Eastern Oregon University

Tech-Fee Committee Meeting

January 31, 2008

Members Present:   James Tilley, Calli Nelson, Brian Sather, Frederick Pratter, Tom Herrmann, Marian Mustoe

Resource Members Present:  Paul Rowan, Anna Maria Dill, Helen Moore

Guests:  Ralph Woodward, Beth Upshaw, Jon Norris

Minutes from the November 15, 2007 and January 17, 2008 meetings were approved as submitted.

Discussed the need for a student co-chair.  Brian noted that the guidelines for the committee actually call the position an “assistant chair”, but Frederick stressed that the position has always been treated as a co-chair.   Brian indicated that he would prefer a co-chair over an assistant chair and members agreed that having a student co-chair has served the committee well.  Callie will contact Nick Romriell regarding having one of the students on the committee assigned as co-chair.

Beth Upshaw and Ralph Woodward explained their proposal, “Technology for Master of Teacher Ed Students”.  Points clarified included:

• Two carts are needed because two classes are held simultaneously
• Equipment currently in use is very outdated and literally duct-taped together.  Stressed that graduate students going out into the teaching market need experience operating the most current technology available. 
• TSPC is adamant that students be proficient in use of technology before they can be licensed as teachers.
• Locking carts are required because of the security issue in the ISB.  The carts are locked in a storeroom between the two classrooms, but others have access to the room. 
• Faculty will use the equipment for presentations and instructing students on use of the equipment.  Ralph stressed that percentage of student use would be higher than faculty use. 
• There are about 100 students currently enrolled in the programs that would be using the equipment.  Beth reminded the committee that these students pay significantly higher tuition than the rest of the student body.  It was noted, however, that they pay the same Tech Fee as students.

Paul Rowan and Jon Norris will gather more information on the ISB and other options.  They will report back to the committee at the next meeting.

Jon Norris answered questions regarding his proposal, “Computer-based Teaching Facility”.  Points clarified included:

• Plan calls for 42 Windows systems; however, Jon said it might be possible to put Linux on the systems as well.
• Laptops were chosen because they allow for more versatile use of the room.  The laptops can be more easily moved out of the way when the room is being used in some other way, such as video conferencing.  Also, if another location were found it would be easier to relocate laptops instead of desktops. 
• Jon plans to act as a proctor for testing on a limited basis as needed.

Paul noted that the Technology Steering Committee should be active within the next few months.  The Provost in is the process of selecting members to serve on the committee.  Brian will invite Provost Jaeger to our next meeting to discuss how this year’s proposals fit into the EOU Technology Strategic Plan.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 14, 2008.

Minutes submitted by Helen Moore