The Academic Technology department seeks to expand training and support opportunities for faculty and students in the use of the online learning platform, Brightspace, the video streaming platform, YuJa, and the use of various technology tools to increase student engagement in learning.

Support for all academic technology-related questions has historically been provided by Maureen Larsen, Director, during and after regular working hours via phone and email, but more help is needed.  Academic Technology is severely limited in what can be done due to a lack of staffing.  Although the distance learning program at SUNY Orange has grown significantly since 2001, no additional staff have been added in this area.  A part-time videographer position, funded through the CTL budget line, was added in 2023 and that staff member, Liam McClinsey, has been instrumental in helping the department meet some of our goals for creating tutorial content for students and faculty.  Liam has also created content for Advising and continues to work on special projects. The plan is to train Liam to assist with the technical support area for Brightspace as time permits.  At least one full-time staff position with experience in instructional design and platform administration is needed to assist with the workload and keep the college moving forward with academic technology. 

Academic Technology is working with CSTEP since Spring of 2023 to provide paid positions for student interns to assist with Academic Technology.  This collaboration was expanded in Spring of 2024 to include assignments with the Information Technology Department in the User Support area.  This pilot partnership will provide students with valuable experience as well as increasing the support available for faculty and students using various academic technology at SUNY Orange.

Academic technology began a pilot program with BRIDGES in 2023 and that has had a great deal of success. The program was expanded for Fall 2023/Spring 2024 to include meeting with BRIDGES students 2 hours a week during their Academic Resource class to provide hands-on instruction and guidance in using the school’s academic technology resources such as Portal, Office 365, Banner, Gmail and Brightspace.  Additional support is provided in one-on-one meetings as needed. Student interns may be able to assist in this area as well.