the Higher Learning Commission.

Academic Software/Systems Initiatives Riverland participates with the Microsoft Campus Agreement that the System Office has available. The College pays for this agreement. Products covered under this agreement include Windows, Microsoft Office, and other miscellaneous Microsoft products. OIT purchases other software used by online faculty and students.

Additional departmental software purchases are supported through TRT requests or by individual departmental budgets.

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Accessibility for Students with Disabilities Riverland Community College’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator and the Student Success Center are initial contact points for disability services. There is a close working relationship among our ADA Coordinator, the Student Success Center, the Library, MIS, and OIT to provide services for students. Qualified individuals with a disability are responsible for making the initial contact with the ADA Coordinator and/or the Student Success Center and providing documentation of their disability. All requests for disability services are handled on an individual basis. Requests for services or equipment must be made in advance to ensure availability.

Riverland’s goal is to provide the most up-to-date appropriate adaptive technology for Riverland students and employees. Since 2005, we have installed closed-caption devices in all new installations of multimedia equipment. The staff will utilize college, community, state, and national resources to provide services for students with disabilities. The Student Success Center staff monitors current trends and new initiatives and serves as a resource for Riverland staff, community organizations and educational institutions. Riverland staff also encourages students to develop their self-advocacy skills for future services and technological needs.

One of the College’s goals is to research and implement steps to create, modify, and check Web pages for ADA compliance. Grants or Other Related Projects that Support Technology-Enhanced Teaching

The College currently has eight classrooms equipped for interactive television (ITV).

Location Quantity of Units Seating Capacity Austin West Two rooms 30-72 Austin East One room 30 Owatonna Three rooms 24-38 Albert Lea Two rooms 17-18

Connections for the ITV rooms are provided by the Consortium of Minnesota Educational Telecommunities (COMET), based in Mankato. This system utilizes the existing network infrastructure in our rooms. COMET provides services to Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical; Riverland Community College; Rochester Community and Technical College; South Central College; University of Minnesota Rochester Center; and Winona State University.

Scheduling for ITV classroom usage is currently handled through Academic Affairs. COMET, then, places the activity on the ITV schedule. Outside businesses may utilize the ITV facilities for a fee.

The Master Academic plan includes investigating ways to increase ITV utilization, especially in classes with low enrollment. The Deans will review the class schedule to determine classes that can be delivered using ITV. Riverland has been delivering college-level courses to area high schools using the combination of ITV and D2L to provide a more effective classroom experience. Academic Affairs is investigating ways to expand this concept to additional schools.

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Administrative Functions Mobile Computing Faculty and other employees may have a laptop computer rather than a desktop computer depending upon their individual computing needs. The increasing demand for laptops indicates an increased use of electronic media in all aspects of the College's operation. Help Desk Support for Faculty, Staff, and/or Students Assistance is available at all Riverland locations by a variety of methods—in person, via e-mail, the Web, or phone. Students, faculty, and staff may contact MIS and OIT for assistance with problems. MIS focuses on hardware and infrastructure concerns. OIT provides assistance with software questions. Help desk assistance is provided during normal lab hours at the Austin East open lab by work-study students. Riverland uses the statewide D2L help desk features that are available 24/7. Administrative Software/Systems Initiatives Many departments within Riverland utilize the replicated database via Microsoft Access to meet daily needs. The MIS department uses this tool to coordinate the creation of usernames and passwords and the importation of this information to our Microsoft Active Directory and Live@Edu student e-mail system. MIS also uses this information for uploading student accounts to D2L. Additional departments and users (i.e. Riverland Training and Development) are also developing applications on a regular basis. Data Integrity Riverland currently has a data integrity committee that meets annually to review procedures and recommendations. The committee considers internal and external issues and mandates from the System Office to ensure data integrity. E-Learner Services Riverland continues to pursue additional online, hybrid and Web-enhanced courses to allow more accessibility for students. The College is accredited with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) through Minnesota Online (MNOnline) to offer associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates through distance delivery. Riverland will continue to offer its existing programs via their traditional delivery methodology. The College’s admission process, transfer curriculum components, and graduation requirements will not change.

