EMTC Minutes: January 1999

EDUCATIONAL MEDIA COUNCIL
University of Wisconsin System
January 28-29, 1999
The Pyle Center, Madison, Wisconsin

Attending: Marcia Baird, UW-Extension; Mary Jo deMeza, UW-Whitewater; Bob Fuller, UW-Eau Claire; John Grozik, UW-Milwaukee; Joe Hagaman, UW-Stout; Bob Jokisch, UW System; Jim Jorstad, UW-LaCrosse; Peter Nordgren, UW-Superior; Kate Pietri, UW-Parkside; Ron Reid, UW-Oshkosh; Mike Schmitt, UW-Green Bay; Steve Siehr, UW-Madison; Mark Vladick, UW Colleges; Ron Weseloh, UW-Stevens Point.

Absent: UW-River Falls, UW-Platteville

Guests: Rich Dirks, UW-Eau Claire; Patricia Ploetz, UW-Stevens Point; Denny Rinzel, UW-Madison; Hal Schlais, UW System; Dwayne Williams, UW System; Terry Wirkus, UW-LaCrosse.

Thursday, January 28
Chairman Jorstad reviewed the meeting agenda.

1. Recap of November Green Lake Joint Meeting and January EMC-LTDC Meeting
Discussion followed about the fall 1998 joint meeting of EMC, LTDC, ITMC, CUWL and LAMS. As a follow-up to that joint meeting, EMC and LTDC representatives met January 13 in Madison with Ed Meachen. The purpose was to explore how a utility set of technology services could be aggregated and shared. They also discussed the relationship of EMC and LTDC on campuses. Some individuals serve dual roles. Meachen said he doesn't want to lose the global look of EMC. Both groups agreed to discuss these issues with their respective groups.

It was reported that the LTDC executive committee felt uncomfortable merging with EMC at this time. They encouraged the two groups to work together closely for the next year, but suggested maintaining distinct identities. More work needs to be done about how EMC and LTDC representatives work together locally.

2. Technology Services Survey
Following a discussion on the breadth of roles and responsibilities represented by EMC representatives (as discussed during the EMC Fall meeting and summarized on a handout), Hagaman suggested developing a matrix of technology and related services. This resource would be helpful for both internal and external audiences. Because part of the intent is to share information with our institutions, a matrix could include where the unit fits in the UW organization. Development of matrix would be helpful as the idea of UW utility evolves.

A group of EMC and LTDC representatives will develop a comprehensive matrix of services survey. Joe Hagaman, Patricia Ploetz, Bob Fuller, Hal Schlais, and Dwayne William/Bob Jokisch volunteered. A draft will be distributed via email. Each institution will be expected to complete one survey, with coordination by local LTDC and EMC representatives. Other suggestions related to the survey: request an organizational chart; request information about FTE support for services, and inquire about an institution's willingness to offer expertise to other UW institutions. The goal is to have results by the April meeting.

3. Discussion of Revising/Modifying the EMC Mission
Jim Jorstad distributed copies of Draft 2 of a paper entitled UW System Educational Technology Council (Working Title), outlining the group's mission, vision, membership, and officers/executive committee. The draft reflected some changes in the mission and vision statements. Attendees suggested additional changes to various sections.

Ron Weseloh and Jim Jorstad will develop Draft 3. They will review results from the EMC-LTDC survey before distributing the next draft to the Executive Council and general membership at the April meeting.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded that the group's name be changed from the Educational Media Council to the Educational Technology Council. After discussion the motion was amended to change the name to the Educational Media Technology Council (EMTC). The Executive Council and the general membership passed the motion.

4. Reports
John Grozik reported preliminary results from his technical/support survey survey emailed to members. Eight responses received to date. Responses vary widely. Some institutions charge back for everything; others charge for very little to none. John will report final results at the next meeting.

Bob Fuller distributed preliminary results from a classroom computer and projection technology survey (1-27-99). He talked about the implications of adding 90 video/data projectors at UW-Eau Claire during the last five years and the replacement cycle impact. Investments in technology need to be maintained. Are we paying attention to the issues that we're facing _ now that we've poured so much into technology over the last 5-7 years?

Peter Nordgren led a continuing discussion about distance education network performance and the support by the telecommunications companies. Problems have affected regional and statewide educational programs. UW voices are needed. The help desk service is not adequate. Product support is also necessary. Discussion followed about WADEN (Wisconsin Association of Distance Education Networks/www.uwex.edu/disted/waden), internetwork scheduling and network technical support.

Peter Nordgren, Rich Dirks and John Grozik will serve as an ad hoc committee on network video technology. Bob Jokisch will share any input with Ed Meachen.

Bob Jokisch reported on UW System budget requests related to IT, including student and faculty training initiatives.

EMTC members shared campus updates, including information about new building construction, classroom remodeling, campus reorganizations, new hardware and software purchases, service directions, and current support and training challenges.

Following a tour of the Kohl Center, members reconvened for dinner.

Friday, January 29

Kathy Christoph, Director of UW-Madison's DoIT Learning Technology and Distance Education unit, and Tim Dugdale, Director of the New Media Centers, hosted EMTC members Friday morning at the New Media Center in Helen C. White Hall. Kathy shared information about how UW-Madison delivers and funds instructional technology services for faculty, staff and students. She and Tim explained how the multimedia classrooms and New Media Centers evolved and described specific services.

Following the UW-Madison presentation and tour, EMTC members concluded their meeting with a tour of The Pyle Center, UW-Extension's new distance education and conference center. Marcia Baird, Director of UW-Extension's Instructional Communications Systems unit and Denny Gilbertson, Associate Director, hosted the tour and talked about the design and operation of the distance education classrooms and technology support spaces.

Follow-up items suggested during the January EMTC meeting:

  1. EMTC to possibly present at a monthly CIO meeting
  2. Input to annual IT survey. It's now a very general survey, but there may be additional questions EMTC could contribute. What other information needs to collected?
  3. Input to IT student training project.
  4. UW-Milwaukee student to potentially present at future EMTC meeting.
  5. Discussion about IT and technology support for students with disabilities.

Next meeting:
Combined meeting, April 12-13, 1999, at The Heidel House, Green Lake.


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