The new features are impressive and provide the functionalty of old A-! in a modern interface that can be accessed anywhere. Beta-testing is in October, the switchover is in November, and A-1 should be unplugged by the end of the year.

KC identified training as a key area where our group could help.

Ron stressed 2 important levels that need to be included in every college technology plan,

• Strategic a declaration of what you want to do/have happen in the future.
• Operational How it will happen

• All ideas should enhance instruction; they should move toward a vision or a global view.
• Elements should be simple; try and come up with common elements that can cross over between colleges, for example:
  • Learning Centers (Instruction Labs)
  • Employees (desktop units)
  • Infrastructure (wiring, etc.)
  • New Facilities
• District-wide planning include:
  • Administration
  • Library
  • Network Support/Repair
  • Periodicals
• Category numbers ($) can change due to enrollment. A formula increases or decreases allocations based upon enrollment changes.
• Capitol items include:
  • Instruction Labs
  • Student Services
  • Infrastructure
  • Upgrades & Maintenance
• Plan for support and training along with computers, but these are not included in bond requests.
• Plan for a 3 year life cycle, turnover is more rapid. Include plans for re-allocation of equipment.
• When is the next bond election? 2002? Possibly 2004, regardless we need to start planning now.
• The current college plans are a good first cut
• The next step(s) are to come up with common elements [i.e. buttons].
• We need to constantly keep our plans current and always ask questions.

• Mission
• Replacement/Recycle/Upgrades
• Executive Summary
• Needs Assessment
• Maintenance
• Goals
• Technology Staffing
• Administrative Services
• Infrastructure
• Technology Inventory
• Staff Development
• Assessment of Technology
• Instructional Technology
• Equipment & Software Requests
• Student Services

• There is a district-wide assessment group; the chairs would like to talk to these people (or a representative from this group) to determine what they are looking at and what they are working on. Kathy Iudicello and Margaret Hogan are members of this group.

• Who will be the next Ocotillo General Chair ( the "new" Manny)? We are acecpting self-nominations from the group.

• Ocotillo Retreat 2000. After a discussion it was agreed that the retreat will be held locally. The group thought it was a good idea to get more people involved (including students). Here are some suggestions:
  • Involve students in some way;
  • Instead of going to every college over a week's time, we can limit it to a few colleges this year and to the others next year;
  • Have showcases at various colleges;
  • Have an "east side" college one day and then a "west side" college another day.

• Summarize and plan action/ideas from last retreat
• Retreat 2000 ideas
• Future meeting topics (assessment?)