Due to the ever changing technical advances within our society it is paramount that our educators participate in these changes and that the facilities provide them with the tools to do so. This technology will be an integral part of the students' lives, in and out of the academia world, not as an end in itself, but as a vehicle that will extend their intellectual and social horizons. Technology will allow them to interact, create, and communicate in a global medium to an extent never before realized.

In this paper we will look at the initial steps to getting started on a technology plan. We will examine what to consider when developing your scope and definition, how you should prepare preliminary cost projections, and partnerships. We have also included a glossary to help you with the myriad of terms being used when discussing technology.

The plan should address the general technology goals and needs of the campus, facility, educators, and students.

The first step in planning your technology infrastructure is to develop a conceptual technology plan. This plan is an overview of what the facility is trying to accomplish with regard to existing, new, and future technology. Establish in general terms what kinds of technologies are being considered: Media Retrieval, Distance Learning, Electronic Classrooms, Networks, etc. Do not get into the component level at this point. The plan should address the general technology goals and needs of the campus, facility, educators, and students. Try to identify the specific locations where the technology will reside. Begin to consider the connectivity within the individual rooms, within the campus, and beyond the campus boundaries.

At the beginning stage of development you should also establish a dollar amount that will be allocated to your project. You will need some kind of a "dollar bench mark" to go by. This budget, even if basic, should also consider any support services that will be required. The funding needs will become more detailed as the project scope develops.

Assembling Your Project Team

Definition and Scope

The Definition and Scope is a further refinement of the technology plan. Both documents combined will be the blueprint and foundation that the project will be based on. This is the time to state working details, specific goals and needs. It is also the time to achieve a consensus concerning the project direction from all the necessary staff and technology team members. The Definition and Scope can be useful in obtaining funding for the project. It provides a technological scenario as to how the system works, the instructional benefits, and potential revenue increases that will result from implementation.

Items within the Definition and Scope Project goals and Desired Results Preliminary Cost Analysis Locations of Technology Descriptions of Functionality Infrastructure Development

The project team will have to consider mechanical and electrical issues. When developing your infrastructure and cable backbone, mechanical considerations such as equipment locations, weights, electrical requirements, and hanging factors must be addressed. At equipment locations, the placement of HVAC and other mechanical details must also be taken into consideration.

Cable paths will have to be determined. Cable can be of the plenum or non-plenum variety. If your facility has a plenum air return you may have to use plenum rated cable or install conduit. Plenum rated cable has a fire retarding jacket that prevents the cable from releasing harmful smoke into the plenum air space. Check your local code requirements before finalizing on cable types.

Part of the job of the project team is to try to anticipate the facility's future needs. The team should evaluate community growth and consider how it will impact the facility. Proper planning of conduit, cable and fiber runs, power distribution, lighting, etc., and careful coordination with the architect will allow the facility to grow with technology. This planning will help to prevent or reduce costly retrofits later.

Due to limited funding it may be become necessary to implement the project in phases over a course of time. Here are some typical project phases: Technology Plan Scope & Definition Design & Build Doc. RFQ/RFP Prep. Procurement Installation Training		Depending on the degree of sophistication a facility's technology cost can vary greatly. An Electronic Classroom with basic media may cost $5-10K. A Distance Learning Center, with two way interactive video conferencing and basic media may cost $65-90K. Again, system costs vary; use caution when quoting cost.		Partnerships can be established with various vendors and service providers that can save the institution funding dollars. The local cable and phone companies have the transmission capabilities and often have partnership programs. A word of caution: make sure the service being offered is truly in the facility's best interests.

You are now ready to get into the specific details of the design. Prior to this point you have gathered your initial thoughts in the technology plan, assembled your project team, established available funding, and developed the Scope and Definition document. A technology professional will be key in providing a detailed technology design that will complement the established Scope and Definition document. Within the services that the technology consultant can provide are: system flow diagrams, rack elevations, system pricing, and "build to" documentation. A qualified consulting firm will also help prepare the Request for Quotation (RFQ), review the technical segment of the received bids, and project manage the system's implementation.

RJC Designs Inc. is a technology consulting firm with over twenty years of experience. We have provided this Getting Started paper as a service to help initiate your project. An experienced technology consultant will add focus, depth and insight to your project team. Whether in the conceptual stage or after, we hope that you will give RJC Designs an opportunity to assist you further in reaching your desired goals.