COUNCIL OF THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS
Information Technology Plan
I.T. Plan Mission Statement
The Council of the Southern Mountains utilization of technology is characterized by both a strong service orientation and a readiness to respond to a rapidly changing world. Accountability and assessment must be the overall aspects of every initiative involving or supported by technology. Specifically, CSM strives to use technology to support its Strategic Plan.
CSM will use a wide range of technology resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, research, and communication for both staff and consumers. To this end, technology will become an integral part of the lives of all agency stakeholders enhancing their abilities to meet their unique needs. CSM will strive for all members of our community to have access to a broad array of instructional and training opportunities for the effective use of technology resources, as well as ongoing support.
Expanding Our Concept of Community
Technology can be an effective tool for furthering the CSM mission within the local community, eight county service area, the state, and beyond. CSM will use information technology to facilitate community-building, both locally and at a distance through collaborations and web-based initiatives. A web-based system will allow staff and consumers to participate more fully in the programs offered by this agency and more easily access information, applications and historical data.
CSM will also sponsor and participate in events that allow us to showcase our technological expertise and to share our talents with others. We will leverage information technology resources) to collaborate with other service providers and funding entities. CSM will strengthen the sense of community by implementing a comprehensive public information system; displays in public areas across the service area that will display information about events, programs, and services.
CSM I.T. Training & Support Goals
GOALS STAFF RESPONSIBLE Timeline
Information Technology Coordinator Job Description/Training Schedule to deliver high-level, up-to-the-minute training and development opportunities by ensuring that staff skills are regularly updated
Executive Director
Second quarter
2007
Providing users with a standard suite of desktop software products, including a working MS-Windows environment, anti-virus protection, MS-Office or equivalent word processing tools, e-mail clients, and web browsers Executive Director
IT Coordinator
All Project Directors
Second quarter
2007
Implement this equipment and infrastructure replacement plan, ensuring that computer equipment and software are replaced or upgraded on a five year rolling plan, following an affordable and practical utilization of funds or grant application approvals.
Executive Director
IT Coordinator
All Project Directors
One year plus
Provide scheduled and online training in basic PC skills, including MS-Office, Excel, e-mail, etc. IT Coordinator
All Project Staff At orientation for new hires and on-going for all staff
Providing a network/internet port at every work location Executive Director
IT Coordinator
All Project Directors
Fourth quarter
2007
Develop training for staff and consumers for access to technology in remote areas.
Executive Director
IT Coordinator
All Project Directors
One year
Develop staff guide to computing resources IT Coordinator
Project Director Committee One year
The consumer guide to computing resources.
IT Coordinator
Project Director Committee
One year
Newsletters describing the accomplishments, offerings, and advice on technology.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
Second quarter
2007
Develop how-to guides, documentation, and handouts for information technology tools and functions.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
IT Coordinator
All Project Directors
One year
A description of the technology services available to all staff and consumers through the Council website.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
Fourth quarter
2007
Assist in website develop for consumer entrepreneurs and other programs, both internal and external.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
Fourth quarter
2007
Initiate feedback about technology user satisfaction in the CSM Satisfaction Survey process.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
Second quarter 2007
Develop support resources that are shared among several departments.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Provide technical assistance to staff, community, Board and consumers who want to acquire the personal tools needed for accessing technology,
web based learning and program access information. These include both hardware (personal or handheld computers; printers) and software.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Develop a set of technology competencies for consumers and implement a program for achieving them to assist in Career Development. These competencies will include hardware, software, and information-related skills. Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Enable consumers to create electronic portfolios, resumes and other needed technology services with the goal of self-sufficiency. This information will be used to document consumers’ abilities and accomplishments, provide samples of their work, serve as a basis for discussions with staff and peers, and assist in career-building. Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Initiate a computer lab at Central Office site for the community.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
Fourth quarter
2007
Computer labs through a collaborative in needed locations in our area.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Implementing WV FACS PRO software in all programs with a common electronic intake.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Mounting an archival digitization project for all records. This would need to be funded through grants.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year plus
Expanding video-conferencing facilities (installed and portable) to additional sites. This could be accomplished through a grant to area foundation. This is also a goal for the Individual Training Account program through the local Workforce Investment Board (currently frozen).
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year plus
Implementing wireless networking in Central Office site. This would necessitate grant funding.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Providing local and off-site access to electronic journals and documents through the CSM website.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Link all agency sponsored websites with the main website. Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
All Project Directors
One year
Evaluate IP telephony to enhance telephone access and service.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
One year
Providing for alternate Internet access paths in case of primary line failure.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
One year
Ensuring that all websites are accessible to persons with disabilities by establishing appropriate standards for website creation, educating site builders about accessible web design, offering appropriate training, and providing tools that can be used to test sites’ accessibility.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
One year
Investigating the feasibility of an information technology backup system or recovery site.
Executive Director
Administrative Assistant
One year