|
|
Millions of dollars are spent in the acquisition of technology for new facilities or the renovation and upgrading of technology for existing facilities each year. This figure is for media and communication categories of equipment only, and does not include computer hardware or software. Facilities spend large sums of money acquiring state of the art audio, video, and communications technology so that their facility is current. Educational and industrial institutes alike are competing for market share, and the new promotional tool is "technology". Educational facilities must have distance learning centers, media retrieval accommodations, production facilities, and media training labs in order to keep up with the students' needs and competing school districts. Industry will use video conferencing to expand their market place, increase client contact, and reduce travel expenses. The technology is without a doubt amazing and certainly beneficial to all those applications. However, acquisition is just the first step in making technology work successfully in a facility.
Let's take an educational facility as an example. The trend today is for educational facilities K through 12 and higher to have some form of distance learning or interactive media/audio/video system throughout. Typically, a school can spend from sixty to one hundred sixty thousand dollars on a single distance learning room. The structure is built, lighting and room acoustics are placed, and the technology has been expertly installed. Expectations are high, and because it's "high tech" it should run itself. Right? As many have discovered, "...it just doesn't work that way." |
 Although system size and function may vary, today's technology needs periodic calibrations and updates. The necessary support staff will help ensure trouble free system operation and keep your facility "On the Air". |
Technology designed to be simplistic in operation by the user usually equates to a sophisticated technology design behind the curtain. At the very least, this complicated technology needs periodic attention and routine maintenance. Five minutes before a video conference with a fellow school located across the country, the CODEC decides to "go south". All that you have is a blank screen and a room full of course hungry students. Now is not the time to start looking for a qualified technician. The search should start during the initial project scope development.
As consultants, when developing a technology site, a key part of our evaluation is to determine the facility's support and maintenance needs. The complexity and size of the facility and technology systems will have a direct effect on your staffing needs. Whatever the plan may be, new or upgrade, support staff considerations should be part of your technology budget.
If your facility requires technical support staff, you will need a technician(s) with audio/video, communications and system integration experience to maintain your technology. Before you start looking for the support person, develop a scope based on your facility's specific needs. These specific needs will help determine the degree of qualifications needed and the appropriate compensation. When determining your staffing needs, examine your current needs, then take into consideration your plans for future growth.
A candidate should understand and be able operate your specific equipment. They should have technical qualifications specific to the components of the system. Be sure that your candidate has an understanding of your "whole" system and the interaction between various technologies. The successful candidate will most likely be responsible for training others, so people skills are essential. They should enjoy helping others and be free with their understanding of your system.
Your candidate should have experience with video conferencing, distance learning, broadcast, and various forms of audio and video equipment. Audio/Video design build experience is also an advantage. Depending on your facility's size and technical needs the amount of experience needed in these areas will vary. A candidate should have affiliations with engineering or technical societies. This will show their commitment to staying current. Certifications and/or a formal technical education must also be considered.
This question is often asked. The best place to find these people are through trade magazines, networking, and industry functions, such as conventions and seminars. Head hunter services and career opportunity web sites are also a possibility. You may want to contact the United States Distance Learning Association at 510-606-9410. Here is a list of some trade magazines that you may want to look in:
Have the support staff involved in the plans for the new technology. For those facilities who are fortunate to have an existing qualified staff, the more they know on what is to come the better they can prepare for those technology changes. Be prepared to reevaluate the staff versus growth with the new technology. You may need to add staff to best utilize the new technology investment.
The A/V contractor installing the equipment should have system training as part of their contract. There are two levels of training that the contractor can provide. The first level is for the technical operation of the system. This level is for the facility's technical staff. The second level is the user level. This level is for the instructors who need to know only the functionality of the system as it pertains to their needs. (User level training will be a subject for another article.) Manufacturer's direct training may also be possible on specific system components. You can find out this information from either your technology consultant or A/V contractor.
If you wish additional information or assistance in developing your facility's technical support needs, please feel free to contact RJC Designs Inc. by any of the methods described on our Contact page.