Minutes of the Instructional Technology Committee, February 22, 2005

The IT Committee of the Auburn University Department of English was called to order by the chairperson, Betsy Smith, at 2:00 p.m. on February 22, 2005.

Those persons present were Craig Bertolet, Frances Collins, George Crandell, Don Cunningham, Alex Dunlop, Jessica Lueders, Sam Singer, and Hilary Wyss.

Review Computer Upgrade Schedule for Faculty, Work Area, and Classrooms

Betsy reported that the faculty computer request had been approved for $12,000.  Jeremy Downes’ computer is on order.  If no problems develop, she suggests that “we get through the semester before ordering.” Room 3116 is on the schedule for new computers during the summer.  Those computers removed will replace older ones in the work areas. Currently all faculty computers are 3 years or less in age.  Academic year 2005-2006 will have jump in the number of systems scheduled to be replaced.

Review Web Development Activities and Discuss Future Development

Footers have been updated to reflect the year 2005.  Content will be checked and “Last updated” will be changed to reflect a current date.  This will be done by us or those responsible for the content.  Cleaning and organizing files continues.  Focus this semester will be on content.  In the Fall, more design and behind the scene changes will happen.  The site will become more portal related.  Graduate site is very much overhauled.  Navigation has been re-worked.  We are currently working on the career pages, and EGO.  Hilary states that the Graduate Studies is “a huge improvement.”  Don says that “MTPC is the best in the country.” Areas of recent work include Book Authors and Alumni News.  People “sending notes” indicates that the alumni area is getting results.  Betsy requests that anyone knowing of possible “Newsworthy” articles should report them to her.  Anyone having committee meeting minutes should submit those for inclusion on the web site.  Frances asked when we will add the Advisory Council area.  There is currently no page recognizing instructor awards.  Craig asked if there is a page for TPC minor.  Alex is working on World Literature and will meet with Betsy and Jessica for assistance as progress is made.

Review Database Activities and Discuss Future Development

Hilary noted that the database has drastically changed the application process. 

Other topics

Don comments that the TEC enhanced classrooms have made a big difference in the way he teaches.  Betsy states that TEC room scheduling is tough, but doable if requests are submitted on time.  TEC rooms left over are assigned to someone in English even if not requested.  Hilary suggests that 8009 have a TEC Component and be used as a substitute for 3104.  It was noted that 9030D could do the same thing. 

All business completed, the meeting was adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Sam Singer