Government Technology - September 2008 - (Page 51)

“I do believe the laptop is a beneficial tool to have, especially for those that do emergency coverage,” said one caseworker. “Plus, it is one step ahead to assist caseworkers with getting their job done.” Satisfaction with the technologies was overwhelmingly high in all efforts. Laptops were the highest-rated technology because they offered the most functionality. Many caseworkers said having a laptop reduced job-related stress. Other technologies, such as BlackBerrys, allow e-mail but without access to the state’s child welfare information system to read case histories. Laptops, meanwhile, provide caseworkers with the ability to do two critical components of their work — enter and receive case information — while out of the office. However, not all responses were positive. The devices didn’t reduce stress for some workers, and the reasons most frequently mentioned were technical issues of connectivity and speed, and the realities of CPS work itself. One caseworker said, “Technology only “After a day of client visits I can go home and take care of family, then sit down and document all my notes from the day.” New York CPS caseworker helps us to have flexibility in where and when we do the documentation, but does not lessen the complexity and tension in each case.” In total, more than 80 percent of the participants who used laptops recommended their continued use in CPS work. The reasons were improved ability to serve clients, increased ability to use time more efficiently, more autonomy in where and when work can be completed, and better access to information. Lessons Learned Successfully introducing new technology into an intergovernmental arena, such as CPS requires extensive planning, coordination and buy-in from multiple organizations. The state and local organizations participated in every aspect of the technical, policy and management implications of how mobile technologies are used in CPS work. The results reveal a state willing to take a collaborative and investigative approach to a large-scale IT investment by testing technologies, uncovering issues and understanding impacts before jumping in headfirst. This strategy can be a hard sell in the beginning but can pay dividends in the end. All mobile technology assessment findings can be read at www.ctg.albany.edu/ projects/mobile. CONTRIBUTING WRITER MEGHAN COOK IS THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST OF THE CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY IN GOVERNMENT. 51 Put Your Sales in High Gear How fast are you moving in the state and local government IT market? Are you accelerating your sales cycle by working with channel partners already making state and local tracks? Do you have access to the information you need? The Center for Digital Government can help you get up to speed with custom state and local government market strategy and sales consulting. WITH THE CENTER FOR DIGITAL GOVERNMENT “The Center for Digital Government has been a tremendous ally and resource providing us a vast array of research services and networking opportunities.” RICK WEBB, CTO, ACCENTURE Tactical Sales and Market Support Channel Partner Programs Digital Government Navigator GET OUT AND TWIST THE THROTTLE OF THE STATE AND LOCAL IT MARKET! CONTACT THE CENTER FOR DIGITAL GOVERNMENT TODAY! CALL 800.598.1379 OR VISIT WWW.CENTERDIGITALGOV.COM/PRODUCTS http://www.ctg.albany.edu/projects/mobile http://www.ctg.albany.edu/projects/mobile http://www.govtech.com http://WWW.CENTERDIGITALGOV.COM/PRODUCTS http://WWW.CENTERDIGITALGOV.COM/PRODUCTS

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Government Technology - September 2008

Government Technology - September 2008 Contents Point of View On the Scene Big Picture Four Questions for... Up Close Fork in the Road On Time and On Target On the Record, Off the Charts Government’s Greatest Asset? Easy Access Finding the Money Security in the Wireless World The Case for Mobility Spectrum Products Two Cents signal:noise Digital Communities Contents A New Government Paradigm News is Now Transformation Web 2.0 Style Protecting Community Media Thinking Regionally Government at La-Z-Boy Speed

Government Technology - September 2008

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