Recommendations
from the Faculty Senate based on the Fall 2000 Senate Forum
Approved Jan. 23, 2001
The Senate believes that in developing policies and procedures concerning technology, one overriding principle is evident:
The members of the Board of Trustees, administrators, members of campus governing boards, and faculty and staff should do all in their power to ensure that technological innovation is used to maintain and strengthen the quality of instruction that is central to the mission of Eastern Illinois University.
Based upon the comments gathered at the Fall Forum and our lengthy discussions on the issues, the Faculty Senate makes the following recommendations in no priority order:
1. The University should create an organizational structure for academic technology needs that reports directly to the VPAA/Provost so academic needs of technology are more adequately addressed. This structure should include an academic technology support group to assist faculty in better utilizing technology in their classrooms as well as in developing Internet-based course supplements and course delivery.
2. The University should create a technology plan that is future oriented with input from faculty from various disciplines.
3. The University should pursue additional funding from the IBHE/Legislature for rapid technology upgrading to achieve universal connectivity.
4. The University should make sure that the installation, repair and maintenance of hardware and software are done in a timely, effective and efficient manner. In addition, qualified faculty should be allowed to install their own computer hardware and software as well as provide minor repairs or hardware/software upgrades.
5. The University should acquire adequate funding to hire and retain qualified technology specialists.
6. The University should determine a common definition for technology related terms such as distance learning, Web-based, Web-enhanced, and Web-augmented.
7. The University should engage in more discussion and research before class size guidelines are established for online courses.
8. The University should establish procedures for measuring the impact of technology on student learning outcomes.
9. The University should establish procedures for evaluating faculty members that take into consideration the effectiveness of the technology they use in their courses.
10. The University should establish procedures by which the appropriateness for development of online delivery of courses and programs is determined by academic units and appropriate curriculum committees.
11. The University should apply the resources of talent, time, and funding available to the university for technology to build and strengthen the electronic infrastructure; to enhance on-campus instruction; and to develop Web-based instruction.