INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES
October 17, 2002
I. Welcome and Introductions
§ Members Present: Larry Merkley, Mark Cianca, Pat LeCuyer, Bob White, Dan Selden, Peter Bergstrom, Phillip Stark, Jane Wilhelms
§ Guests Present: Tad Reynales, David Dodson, Beth Riddle, John Rocchio, Henry Burnett, Lynda Goff, Bruce Horn, Ruth Harris-Barnett
§ Staff Present: Max Ritchie, Fana O’Halloran
II. Instructional Technology/Wireless/Laptop Discussion
VP/DUE Lynda Goff began the discussion with some remarks about the future of instructional technology at UCSC. She would like to conduct an experiment with 400 level courses that allow students the choice to participate in ‘virtual’ sections or traditional sections. After tracking participation, attendance and learning differentials, she predicts that the outcomes will be the same. Offering courses like this could relieve room utilization and TA time. She also noted the campus need to articulate learning communities. The colleges and libraries have a lot of unused interactive space that could be used as wireless zones.
Larry cited an Educause article about Dartmouth, which has 500 wireless zones on campus. The main value added was mobility; students could interact with each other and faculty anywhere.
The discussion of installing wireless networks on campus continued. Some issues that were noted included the notion that if we don’t install a wireless network, we’ll see it happen on its own without ‘standards’. It may be necessary to initiate an IT fee for students to allow this idea to come to fruition. Students may factor things like wireless networks into consideration when choosing a university to attend. A security model for a wireless network would have to be well though out.
It was agreed upon that a new group would be formed to discuss a wireless network on campus. Membership for the group was discussed, as well as its scope. These issues will be finalized at a future meeting.
Beth Riddle and David Dodson gave a presentation on changes to the EOP and ARC Center. They also distributed a handout identifying the costs of this project. The ITC supports this project. Lynda Goff suggests that this presentation should also be given to ASPC or PAC.
There are several other wireless pilots that will soon be in progress.
John Rocchio from ResNet computing distributed the handout that students get over summer before they begin their freshman year, which includes campus computing guidelines and purchasing recommendations. He is looking for updates from the ITC for this document. He would also like to get funding to make a nicer, glossy handout. Larry suggests getting a small task force to discuss some of these things. In addition to the items noted above the document should note copyright issues and ethical use of computing resources, all of which could also be conveyed via the student portal. A group will be put together and complete their work by March 1.
UCLA has negotiated to get a 30% discount from Dell on new computers. They have invited UCSC to participate.
The Engineering and Arts divisions are ready to pilot laptop use for specific programs now.
Time did not permit a full discussion of this topic. However, Lynda Goff supports the structure of the Instructional Technology Advisory Group. She suggests that Larry chair the group. Larry asked that ITC members to forward their comments to him.
V. Next Meeting: October 23, 2002, 1:30-3:30, McHenry Library 325