Ravi Blogs about IT Topics

On Monday, 3/17/09, I had gone to the Legislative Office Building in the Capitol area of Hartford, CT to testify on behalf of the Network Infrastructure and Services Advisory Council that I chair to recommend that the state retain the Commission for Education Technology (CET). I have attached my written testimony below. Basically, Governor Jody Rell had issued a directive to eliminate or combine the functions of the various State established Commissions to save money. Our advisory council felt very strongly that the elimination of CET at this time is a bad idea on many counts. First off, it will not save money because almost all members serve voluntarily. It was pointed out that a few state employees attent the CET meeting, which is a cost to the State, and therefore this will be a savings. But it is miniscule in a larger scheme of things.

Secondly, CET oversees CEN, the state funded network, and various aspects such as collaboration and content sharing between K-12 schools and libraries. These are some of the highest priority items for this administration and to the country as a whole. So, eliminating CET, and thereby not having an oversight over these activities will mean disaster to a very forward thinking and serious investment. Please read on…

Statement in favor of continuing
the Commission for Education Technology
By
Ganesan Ravishanker, Associate VP for ITS, Wesleyan University
And
Chair, Network Infrastructure and Services Advisory Council for CET

My name is Ganesan Ravishanker and I am the Associate Vice President for Information Technology Services at Wesleyan University.  I also serve as Chairman of the Commission for Educational Technology’s Network Infrastructure and Services Advisory Council.

The members of Network Infrastructure and Advisory Council would like to support the continuation of the Commission for Educational Technology in the strongest possible terms. The Commission has the oversight responsibility for this council, which advises the Commission on matters relating to the Connecticut Education Network (CEN), and suggests technical services and enhancements that might benefit CEN users.

Connecticut Education Network (CEN) is an enormously valuable resource for the K-12 schools, libraries and higher education institutions in the state and is the envy of many such institutions who do not enjoy the benefits of such a state sponsored network. With the leadership of Governor Rell,  this project was implemented during the early 2000’s and was a very forward thinking initiative which stated the commitment of Connecticut to Education in the 21st century in no uncertain terms.

The Commission and the Advisory council have played a very valuable role right from the beginning in assuring that the member institutions benefited from the stated goals in the most effective ways. Not having the Commission or the Advisory council will result in lack of leadership and creative use of the network which may result in us going back several steps at a time when we most need better and faster broadband access and their appropriate use in educating the leaders of tomorrow. Coincidentally, broadband access and commitment to better education are right at the top of the Obama administration priorities.

Over the past few years, the Council, with the help of CET has been instrumental in implementing the internet filters for K-12; has facilitated setting up a disaster recovery facility for the CEN members at a remote facility in Springfield, MA; recommended a reasonable way to provide high speed connectivity to charter schools; and finally, is piloting the possible reselling of unused bandwidth at night to Higher Ed members of CEN.

If the Commission were to be dissolved, it is not clear what happens to the Advisory Council.  Without a body with a clear mandate such as the Commission, it is also not clear who exactly would be responsible for the appropriate use of CEN. Both the Commission and the Council consists of very dedicated members who have volunteered valuable time for very creative and forward thinking projects that have helped the educational institutions move into the 21st century. The current oversight structure is crucial to make sure that such a valuable and strategic resource is used in more creative ways to benefit the educational community. Most importantly, the Commission and Council will ensure that the CEN remains a resource for the educational communities and not be diluted by the constant pressure from other uses of this network

Thank you for giving me the time and I sure hope that the Commission and the Council survives this discussion at a time when their missions are right in line with the future needs of Connecticut and the country.