Minutes of the Instructional Technology Committee, October 7, 2003
The monthly meeting of the English Department Information Technology Committee was held in South Eagle’s Nest at 11:00 a.m. Members present were:
Betsy Smith , Chair
Jamie Marchant
Jeremy Downes
Don Cunningham
George Crandell
Constance Relihan
Sam Singer
Tim Dykstal
Kelly Messerschmidt, guest
Frances Collins
Minutes for September 2, 2003 Meeting
Minutes for the September 2, 2003 meeting were corrected and approved.
Correction to September 2, 2003 minutes
• In April 2003, department members were asked for suggestions for revisions, but the response was low.
• . . . revised English Department website was launched in August. . .
AUCUPS
H.1. A question as to working condition of computers in the common areas was raised by Constance . Betsy stated that over the summer the schedule will be to replace them with newer computers from room 3143.
There was also some discussion of the consistency of the terminology “continuing.”
H.2 was discussed briefly.
Wording in H.3 was suggested to include the word “department” in reference to the phrase “web requires continuous updating.”
See the attached sheet for the corrections.
Database Forms
Betsy reported that the staff continues to add forms. In the works is a database for contact information and inventory. ColdFusion server access is coming soon. Don asked the question “should you turn in a book order form if you don’t want to order a book”. Frances suggested that you should.
Committee Meeting Minutes on the Web
Betsy announced that plans were in the works to add committee meeting minutes of all department committees to the web site. These minutes would be username/password protected. There was some discussion about the need to used protected space. Consensus seemed to be that protection was not needed, but a prudent approach.
Usability Testing of English Web Site
Betsy announced that usability testing of the web site had been delayed due to need for IRB approval. The form will be completed and submitted soon. Jeremy asked a question as to the length of time required for the process of approval. Constance suggested that Robin was familiar with this process.
Links from other sites to English was discussed. Kelly stated that the link from the College of Liberal Arts was the only one that she could find on the Auburn site. Jeremy suggested that a link be added from Pre-law to the English site.
Funding
Computers for faculty, new faculty, and the funding was discussed. Betsy announced that she did not have computers on order at this time due to the problems in Purchasing. She was also working on a request for funding this year’s purchases. Ingram and Ryan would be the next faculty due new computers.
Room 3130 was discussed as a possible TEC room. Its use as a seminar room with multi-media was suggested by Constance . A focus group was suggested by Betsy.
Adding a screen in 3116 was suggested by Don.
Request for Software purchase
Betsy suggested using $200 from the fund used for purchasing last year’s computers for the purchase of software requested by faculty. Constance asked if the department could purchase E-STC, a database resource. The library does not have it. Betsy suggested that it be discussed at a faculty meeting.
Groupwise Report
Betsy announced that Deborah Ward was becoming the resident Groupwise expert. Soon mailing lists would be available for faculty use.
Jamie asked if OCR software was available for the scanner on the 8 th floor. Betsy will check.
There being no more business, the meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by Sam Singer
AUCUPS
H.1.
Results: Professorial faculty computers are no older than 4 years; computers in common areas used by instructors and GTAs are no older than 4 years. Technical support is provided by a graduate student assisting the Coordinator and by the Office of Information Technology. When funding is available, hardware and software are replaced.
H.2.
Results: The ongoing collection of information from department members such as course preferences, course descriptions, textbook orders, and directory and biographical information continues through the department’s website into a database on the FrontPage server.
Analysis: The use of web-based forms has made it easier to collect, analyze, and distribute department information. We will continue to develop this area of the website.
H.3.
Results: The department website was completely redesigned and reorganized between March 2003 and August 2003—however, the departmental website requires continuous updating. The site meets ADA-recommended accessibility standards. The hiring of Sam Singer, CLA web developer, made the changes possible. A survey of department members in April 2003 revealed that the English Channel is the most frequently visited page; course descriptions, faculty bios, and the directory are also used by department members.
Analysis: The site will continue to grow as programs develop the content for their areas of the website and the IT Committee builds the common areas on the site.
2003-2004
H.1.
Add to Expected Results: . . . the department, the College , or OIT . . .
H.2.
Change Target Completion: Annually
H.3.
Remove from Expected Results: “chat room, The Forum”
Add to Individuals Responsible: CLA [remove Department] Web Developer
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Last updated November 6, 2003