technology implementation success

Earlier this week I wrote about technology failures in organizations, focusing on Blackboard. On page 359 of your text the authors talk about the factors that make technology implementation a success. One technology success at the university is the implementation of the the Accessible Technology Initiative. The initiative is CSU-wide and based on a directive from the chancellor's office--after several lawsuits in which campuses were found in noncompliance with Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act.

SJSU has taken a universal design approach to making sure all campus information is accessible to everyone. Universal design principles were first applied to architecture--designing buildings and other public spaces so that all individuals can use them easily. For example, rather than designing a building with stairs at the entrance and then adding a ramp for individuals who use a wheelchair for mobility, the entrance is even with the sidewalk. The MLK Library is an example of universal design.

In practical terms, accessible technology means that all campus websites and documents are fully screen readable and easy to navigate, video incorporates a transcript or is closed-captioned, and images include text descriptions. For faculty, this initiative means that all instructional materials in current courses must be accessible by Fall 2012; for new courses, the deadline is this semester.

I'm on the Accessible Technology Initiative Instructional Materials committee and the faculty in residence for ATI for the College of Social Sciences. Getting all instructional materials so they're fully accessible is a huge undertaking--one that will benefit all students. For example, all students benefit from having a class syllabus and other course materials online.

The university is approaching the implementation of this initiative in an effective way. The provost is heading up the initiative, so there's support from top management. The external pressure is there--four successful lawsuits across the CSU. The chancellor articulated a clear vision for the initiative. Now we're working on the implementation part--securing faculty buy in, committing resources to helping faculty develop accessible instructional materials, and creating venues for faculty to work together to implement this important change.

This is my first semester as the CoSS faculty in residence for ATI. I'll keep you posted on my experiences.

~ Professor Cyborg