Technology Committee

 

Technology Committee Minutes

Columbia College

October 9, 2008

Manzanita Conference Room

 

 

 

Attending:  Gary Mendenhall, Brian De Moss, Melissa Colon, Mike Torok, Brian Greene, Wendy Link, Robert Gritz, Rick Rivera, Kelley Marshall, Susan Vegter-Slape, Greg Ryan, Ida Ponder

 

  1. Standing Reports

a.     WEB FOCUS GROUP UPDATE – Brian De Moss

Columbia College is developing a new website.  Gail Segerstrom, CC Instructional Materials Center Coordinator, will design the image format and work in conjunction with Brian Hill, YCCD Webmaster, who will actually create the new online site. 

b.    TITLE III/DISTANCE EDUCATION UPDATE – Melissa Colon

Melissa presented a newly created Distance Education PowerPoint demonstration using the Smart Board 690 recently installed in the Manzanita Conference Room.  There will be two sessions of a kick-off DE/Title III informational meeting October 16, 2:30-3:30 and 3:30-4:30, both in the MCR. 

c.      IT UPDATE – Brian De Moss

Title V Update:  The College is required by 2010 to authenticate the identity of students taking online courses.  Various processes are being discussed statewide on how this should be accomplished.  The district is investigating how they will approach this issue.

IT is requesting all staff district-wide to move to Microsoft Office 2007 by spring 2009.  Brian D. and Ryan Brady are discussing the most efficient way to handle this on Columbia’s campus.

Because of security issues within the District, Gina Rose, Assistant Chancellor of Information Technology, has determined that the district will institute a password change policy system-wide including Connect Columbia, Blackboard and desktop computers.  Passwords will need to be changed every six months. 

             Brian D. states District will communicate this information to all staff at a later date.

 

  1. Technology Purchase Plan – Gary Mendenhall

While one-time block grant funds will not be available this year, other block grant funds are forthcoming.  Gary Mendenhall suggests the Technology Committee begin thinking about developing a purchase plan for technology needs at the next meeting.  This will be the sole issue discussed. Points to cover are types of technology to actually be considered for purchase, discuss long-range faculty needs and what areas are using technology and what needs they have. 

 

NEEDED ACTION:  Gary and Brian D. to bring pertinent technology planning documents to the next meeting.

 

  1.  Switch to HD television … - Brian De Moss

In February, 2009, broadcast television goes away.  Emergency television broadcasts are now viewed in the Manzanita Building.  Future options available to the college are DISH or DIRECTV.  The Technology Committee voiced a recommendation to pursue and further research these options for installation on campus.

 

NEEDED ACTION:  Brian D. to continue researching television options for Columbia.

 

  1.  Cellular wireless service – Brian De Moss

Attempts to resolve Columbia’s cell service issue with ATT have proven unsuccessful.  As an alternative, Brian is researching the use of repeaters which would be installed inside buildings.  (Repeaters placed outside are illegal.  It is against FCC regulations because it interferes with the carriers’ signal and also requires a broadcast license.)  There is a repeater kit available covering 15,000 sq. ft. at a cost of approximately $2500. to be first installed in Manzanita Building.  This kit covers all carriers except Nextel.  Funding was briefly mentioned.  Public safety is an issue.  The Technology Committee asked Brian to research/pursue the acquisition with a definite location to be determined.

 

NEEDED ACTION: Because public safety is an issue, Brian D. will continue researching repeaters to expand cellular wireless service

 

  1.  Technology Plan Review

This item is tabled for a future meeting.  Gary asked Brian D. to identify the definition of the Technology Plan’s review cycle and report back at a later date.

 

  1.   Printer Networks

At the previous meeting Brian D. brought a list of 190 printers needing to be updated on campus.  As a cost savings issue, it was suggested this may be the time to discuss networking printers across campus.  Inkjet printers have a life span of less than two years.  Ink cartridges cost approximately $40-50 each.  There are areas on campus which are better suited for networked printers than others.  Ryan, Fred and Brian are developing a possible plan for network printer placement.

 

Improper usage of the Tamarack network printer (located in the adjunct area) was mentioned.  Gary suggested that the adjunct area Tamarack network printer be addressed as a separate issue.   

 

Disclaimer:  Most of the following material was not discussed at the Technology Committee meeting and is offered by Doris Goldson.  As this meeting’s recorder and the person who maintains day-to-day operation of the photocopier as a courtesy to Student Services, I would like to offer the information for clarification.  The Canon C3300 photocopier/network printer currently falls under the responsibility of the Dean of Student Services.  This machine is located in the adjunct area of Tamarack.  There is no cost for toner.  It is included in the IKON maintenance contract (up to two cartridges every 30 days).  The copier has an automatic staple function—staples are not included in the contract.  I currently request paper from IMC and toner from IKON on an as-needed basis.  (While it is the thought of some Technology Committee members that IMC currently charges for copy paper, they do not.  As of the beginning of 08/09FY, IMC is no longer charging individual departments for paper, but they are still tracking paper usage.)  The issue is that while the user must use a copy code when making photocopies, to the best of my knowledge, staff can print straight through to the same photocopier/ printer from their desktop with no copy code required. This provides endless use by staff members.   It is possible to obtain photocopy usage reports from the machine using copy codes.  I’m unaware of any reporting capabilities for PC to copier printing.  Historically, no statistics have ever been formally reported.

 

 

  1.  Other - None

 

 

 

NEXT MEETING’S SOLE AGENDA ITEM:

  1. Begin developing a plan for technology purchases.