How are you using technology in your job?

In my personal position, I use technology primarily in communication e-mail, land and cell phones and fax. From a departmental perspective technology has become integral with administrative systems such as room selection, data collection, surveys, incident reports, programming reports, summaries for analysis, computer labs, access systems and soon CCTV to name a few.

In what way has technology transformed your job?

I now spend about 2-3 hours per day in e-mail land. In some ways that replaces telephone calls and appointments but it has significantly increased accessibility to and by people.

What does technology add that would not be possible without it?

We use technology significantly in budget development and projections regarding interrelated calculations regarding rates, resident population, debt load and service and operational expenses. We currently project a 30 year scenario. Providing technology to the resident student population is essential. Without cable TV and high speed internet, students wouldn't find their rooms acceptable.

How do you see technology improving learning?

In the past, we measured our impact on student learning by counting what we offered. Now the emphasis is shifting to measuring what changes occur in students as a result of engagement with our department. What have been the learning outcomes for them? We are beginning to develop assessment measures to determine the outcomes and technology will be essential to that process. Our student population is with us for a relatively brief time. They are only freshmen for one year. It does no good for those students if we are only able to work with historical data (year end assessments of what worked and what did not). We need real time data so that we can adjust our approach and respond to issues during the year. I look forward to technology providing the tools to accomplish that assessment.

In what ways do you find technology frustrating?

It's expense. It is an industry that has the means to make obsolete in three to four years my entire inventory of technology resources. I can foresee a time when the amount of the budget dedicated to technology services will be prohibitive.

How are you using technology in interesting or unique ways?

The newest for us is the card access system and anticipated CCTV monitoring of residence hall entrances which will give us the ability to provide heightened security to residence hall students.

How are you using technology to develop and deliver staff development?

I guess in a pretty traditional fashion. We have the typical power point presentations and Web seminars.

How are you applying technology in your personal life?

At the age of 65, I have a big learning curve; however, I do have a cell phone, PDA, MP3 player and my favorite, a GPS.

Is there a single technological item you can't imagine living without?

I have grow attached to the woman who lives in my GPS.

Is there a particular technological item that you plan on learning and/or purchasing in the near future?

I am sure that I need a plasma TV, however, I am having difficulty justifying it now that I hear what an energy hog it is. I may have to wait until I give up my Yukon if I am to live with my conscience.