Technology Environment Telephony Initiatives A major phone system upgrade was done in February 2012, upgrading our call manager hardware and software to current Avaya versions, adding Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) capabilities to the phone system allowing communications with other vendors’ systems. The stand-alone voicemail system was also replaced with Microsoft Outlook Voice Access, which is a part of our Microsoft Exchange e-mail system.

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Technology Infrastructure Connection to the desktop units is largely provided by switched fast ethernet with less than five percent being switched gigabit ethernet. Primary wiring closets are largely connected by gigabit ethernet with few secondary closets having fast ethernet connections. The majority of servers are connected via gigabit ethernet with the remainder being fast ethernet connections. Riverland has approximately 1,600 network ports. Thirty access points provide network access to wireless users.

The server infrastructure has gone through an extensive remodel over the past two years. There is one file server for faculty/staff, and one for students. Both of them are in a virtualized cluster of servers housed in Austin East and West. Backups are done to local Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, and replicated to our Owatonna facility for disaster recovery.

Primary servers are scheduled for replacement on a four-year rotation. During summer of 2010, we converted our network directory from Novell eDirectory to Microsoft Active Directory. We also migrated student e-mail from an on-premise Netmail server to a cloud based Microsoft Live@Edu system. At the same time our faculty/staff e-mail system was converted from GroupWise to Outlook/Exchange, and an e-mail archive system was implemented. Bandwidth The Austin East and Austin West buildings are currently connected via gigabit ethernet. The connections between Austin, Albert Lea, and Owatonna are on a gigabit ethernet circuit that is currently limited to 300 Mb. Riverland’s bandwidth to the Internet ranges from 48.7 to 300 megabits per second depending on overall MnSCU system internet traffic. Security After security policies and procedures are approved by the Board of Trustees, they are implemented by the College. Video and Media Services OIT and MIS provide a range of streaming video services. The services include classroom capture, video streaming and media duplication. The use of classroom and computer-based capture formats will continue to expand in the foreseeable future, based on the adoption of this format by our students. The College currently offers two streaming formats, Flash and QuickTime. We will continue to explore emerging technologies that expand our students’ access to online classroom material. Technology Policies When a Riverland student receives their username and password, they electronically sign a Computing Contract which identifies their rights and limitations in regards to Riverland’s computing and network services. This information is available on the College’s Web site and is reviewed when a student accesses their username and password.

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Section III—Assessment Assessment Plan Riverland will continue to utilize a student and employee technology survey at least every three years. The question format will be similar so that data can be compared between surveys. Technology questions will continue to be added to the Student Satisfaction Survey that is completed by graduates and Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) students at the end of the school year. This source of data assists TRT in its decision-making process. Plan Integration Individuals involved in the development of this plan represent a cross-section of the College. As the College reviews existing plans, coordination is taking place to share information and revise plans as necessary. With the implementation of the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) process, information is being shared on a routine basis. This integration allows for intelligent implementation and purchase of technology. Technology planning and purchases are coordinated through MIS. Updating Technology Master Plan The first technology plan was implemented in spring 1998. That plan was updated two years later during spring semester 2000, 2003, then again in 2006. In 2000, the decision was made that the technology plan would be reviewed and revisited every three years using statistical data for comparison purposes. Work Plans The fundamental goals of current software, hardware rotation, maintaining a current Web site, and increased technology in the classroom, are monitored by TRT. The responsibility for implementation of the different activities within the technology plan falls upon MIS, OIT, and the Web Developer, in coordination and cooperation with Facilities and Academic Affairs. Work plans for different departments are developed annually and monitored by the department’s supervisors. TRT is responsible for the allocation from the general fund and student technology fees to help departments achieve the goals of the Technology Master Plan. Constituent Satisfaction Prior to the completion of technology plans, students and employees were asked to complete two different technology surveys. This year, 235 students and 62 employees participated in the 2012 survey. The 2000, 2003 and 2006 surveys asked many similar questions so data comparisons could be made. The tables and charts on the following pages present the 2012 survey results.

