|
The
Development Core is a resource for identifying new information
technologies (IT) that can be applied to all phases of data collection
and intervention. The Core assists investigators to use IT in their
projects through the following five-step process:
Step 1: Center investigators who are developing new research studies
inform the Development Core when such studies will be presented at a
Cross Core Meeting. A member of the Development Core attends the
meeting and helps identify ways in which the research project could take
advantage of IT.
Step
2:
A dialogue is established with the SED Core, the Columbia Center for New
Media Teaching and Learning, or similar groups, concerning resources
available at the institution or in use by other research teams that may
be shared by our investigators.
Step
3:
The investigator considers the suggestions offered and decides on their
usefulness for the particular project. If IT is to be used, the PI
sends an "IT Estimate Request" to the IT support staff of the HIV
Center's Administrative Core
Step 4: The Administrative Core IT staff, under the supervision of
the Development Core, explores technologies available to accomplish the
task requested by the investigator and provides a documented estimate
including type of technology available, provider and set-up costs,
maintenance expenses, security concerns, and advantages and
disadvantages of various methods. The estimate results in a written
summary with attached web pages showing pictures of the hardware.
Step 5: With this estimate report in hand, the investigator decides
which option works best, balancing considerations of cost, effectiveness
and relevance, and level of security.
The
Development Core collaborates with HIV Center investigators to stay
updated on IT tools for online meetings, web conferencing, creation of
real-time virtual working environments, and delivery of pre-recorded
training lessons and presentations through video interactions to train
staff globally on specific skills. Core members advise Center
researchers on emerging technologies and ways to decrease costs and
increase productivity and efficiency. |
