Mobile Computing Task Force - December 10, 2008 Minutes
Members Present:
Bill Bushaw, Richard Chamberlain, Sean Cordes, John Cooper, Michael Dickson, Sam Edsall, Sharon Evans, Betsy Hommel, Bill Howard, Jeremy Howerter, William Knox, Paul Kreider, Jill Myers, Theresa Roegge, Joe Schmitz, Phyllis Self, Bonnie Smith-Skripps, Dawn Sweet, T.J. Urbanski
Paul Kreider welcomed everyone and distributed an agenda. Updates from Subcommittees were received:Research and Development
Sean Cordes, chair, reported that his group has reviewed a study conducted by Joe Schmitz and are planning on redoing the survey and distributing it in late January. The survey may be distributed through the FYE classes or through the library liaison program.Orientation/Marketing
Sharon Evans, chair, reported that members are reviewing roll-out plans of other universities. The subcommittee is also waiting for information about loans through the credit union to complete orientation materials for prospective students.
Financial Aid/Financial Responsibility
Bill Bushaw, chair, discussed how the cost of a computer, software, and/or mobile device could be added to the financial aid package. The problem is that many students borrow the maximum amount allowed to cover tuition and fees. The Western Illinois Credit Union and grants were discussed as alternative sources. Bushaw added there is no guarantee of financial aid.
Infrastructure
Michael Dickson, chair, reported that subcommittee members are looking at learning spaces and defining learning spaces. Consideration is being given to library learning spaces, as well as music practice spaces. The group is looking at expansion of wireless on campus. In classrooms, the subcommittee is looking at laptop charging capability, video output, and USB ports in classrooms. Dickson also said security is a top priority.
Technical Support
Richard Chamberlain, chair, also reported on learning spaces. Chamberlain announced that WIU has two certified Apple technicians and the PC-staff is all Dell certified. Chamberlain and Theresa Roegge announced that Western is close to a signed agreement with Apple. Western has signed the agreement and Apple’s attorneys are reviewing the document. Chamberlain also reported that a survey on tech support is being distributed to the campus for input. Storage capacity has been doubled, as well as back up storage.
Faculty Preparation
Bonnie Smith-Skripps, chair, discussed ways to get more faculty to buy into mobile technology. Discussion was held on project-based learning. The subcommittee suggested inviting individuals from institutions who use technology to do presentations, looking at K-12 and what teachers are doing. Bill Howard talked about his podcasting project and how he is sharing his experiences with colleagues in the Art Department.
iTunesU and Podcasting
Phyllis Self, chair, distributed minutes of the subcommittee’s meeting of November 26, 2008. Technical issues were discussed. Subcommittee members are working on podcasting issues. Jill Myers has agreed to test out a classroom for podcasting in Spring 2009. The subcommittee discussed training needs and made the following suggestions: podcasting academy in summer 2009; podcasting wiki for support people; IPod booth at Techfest; workshops and coordination with CITR. It was noted that Techfest will be Wednesday, April 15, 2009 from 11 a.m.—1 p.m.
Newsletter
The next item discussed was a newsletter to the university community. Kreider offered the COFAC staff to help publish the first newsletter. The newsletter will include minutes of the meetings and will be published in January. It was suggested that podcasts be added to the 2nd edition of the newsletter. Kreider asked taskforce members to send items for the newsletter to him.
Vision Statement
Position statement was discussed. Some members suggested that the position statement might be more of a vision statement with some short- and long-term goals. Kreider suggested that everyone send narratives and/or bullet points for position statement rationale and also vision. These suggestions will be discussed at the next meeting. Dickson asked that an item be added to the agenda of the next meeting—discussion of what types of mobile and computer technologies the university will support and what students should bring to campus.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40. The next meeting of the Mobile Computing Task Force will be Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 3:00. Location will be announced.