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

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 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 task-at-hand; general classes don’t work well Be prepared to outsource challenges Don’t wire to every seat

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

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 LESSONS LEARNED

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

Lessons Learned Computer knowledge is a boon to student recruitment, retention, self- confidence. 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 Disciplines use computers differently

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 very quickly

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