Minutes of the Instructional Technology Committee, November 1, 2005

Minutes of the November 1, 2005 English Department IT Committee Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Betsy Smith.

Those present were:
Michelle Sidler
James Goldstein
Scott Simkins
Frances Collins
George Crandell
Sam Singer
Daniel Hasty

Absent was Tom Nunnally.

The purpose of the meeting was to go over the status of the IT area.

Work Areas
Betsy reported that the work areas were upgraded over the summer with 17 new computers.
Scott had several questions about the work area computers
1. Most people don’t like FireFox. Could Internet Explorer be added? Betsy responded     that the college is maintaining the work area and that they have expressed security concerns with Internet Explorer. After some discussion, Betsy reported that she would re-visit the issue with the college.
2. Scott asked about adding speakers to the computers. Betsy reported that like the browser decision, the college had determined that speakers were not needed in the work areas.
3. Scott inquired as to the possibility of adding signage that would encourage computer users to first use computers without a scanner, unless they were working on a scanning project. Betsy will add a sign.
4. Scott asked about the availability of photo and image editing software on the computers in the work areas. Betsy responded that the computers with scanners have that software installed.
5. Scott also asked about sound editing software. Betsy responded that the same     computers with scanners have the software installed.

Faculty Computers
Betsy explained to the committee the standing procedure for upgrading computers systems for faculty. The schedule has been every 3 to 4 years depending on a number of factors. Betsy has the list of those in line for new computers if anyone is interested in seeing it.

Betsy mentioned that Lisa Taylor is currently handling many of the faculty requests for computer assistance.

Michelle asked if specialized software is still available. Betsy responded that yes it is.
Scott raised the question of how does the department get new faculty up to speed in technology. Betsy stated that at the beginning of the year, there is a 2 to 3 hours briefing. Some new faculty will follow up with courses at IMG.

Tech Enhanced Classrooms
Betsy reported that there are many requests each semester for TEC rooms. Scheduling these rooms is a real problem and takes more than a day to complete. Betsy and Frances work together on this project. Betsy cautioned that it is important for faculty to use these rooms if they have signed up for them.

Computer Classroom
Betsy reported that HC 3116 was rebuilt over the summer and that HC 3130 will be rebuilt in December 2006 and HC 3143 in Summer 2007. HC 3130 and 3143 contain leased computers. HC 3130 and 3143 contain leased computers.

Department Web Site
Betsy reported that the web site was up to date as to content, in most areas. Sam reported that the site would be 3 years old in August 2006, and would need to be overhauled structurally to reflect better use of CSS and data-driven content. Pages need to be converted to an XHTML format.

The English Channel
Betsy reported that The English Channel is being published with no problems. Will Brinkley is doing most of the work.

Request for Document Camera
Betsy reported that Thomas Nunnally had requested a document camera for 3130.

There being no more business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Submitted by Sam Singer
November 1, 2005