Academic Technology Steering Committee
Minutes of the April 7, 2004 Meeting

Members present: John Baky, Sabrina DeTurk, Joan Frizzell, Pingjun Jiang, Steve Longo, Dave Munchak, Ed Nickerson, Jo Anne Snarponis, Jack Sweeder

Guests: Keith Reichardt & Bill Weaver

The committee invited Keith Reichardt (Math/CSC) and Bill Weaver (ISBT) to participate in a discussion of wireless and mobile computing initiatives at La Salle.

Jo Anne Snarponis provided an update on WebCT (follow-up to the 3/17 meeting) - two user satisfaction surveys (one for faculty and one for students) are currently available on WebCT and will remain active to the end of the semester to solicit user feedback.

Keith and Bill provided some background on their current and desired use of wireless infrastructure and handheld computers. Keith has submitted a grant proposal to HP for the development of a wireless/handheld project in CSC, in conjunction with a course on mobile computing applications. He would like to find ways to integrate mobile computing into both grad and undergrad curricula in CSC/IT and also possibly to offer certificate programs in that area. Current development is limited by the lack of a wireless network and by the expense of procuring mobile devices for students. He is also interest in developing a pilot project for the use of mobile devices in conjunctions with the EARS system for advising.

Bill's Virtual Control Room project would also benefit from a ubiquitous wireless network. ISBT students are issued PocketPCs in their sophomore year and he is working on writing the applications that would allow students to check on their control room projects from anywhere on campus.

Joan Frizzell reported that Nursing is also considering a program to require students to purchase PocketPCs for use in their clinical rotations to carry reference materials.

Ed Nickerson provided an update on the wireless infrastructure initiative and indicated the plans are in place for the provision of wireless access points in all the academic buildings over the course of the summer. The new residence hall will also have wireless. Current plans are to have unified access to wireless settings throughout main campus and at the Bucks site to encourage mobility and ease of use.

It was decided to have a small group - probably Keith and Bill and maybe Joan - work with Jo Anne (and others as needed) over the summer to continue to push some pilot projects in this area, with the goal of presenting these to the campus in the fall and starting more discussion about other areas in which to promote wireless and mobile computing.