Managing Technology in Higher Education

Universities continue to struggle in their efforts to fully integrate information and communications technology within their activities. Based on examination of current practices in technology integration at 25 universities worldwide, this book argues for a radical approach to the management of technology in higher education. It offers recommendations for improving governance, strategic planning, integration of administrative and teaching services, management of digital resources, and training of technology managers and administrators. The book is written for anyone wanting to ensure technology is integrated as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Figures and Tables ix

Preface xi

Executive Summary xix

1 The Challenge of Change 1

2 Recent Developments in Technology and Education 25

3 Tracking Existing Strategies for Technology Integration 52

4 Leadership and Strategy 77

5 Organizational Structures and Initiatives to Support Technology Integration 102

6 Quality Assurance 130

7 Resources, Money, and Decision Making 149

8 Barriers to Change and Two Ways to Remove Them 182

9 Building a Twenty-First-Century University or College 209

References 239

About the Authors 249

Index 251

THE AUTHORS

A. W. (TONY) BATES is president and CEO of Tony Bates Associates Ltd., a private consulting company special-izing in the planning and management of e-learning and distance education. He was formerly director of Distance Education and Technology at the University of British Columbia. Bates is the author of nine books, including Managing Technological Change: Strategies for College and University Leaders and Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education.

ALBERT SANGRÀ is director of Research and Educational Innovation and Methodology at Universidade Oberta de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. He is also director of Edu Lab, an educational innovation laboratory specializing in the application of new technologies to distance education.

MANAGING TECHNOLOGY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The use of technology for teaching continues to escalate on college and university campuses. However, the academy is still struggling with how best to plan and manage this activity.

Managing Technology in Higher Education offers faculty and senior academic administrators a wealth of practical recommendations for integrating communications techno- logies within colleges and universities. The authors provide recommendations on leadership, strategic planning, organizational structures, the gover- nance of technology, quality assurance methods, training of instructors and administrators, and the management of resources in the context of organizational culture, barriers to change, and roles for government. In particular, they focus on how technology can transform teaching and learning within an institution.

Based on an examination of current practices in technology integration at over 30 universities and colleges, Managing Technology in Higher Education argues for a radically new approach to the management of technology in higher education institutions, focused on innovation in the design and delivery of teaching, increasing flexible access for learners, and improving cost-effectiveness.

This is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to ensure that the large investments made in technology are integrated as effectively and efficiently as possible.

The use of technology for teaching continues to escalate on college and university campuses. However, the academy is still struggling with how best to plan and manage this activity.

Managing Technology in Higher Education offers faculty and senior academic administrators a wealth of practical recommendations for integrating communications technologies within colleges and universities. The authors provide recommendations on leadership, strategic planning, organizational structures, the governance of technology, quality assurance methods, training of instructors and administrators, and the management of resources in the context of organizational culture, barriers to change, and roles for government. In particular, they focus on how technology can transform teaching and learning within an institution.

Based on an examination of current practices in technology integration at over 30 universities and colleges, Managing Technology in Higher Education argues for a radically new approach to the management of technology in higher education institutions, focused on innovation in the design and delivery of teaching, increasing flexible access for learners, and improving cost-effectiveness.

This is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to ensure that the large investments made in technology are integrated as effectively and efficiently as possible.