Request Review of Technology
ACC views faculty, staff, and students as partners in developing and maintaining our portfolio of academic technology offerings. This page offers information about how to propose new technology for review.
The process for exploring and piloting new technologies is dependent on the the number of users and scope of the technology. If you have questions about the processes below, please contact Academic Technology.
Technology for use by 1 instructor and/or by 1 class section
Faculty can select and implement technology for their own class sections without prior approvals, under the following conditions:
- Technology is not purchased using ACC funds; for example, products are free or paid for by individual users.
- Technology does not contain, transmit, or store FERPA- or HIPPA-protected data, or personally identifiable information (PII).
- The technology is web-based and does not require software installation onto ACC devices.
- The technology and parent company does not collect information to be used or sold to other companies or for any purpose other than instructional needs.
Technology for use by a limited number of users requiring ACC resources
Technology that is paid for using ACC funds or integrates with other ACC systems requires approval by the Office of Academic Technology and IT Services. This includes Blackboard integration or software that needs to be installed on ACC devices. If approved by Academic Technology, an Academic Technology liaison will be assigned to help shepherd IT approval.
Through the review and approval process, the following considerations are made:
- Is the vendor and/or product TX-RAMP certified?
- What is the funding source?
- What is the potential impact on other ACC systems (Blackboard, networking, etc.?
- What are the security implications?
- What is the desired timeline for approvals/implementation?
- How long is access to the product intended for?
Technology for adoption by a single department or program
Technology for implementation and use by a single department or academic program requires approval by the Office of Academic Technology and IT Services. If approved by Academic Technology, an Academic Technology liaison will be assigned to help shepherd IT approval.
Through the review and approval process, the following considerations are made:
- Is the vendor and/or product TX-RAMP certified?
- What is the potential impact on other ACC systems (Blackboard, networking, etc.?
- What are the security implications?
- What is the desired timeline for approvals/implementation?
- How long is access to the product intended for?
Technology for adoption by multiple departments or college-wide adoption
Technology that is requested for review as a college-wide solution must first be approved by the Academic Technology Advisory Committee. In addition to similar considerations referenced above, college-wide adoptions also include the following:
- Vendor-provided demos
- Committee discussions
- Consideration of existing technologies supported at ACC
- Potential ROI and use of the technology
Technologies recommended by the Academic Technology Advisory Committee are then submitted to the appropriate Associate Vice Chancellor for approval to conduct a short-term pilot which typically takes place over one semester. Pilots provide faculty and student input on the technology, which is then reported to the Academic Technology Advisory Committee for additional discussions and a final recommendation.
Recommended technologies are presented to the relevant Associate Vice Chancellor for funding consideration. The Office of Academic Technology sponsors and manages ongoing conversations and technology implementation.