Lessons Learned LESSONS LEARNED PCs are only 10

Lessons Learned

LESSONS LEARNED • PC’s are only 10% of the Challenge (support/networks/policies/train/expo se) • Most sunk costs can be ignored • Expectations need management • Develop a comprehensive plan first, and quickly match it with a multiyear financial plan ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000

LESSONS LEARNED • Consulting Help is the Most Important Gift • Professional Project Mgt is Crucial • Demand will increase Much Faster than Anticipated • Pilot Year is Essential • Hardware & Software Decisions are separable ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000

LESSONS LEARNED • Standardization pays rewards well beyond those anticipated; non-standard configurations require 3 -4 times support • Students/Faculty want specific computer training that is centered around a taskat-hand; general classes don’t work well • Be prepared to outsource challenges • Don’t wire to every seat ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000

LESSONS LEARNED • Reliability is critical, esp. the Help Desk • Provide academic units staff of their own & plenty of equipment without hassle • Improve communications; rumors fly fast • Spread the gains from & ownership of innovation throughout all units • Use the internet for course materials • Use a commercial Course Mgt System ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000

LESSONS LEARNED • Choose a Partner for the Long Haul • Budget Adequate Start Up & Operating Funds • Place in Context of an Overall Financial Plan • Balance Centralized Services & Local Control • Place Some Funds Under Faculty Control ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000

Lessons Learned • Contact becomes Continuous. • Students expect messages between classes • Team assignments increase • Papers & Talks often include visuals • Departmental clubs thrive • Student Portfolios Emerge • Students teach faculty ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000

Lessons Learned • Computer knowledge is a boon to student recruitment, retention, selfconfidence. • Computer knowledge is highly valued by students & prospective employers • Computer availability throughout the student body attracts new faculty • Computer challenged students learn basic skills quickly, without special classes ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000

Lessons Learned • Greatest benefits are what happens between classes, not during classes. • Greatest gains from computing come from “the big three. ” • Standardization speeds faculty adoption and eases the pressure upon support staff • Standardization saves class time. • Student groups are larger and more active • Faculty migrate to the student standard ICCEL -- Wake Forest University, 2000 very quickly

Lynda M. Goff Director, Information Systems Support Services David G. Brown Vice President & Dean (ICCEL) Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, N. C. 27109