TechnoPlan Review- NCTP Guide

t e c h n o p l a n n i n g r e v i e w
[ prev ] [ top ] [ next ]

plan Guidebook for Developing an Effective Instructional Technology Plan, v2.0.

url http://www2.msstate.edu/~lsa1/nctp/guide.html

reviewer Ted Wolter, Chandler-Gilbert Community College

date July 25, 1997

comments Published by National Center for Technology Planning, the "Guidebook" was written, for the most part, by graduate students enrolled in a core class in the Instructional Technology graduate degree program at Mississippi State University.
This plan for planning is very thorough, perhaps too much so to be practical. If we were to use this plan, I would recommend that the elements of the plan be prioritized, and addressed as time permits. Otherwise, the ITP (Instructional Technology Plan) begins to take on the scope of a mini NCA self study. We just do not have the human resources to devote to a plan this comprehensive. Many of our long standing TLTR membership have grown wary of "wordsmithing" at the expense of conducting other business. Everyone recognizes the importance of planning, but time must also be allowed for networking, team building, implementation, sharing information, etc.
Putting it's scope aside, this blueprint for planning is well researched. Each element of the plan is clearly described and outlined. There is only one element that seems out of place, and that is the section devoted to the importance of the Fine Arts. Why this area was singled out for special mention is a mystery to me, perhaps it is the result of someone's private crusade. As one who works in the fine arts, I appreciate the support, but have to wonder why it was included in this document.
Based on our TLTR structure, here are the elements that I think are the most important for our ITP:

Table of contents
Vision/Mission statement
Executive summary
Committee membership
Data collection, analysis, reporting
Plan:

equipment
implementation plan
professional development, rewards
purchasing guidelines
funding considerations

Evaluation
Budget: long term financial planning
Another aspect of developing an ITP is making sure that it is a document that is seen by the faculty and staff as a necessary tool for utilizing technology. If it is perceived as a "top down" request (just more paper work) and having little practical value, it may turn out to be an exercise in futility.

plan	Guidebook for Developing an Effective Instructional Technology Plan, v2.0.
url	http://www2.msstate.edu/~lsa1/nctp/guide.html
reviewer	Ted Wolter, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
date	July 25, 1997
comments	Published by National Center for Technology Planning, the "Guidebook" was written, for the most part, by graduate students enrolled in a core class in the Instructional Technology graduate degree program at Mississippi State University. This plan for planning is very thorough, perhaps too much so to be practical. If we were to use this plan, I would recommend that the elements of the plan be prioritized, and addressed as time permits. Otherwise, the ITP (Instructional Technology Plan) begins to take on the scope of a mini NCA self study. We just do not have the human resources to devote to a plan this comprehensive. Many of our long standing TLTR membership have grown wary of "wordsmithing" at the expense of conducting other business. Everyone recognizes the importance of planning, but time must also be allowed for networking, team building, implementation, sharing information, etc. Putting it's scope aside, this blueprint for planning is well researched. Each element of the plan is clearly described and outlined. There is only one element that seems out of place, and that is the section devoted to the importance of the Fine Arts. Why this area was singled out for special mention is a mystery to me, perhaps it is the result of someone's private crusade. As one who works in the fine arts, I appreciate the support, but have to wonder why it was included in this document. Based on our TLTR structure, here are the elements that I think are the most important for our ITP: Table of contents Vision/Mission statement Executive summary Committee membership Data collection, analysis, reporting Plan: equipment implementation plan professional development, rewards purchasing guidelines funding considerations Evaluation Budget: long term financial planning Another aspect of developing an ITP is making sure that it is a document that is seen by the faculty and staff as a necessary tool for utilizing technology. If it is perceived as a "top down" request (just more paper work) and having little practical value, it may turn out to be an exercise in futility.