What is Operating Range

In February 2000, three seemingly unrelated events came together to present a unique challenge at one mid-Atlantic university—a challenge that is being experienced more and more by colleges and universities across the country. First, the faculty approved a new undergraduate teacher preparation curriculum that would include instructional technology in both the first two semesters of the freshman year and three semesters in their junior and senior years—12 new sections of technology- based training. Second, a graduate degree in instructional technology was growing beyond even its most optimistic predictions. In less than four semesters, enrollment increased from 24 to 140 students. Third, funds, staffing support, and classroom space had not been programmed for yet another much-needed computer facility and renovations to available space were cost-prohibitive. To meet the demands for more technology resources, a new multimedia classroom was proposed. Estimated to cost over $200,000, the proposal was rejected by senior administrators due to budgetary considerations. It was clear that to resolve this dilemma, the program director needed to think “outside the box”.