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Question 1— Riverland Community College has up-to-date technology? Student Employees Category Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Strongly Agree 58 25.1% 22 35.5% Agree 133 57.6% 34 54.8% Neutral 28 12.1% 4 6.5% Disagree 10 4.3% 2 3.2% Strongly Disagree 2 0.9% 0 0.0% Missing 4 0 Total Answered 235 62

Riverland Community College Riverland Community College has up‐to‐date technology? has up‐to‐date technology? (Student responses) (Employee responses) 80.00% 80.00% 60.00% 60.00% 40.00% 40.00% 20.00% 2012 20.00% 2012 0.00% 0.00% 2006 2006

Question 2—Riverland Community College uses technology effectively? Student Employees Category Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Strongly Agree 56 24.2% 21 39.9% Agree 132 57.1% 29 46.8% Neutral 29 12.6% 11 17.7% Disagree 13 5.6% 1 1.6% Strongly Disagree 4 4.4% 0.0% Missing 4 4 Total Answered 238 62

Riverland Community College Riverland Community College uses technology effectively? uses technology effectively? (Student responses) (Employee responses) 80.00% 80.00% 60.00% 60.00% 40.00% 40.00% 20.00% 2012 20.00% 2012 0.00% 0.00% 2006 2006

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Question 3—Riverland Community College provides up-to-date software? Students Employees Category Frequency Percentage Frequency Percentage Strongly Agree 65 28.0% 24 39.3% Agree 120 51.7% 29 47.5% Neutral 37 15.9% 7 11.5% Disagree 10 4.3% 1 1.6% Strongly Disagree 0 0% 0 0% Missing 3 1 Total Answered 235 62

Riverland Community College Riverland Community College utilizes up‐to‐date software? utilizes up‐to‐date software? (Student Responses) (Employee Responses) 60.00% 70.00% 50.00% 60.00% 40.00% 50.00% 30.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 2012 20.00% 2012 10.00% 10.00% 0.00% 2006 0.00% 2006

Do You Have a Computer at Home? Do You Have an Internet Service Provider at Home? Students Students Employees Employees Students Students Employees Employees 2006 2012 2006 2012 2006 2012 2006 2012 Yes 94.1% 95.7% 94.7 98.8% 72.4 96.1% 92.0% 100% No 5.9% 4.3% 5.3 3.2% 27.6 3.9% 8.0% 0%

Riverland Community College Technology Plan — Spring 2012 Page 18

Appendix 1— Riverland Community College—2012 Student Technology Plan Survey

Riverland Community College is in the process of updating its technology plan. The individuals working with this plan would like to have your input. Primary Campus (please circle) Albert Lea Austin East Austin West Owatonna Off Campus/Online Educational Goals (please circle) Career Program Major Transfer Program Major Non-Degree Seeking Gender (please circle) Male Female Age (please circle) 18 – 25 26-30 31-24 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 70+

1. Riverland Community College has up-to-date technology. 11. If yes, what is the Operating System on your primary Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly home computer? Agree Disagree Windows Windows Windows Mac Do Not Other      7 Vista XP Know      2. Riverland Community College uses technology effectively. Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly 12. Do you have a personal laptop computer/tablet? Agree Disagree Yes No       

3. Riverland Community College provides up-to-date 13. Do you use your personal laptop/tablet on campus? software. Yes No If no, why don’t you use it Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly on campus? Agree Disagree        14. Do you use the Internet at home? 4. What is your confidence level in using a computer? Yes No Highly Confident Some Little No Confidence   Confident Confidence Confidence      15. If yes, which type of internet do you have at home? High Speed Mobile Dial Up 5. How many hours a day do you use a computer? (Cable/DSL) Broadband 0-1 hours 2-3 hours 3-5 hours 5-10 hours 10+ hours         16. Which student services have you used on the College 6. Are the hours of the computer labs adequate? Website? (Check all that apply) Yes No Not  E-Services Applicable  Setup a Tuition Payment Plan     Paid for my Classes with a Credit Card

 Referred to the Online Student Handbook 7. If no, which time frame(s) would you like to see the hours  E-mailed a Staff Member from a Web Page Link increased? Early Evening/ Weekend  Checked Job Openings for Graduates Morning Night  Checked Job Search Tips     Checked Work Study Job Openings  Check to see if a Class or the College was Canceled 8. Do you use your Riverland Student e-mail account?  Checked the College Calendar of Events/Student Yes No If, NO Why Not Announcements   ______ Printed a College Form (Immunization, Financial Aid Form, Transcript Request) 9. How often do you use Riverland’s Online Library  Other Resources? ______Regularly Occasionally Never   

