Idaho State University
Technology Oversight Council

Minutes for September 9, 1998

Attending: Ranaye Marsh, Carolyn Kamp, Randy Gaines, Paul Tate, Bill Duggan, Kay Flowers, Ed House, Corey Schou, Paul Cady, Jay Kunze, Alan Egger, Larry Harris, David Mercaldo, Robert Pearce, Jonathan Lawson, Butch Hjelm, Mike Williks, Kathleen Kangus, Darrell Buffaloe, Keith Weber, Mike Willis. 

The minutes for May 19, 1998 were approved. 

Announcements: David Mercaldo distributed materials from CSAC. CSAC is proposing to revise its membership and bylaws. TOC members were asked to review these documents and bring comments to the next TOC meeting. 

Bill Duggan reported that a second T1 should be up shortly. This line will increase (double) our bandwidth. There will be a newsletter sent to faculty that will cover this information and other Computer Center updates. 

Randy Gaines announced construction is complete on the Instructional Technology Research Center. We are now waiting on Prison Industries for furniture to be delivered. Randy reported that there are approximately 2000 students using on line courses on WEB CT. He also reminded TOC that applications for the ITRC faculty fellow would be due in October. 

1) Classroom Technology/Capital Campaign 

Corey Schou presented his report and recommendations on classroom technology and the Capital Campaign. Corey reported that there were substantial differences in needs reported face to face versus needs reported over email. At least one unit was not yet represented in the report but should be by the next TOC meeting. There was an extended conversation of equipment lifetime and the need for considering current versus on going costs. Corey indicated that a 2 year cycle on computers and 5 years on projection devices might be appropriate. Darrell Buffaloe reported that wiring costs might be an important consideration. Corey reported that he had tested some of the rooms and found that the existing power lines might be "clean" enough to use. Darrell also indicated that it would be helpful to him if TOC could identify specific rooms as soon as possible. 

There was an extended discussion of projection devices. Corey recommended that 

1) We settle on a limited number of models to be installed. 

2) We pre-construct lecterns 

3) Projection units be fixed in place, not be installed on carts. 

It was pointed out that cost per student was an important issue in prioritizing the construction of such classrooms. The Deans were asked to review the report and respond to Corey in 1 - 2 weeks. 

Darrell Buffaloe reported that ISU has some funds for improving security. He referred interested members to Steve Chatterton. 
 

2) Statewide Technology Issues 

Randy Gaines reported on ITCL and its movement towards becoming the statewide telecommunications committee. He also reported that Candace Wheeler had resigned as State Telcom Council chair and is going to North Idaho College to become the Distance Learning Director. Ed House asked about the status of the Technology Incentive Grant competition. Randy reported that as far as we know the program will continue. Ed reminded TOC that we had been successful in this competition by revising unsuccessful proposals. He was concerned that we were running out of such proposals. He asked TOC members to keep this competition in mind. 

Randy distributed data sheets on distance education. These were collected statewide and may not fully reflect our efforts. Dr. Pearce suggested we need to send an overview of Distance Learning successes to the State Board of Education. 
 

3) Internet 2 

Ed House reported that the costs associated with Internet 2 were higher than expected. There was also uncertainty about how the additional bandwidth would benefit ISU. The NSF proposal seeking funds to pursue Internet 2 is about 4/5 complete but was not submitted. We expect that there will be one more opportunity to pursue this funding (deadline 1/1/99). Dr. Pearce pointed out that Internet 2 will not replace out current connection, that Internet 2 only goes to other Internet 2 sites, and that our costs would be higher than those of U of Idaho (because of the location of WSU). Dr. Lawson pointed out that there remained a local infrastructure issue. He reminded TOC that initial plans to use the PERSI money (last year) to address this issue had fallen through. Additional PERSI money may be available this year and TOC may need to make a statement on its use. TOC members were asked to reconsider Internet 2 in light of all this information. If Internet 2 is an institutional priority the proposal can be completed, but Dr. House would need to know by November. 
 

4) Administrative Projects 

Alan Egger reminded the council that he was charged with putting together a questionnaire on potential administrative projects. TOC reviewed his draft. Rather than proceeding with a questionnaire it was suggested that representatives from CSAC and the Computer Center meet with Alan and discuss the matter. 
 

The next TOC meeting will be held October 7, 1998, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the North Fork room SUB. 

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.