Managing Technological Change: Strategies for College and University Leaders

by A.W. (Tony) Bates

"A required read for every university administrator grappling withthe complexities of technology and education. Bates has combined animpressive depth of experience and practice to produce anauthoritative and well-reasoned approach."--Bruce Pennycook, vice-principal, Information Systems and Technology, McGillUniversity

"Digital technologies are revolutionizing the practices of teachingand learning at colleges and universities all around the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787946818
• ISBN13: 9780787946814
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Managing Technological Change

Great book! I still use it now. It arrived in mint condition!

Great book for higher education!

This is one of the few books providing a framework for implementing technology in a college or university environment. The author uses a straightforward approach to technology. The text is easy to read and understand.

Great Source Reading

Of the numerous books regarding the recent online learning movement that I have read, this book provided me with the most useful, applicable insights. I enjoyed the author's perceptive knowledge sharing. The resources provided in the book are definitely worth the price of the book. This author illustrates both the advantages and disadvantages of the unique contributions that technology can make in this evolving and exciting realm of online learning.

Excellent source for the intelligent use of technology...

Tony Bates writes an immensely practical guide for coping with changing technological needs and developing a rational and strategic process for making sound decisions. As a manager in a university department, I appreciated a resource that focused on the academic environment. In addition, I think the issues he raises and the process he proposes have relevance for other educational institutions and training facilities, especially those in the public or non-profit sector which tend to be financially conservative by nature. Bates offers best practices and expert advice on factors to address when confronting technological change, especially as it relates to teaching. As he points out, technology is a means to an end, so in order to best manage technology one must be aware of the inevitable impact technology has in society and, consequently, position the institution within changing markets and needs. Major investments in technological infrastructure must be paired with a corresponding vision of the organization. This book is about the art of managing cultural change as much as it is about incorporating new tools, taking into account the human factors and the hazards implicit therein.The format of the book is also helpful. It begins with an executive summary, provides concluding summaries at the end of each chapter, provides a balanced perspective on the pros/cons to choices that the institution must make, and presents real-world case studies to give a flavor of principles in action. I highly recommend this reading for anyone in an administrative or teaching capacity who finds himself or herself faced with the difficult choices inherent in a technology transformation. The only thing that would have increased the value of the book for me is a deeper discussion and emphasis on the role of the library or technology center within this transformation.