Module 14: Anticipating Barriers and Establishing Solutions

In this section, you will connect with the experiences that went into developing your project so far, and conduct a brief reality check regarding possible unanticipated barriers. Start a section in your notes called "Anticipating Barriers" to jot down ideas as you go through the activities in this section.

The following four steps will help you reflect on where you are coming from as you prepare to finalize your TUP.

Step 1 -- Take a moment to revisit your vision assignment. Sometimes the process of seeking buy-in from stakeholders can lead to unrealistic expectations in a TUP. Analyze your assignment in terms of what you now know about the reality of your local resources. Use this time to anticipate barriers that may emerge because your vision went beyond what local resources can be expected to support. These barriers may include such issues as administrative support, faculty support, maintenance and training.

Step 2 -- Take a look at the success factors described in Session 10.

• Staff Development and Technical Support
• Availability of Technology
• Facilities and Maintenance
• Assessment

Note any barriers in these factors that you may not have adequately considered so far.

For example, one barrier to success that has had much recent interest is the availability, or lack thereof, of technology coordinators. If you are concerned about this, take a look at some recent articles in the Chronicle of Higher Education which point out the widespread difficulties in finding qualified tech coordinators. These articles are online, but you need to subscribe to the service. The articles can also be found in your library.

"Colleges Complain They Can't Hire -- or Keep --Enough Computer Specialists"
Demand is exploding and supply is down as fewer people graduate with related degrees"
By Jeffrey R. Young; Copyright 1997 by The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 09/05/97
Section: Information Technology
Page: A36

"Shortage of Technology Professionals Prompts Joint Study"
By Jeffrey R. Young; Copyright 1997 by The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 10/10/97
Section: Information Technology
Page: A28

As Use of Computers Surges, Colleges Scramble to Provide Technical Support
The problem is exacerbated by the constant release of new versions of software and hardware.
By Lisa Guernsey and Jeffrey R. Young; Copyright 1997 by The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 09/05/97
Section: Information Technology
Page: A35

From what you now know, are there any other barriers that may emerge from an analysis of the Session 10 success factors?

Step 3 -- Review your budget in light of your current quest to identify unanticipated barriers. Jot down any specific changes that may need to be considered.

Step 4 -- In your previous field trips and discussions with tech coordinators and community partners, you were asked to take notes on the following questions:

• List barriers to implementing TUPs that were not anticipated by planners.
• What strategies were used to identify and remedy unanticipated barriers?

Look over your notes and highlight or make new notes on items that may have relevance to your TUP.

In conclusion, review the section in your notes called "Anticipating Barriers." Do you see any other need to modify your budget? Make note of any other issues that should be included in your final TUP or alternate project.

Page author: David Georgi
URL: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/EDTEC596R/Session14/connect.html
Last updated: February 20, 1998