I have to say the network folks here have started to really listen to us. I have always asked that the network engineers be included in any new or big capital projects as the network is now the heavy lifting backbone of educational technology.
The laptop is now your 16mm, 55mm, overhead transparency, cable TV and (Dog help us) and the bringer of PowerPoint.
And the network is what provides the in and out of knowledge to the classroom.
We want to be able to share content and live feeds around campus. A strong alliance with your IT/Network people is a good thing.