ncate-CEHS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes April 11, 2001 2001 minutes

CEHS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2001

Members present: Bonnie Mathies, Doris Johnson, Jan LaForge, Roger Carlsen, Valerie Doll, Verne Smith, Jeff Dabney, John Smith, Marilyn Pickett, Chris Roberts, Mary Jane Walling, Francis Yu, Becky Bower

Doris J. called the CEHS Technology Committee meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. After approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, members introduced themselves to the group. Bonnie M. led a discussion with an overview of Macs in the College. There are issues and concerns, so as a college we need to decide what we want to do. There is general consensus that our students need to know Mac and PC platforms.

Roger C. provided a new person’s perspective on the computer platforms. He mentioned that while at UD, he led the charge for the PC platform in public schools. He suggested that if we move to PCs, we shouldn’t leave Macs completely. However, the PC platform is particularly helpful when working in WebCT.

There were concerns about problems with the Mac OS X. Data Viz 6.0 reads, converts and does an excellent job of covering most of these problems. Data Viz is supported for people using PCs at home.

The Mac is a very popular platform with the technology-learned societies such as ISTE and Ohio School Net.

When Valerie D. taught courses, she used PCs. The College does support both platforms. The Adaptive Lab will have 6 PCs and 2 Macs.

Jan L.’s computer use began with a PC at home in the 1980s. In the Human Services department, Macs are seldom used since only PC format materials are supported. Testing for her online courses are PC format. She thanked John Smith for all of his support recently.

Marilyn P. mentioned that she received a message from Rick Wantz who said there is very little material in his discipline that is available in Mac format. His email also has problems.

Jeff D. said WebCT is more PC friendly. Chris Murphy is on the university committee that is research the best web browser. Internet Explorer is better in some areas. This may become the new browser software for WSU.

Doris mentioned America Online would have an online debate on Macs versus PCs on Thursday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. Some of the fans on both sides are a bit fanatical in their Mac or PC support.

Bonnie believes this debate/discussion is likely to continue because we need to provide the best services for all of our students.

Francis Yu discussed the new computers in the ERC. The MPL will get new computers also. New digital cameras will be available soon as will the new label printer.

According to Becky B., all faculty will attend WebCT on Friday. She invited John to attend since he supports much of their computer upkeep. The department wants a printer in the lab.

Chris R. from CTL mentioned distance learning as his department’s focus. Assessment procedures are underway. The department is involved with much training and support for the university. Their emphasis is not only in providing support, but also in addressing student issues. Doris thanked this department for all the assistance they provide her classes.

John is glad to be available to provide support to the college. He is getting use to working in the college.

Jeff will address email issues. Verne Smith is working on password reset for the distance learning classes. Valerie will give support. He suggested that CTL send a person to the first class session to address WebCT issues. EDL needs support for WebCT and other support. Chris said there is a web page they can use that addresses issues. Roger uses Web board to move and assist students having problems with WebCT.

Valerie uses Web board with her student teachers to have discussions. The NCATE website has been constructed. Each Thursday, Jeff, John and Valerie meet to work on the page. They are trying to determine the pdf format.

Verne says OS X has issues. CATS is currently replacing and updating various software packages for the different labs. Printing is no longer free. Inkjet printing for CEHS class assignments will remain free.

Mary Jane mentioned Donna Cole is having many problems with her computer and printer.

Roger stated that all EDL courses have a technology component. WebCT, Web board, and Palms are used to coordinate activities. WebCT is the PowerPoint of distance learning. His students must post assignments. Students can contact Roger via WebCT. He praised CTL for their support.

Jan reported that the programs for distance learning are going fairly well. They are adding various parts. There is a problem with out of state tuition and we need to look at this issue. The University Technology committee is presently investigating this. In ten years, MIT will have all course syllabi and lectures online. She wanted to know if there has been a policy change for taking old computers home. The procedure to follow if you want to take a computer home is:

Get a form from Jeff.
Complete and return the form.
Also, you can send an email to Bonnie, John and Jeff to request a computer.

There is no technical support on these computers.

On August 1, 2001, the College and Time-Warner will co-sponsor Cable in the Classroom. This will be held in the Student Union. They have a special program on violence in the classroom.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m.