ITAC
April 25, 2000
I. New desktop computer standard
Joe Fleming announced that the Computing Services standards committee has recommended Dell desktop computer models for new and replacement Windows computers this year. The committee carefully reviewed features, reliability and cost in arriving at this recommendation, which IRAB endorsed. In addition, Dell desktops and Sony notebook computers remain on the recommended list for students buying computers, along with the Macintosh.
II. Computing Equipment Budget
Joe Fleming handed out a revised equipment budget for 2000-2001 based on the suggestions made at the April 11 meeting of IRAB. Most of the equipment budget ($709,000 of $800,000 total) had to be allocated to replacement equipment in keeping with the four-year replacement cycle. Additional funds were made available for this year's equipment needs by postponing the acquisition of selected SCT Banner web modules, and by a gift to assist with the outfitting of an electronic classroom for English. The following new equipment items were recommended and approved by IRAB:
Licensing for the Oracle database for administrative systems
Software to provide comprehensive virus protection for the campus
Four electronic classrooms
Upgrades of computer system units (not monitors) in the economics and modern languages labs are possibilities if funds become available and if such upgrades can be scheduled around classes.
This budget combined with donated funds for new facilities will result in a significant increase in the number of electronic classrooms on campus, including Knapp 105 (23 computers, projection system), Knapp 206 (digital video editing lab with 7 workstations, projection), Dance classroom (with an existing projection system), Barney-Davis 110 and three other classrooms with projection and networked computers (locations being determined by polling departmental chairs).
III. Board of Trustees actions taken on April 15
Seth Patton reviewed the details of an information initiative that was proposed to and approved by the Board. The initiative (see the IRAB document "Envisioning a 21st Century Information-Rich Environment") funds 7.5 positions now and brings them onto the regular budget over the next four years. This was achieved by increasing by one-half of one percent the rate at which endowment funds are spent, but only for the next year. The strength of the endowment makes it possible to funds these positions without impacting new initiatives.
The positions are:
* database administrator in Computing Services
* web programmer in Web Services Office
* web technology analyst in Web services office (previously a part-time casual position)
* web content editor in Public Affairs
* digital media specialist in the LRC
* support services technicians in Computing Services
* instructional technology specialist for the social sciences in Computing Services
* half-time logistics coordinator in Computing Services
IV. Cable Television planning
Seth Patton and Mike Frazier reminded IRAB of the consultants' report on cable TV. The current plan calls for the addition of six to eight cable TV channels through which Denison could distribute content throughout the campus cable TV facility. Network-based IP/TV remains the most likely technology for distributing video to the classrooms.
V. Electronic classrooms
Lisbeth Lipari inquired about the location and use of all classrooms that are capable of projecting materials from VCRs and networked computers. She noted the important distinction between classrooms with one computer for each student and classrooms where the instructor can use a computer to project digital materials. We especially more of the latter. Vanessa Fuson noted that these resources are listed on a web page. Joe Fleming said that at the current rate of investment in e-classroom technology, it will take seven to eight years before most classrooms would have these needed facilities.
Discussion followed about the tradeoffs of the departmental nature of many of these classrooms. While departments may help in the management of the spaces, not all of these technology-equipped classrooms are used as much as they might be. IRAB members agreed with Provost Anderson's suggestion that he work with Registrar Larry Murdock to ensure that classroom assignments are based on needs for technology in each course, and that departmental chairs assist in anticipating these needs as course schedules are prepared.