10. Do you have a computer at home? Yes No  

17. Please rate the technology used in the following Riverland 23. Have you ever used the following for assistance with learning environments: computer questions? (check all that apply) Excellent Good Average Poor Does Comment Not  “Ask Riverland” online help Apply  College Technology Staff

On-ground  Instructor      Classroom  Student/Enrollment Services Staff Computer       Other Students Lab Career  Have not used any of these resources Technical       Other Staff ______Lab/Shop ITV      Classroom 24. What Website functionality would you like to see on Riverland’s Website? 18. Do you use a Smartphone to access Riverland Services? Yes No ______  ______

19. If yes, which services do you access with your 25. What technology equipment would you recommend Smartphone? (Check all areas that apply) Riverland Community College make available  Coursework for staff and faculty and/or students?  Riverland Website ______ E-mail ______ Etextbook  Other ______26. What software would you recommend Riverland Community College make available for staff and

faculty and/or students? 20. Please rate the Riverland Website on the following

aspects. ______Excellent Good Average Poor Didn’t ______Notice

27. What do you think is Riverland’s greatest strength in the Navigation      technology area? MyRiverland      Layout ______Current      ______Information Accurate      28. What do you think is Riverland’s greatest area for Information improvement in the technology area? Contact      Information ______21. Based on your experience with the Riverland Website, how would you rate the quality of the website? 29. Additional Comments: High Above Average Below Unacceptable Quality Average Average ______     ______22. Do you use: Twitter Google Linked Other Facebook Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Plus In     ______

Riverland Community College— 2012 Staff/Faculty Technology Plan Survey

1. Riverland Community College has up-to-date technology. 11. Do you use your home computer for work? Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Yes No Agree Disagree        12. Do you have a personal laptop computer/tablet? 2. Riverland Community College uses technology Yes No effectively.   Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Agree Disagree 13. Do you use your personal laptop computer/tablet on      campus? Yes No If no, why don’t you use it on 3. Riverland Community College provides up-to-date campus? software.    Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Agree Disagree 14. How often do you visit the Riverland Employee Website?      Daily Several times a Once a week Once a never weed month 4. What is your confidence level in using a computer?      Highly Confident Some Little No Confidence Confident Confidence Confidence 15. Please tell us why you visit the Employee Website      (Please check all that apply)  Forms  Student Affairs Information 5. How many hours a day do you use a computer?  Policy Information  Human Resources Information 0-1 hours 2-3 hours 3-5 hours 5-10 hours 10+ hours  Committee  AQIP Updates      Information

 Administration  Copy Requests 6. Are the hours of the computer labs adequate? Information Yes No Not Applicable  Business office  Car Reservations    Information  Academic  Class Cancellations 7. If no, which time frame(s) would you like to see the hours Information increased?  Other Early Evening/ Weekend ______Morning Night    16. From your experience, what do you find to be the biggest challenge with using the Employee 8. Do you have a computer at home? Website? (Please check all that apply) Yes No  Information I am looking for is not available    Information is not well organized  There is too much information 9.Do you use the Internet at home?  There is not enough information Yes No  Hard to navigate through the information    Other (Please specify)  None 10. If yes, which type of internet do you have at home? High Speed Mobile Dial Up (Cable/DSL) Broadband   

17. Do you use any of the following to inform others of 21. What Website functionality would you like to see on Riverland news/events? (Please check all that Riverland’s Website? apply)  Facebook ______ Twitter ______ Google Plus  Linked In 22. What technology equipment would you recommend  Other ______Riverland Community College make available for staff and faculty and/or students? ______18. Please rate the technology used in the following ______Riverland learning environments: Excellent Good Average Poor Does Comment 23. What software would you recommend Riverland Not Community College make available for staff and Apply faculty and/or students?

On-ground      ______Classroom Computer ______     Lab Career 24. What do you think is Riverland’s greatest strength in the Technical      technology area? Lab/Shop ITV ______     Classroom ______

19. Do you use a Smartphone to access Riverland Services? 25. What do you think is Riverland’s greatest area for Yes No improvement in the technology area?   ______20. If yes, which services do you access with your ______Smartphone? (Check all areas that apply)  Coursework  Riverland Website  E-mail 26. Additional Comments:  Etextbook  Other ______

______

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.