The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Question: Have members’ concerns about the Association’s information technology (IT) services been addressed?

Answer: Yes, they have. Based on concerns expressed by members about the Association’s IT services, the ATA commissioned an external review last spring. The review, conducted by senior IT managers at Johnson Inc., confirmed that the Association is acquiring appropriate technology, our costs are consistent for the services we provide and IT leadership is solid. The review provided recommendations on how to improve communications across the organization as projects are undertaken and to ensure member satisfaction with project results. The ATA adopted the review team’s recommendations in their entirety. I’m pleased with the progress made in IT this year, and we continue to receive feedback that the changes are working well.

The Association has also received external recognition for its IT services. Four years ago, the ATA adopted an integrated approach called "unified communications" to support technology-based communications, an approach that integrates e-mail, instant messaging, audio, video and document sharing. It also integrates hardware devices such as VoIP phones (voice over internet protocol) with computers and videoconference equipment, such as Polycom, with mobile devices (cellphones and laptop computers). ATA staff experience seamless movement between these forms of communication across various types of devices and web-based and suite-based visual communication. The Association is one of only three organizations in Canada participating in a highly contested and preferential Microsoft initiative that provides Microsoft expertise and implementation of software a year in advance. As a result of ­Microsoft’s commitment, the ATA will benefit from the advance release of software, including additional unified communications products that will further position the Association as a leader in the area of technology and communications.

I am encouraged by our progress as we continue to focus on meeting the IT needs of our members.