Department Interviews - 1996

Interview:  Les Crawford, Dean.    School of Education
     Date:  3/8/96

Interviewer:  Bob Jewett



1. Priorities for Information Technology for 1996-97 (in order of importance):

   a. Wellness major computing area/Satterlee 300 facility

      There is a need for a student computing area in Maxcy that would 
      provide technology support for a proposed "Wellness" major. No lead 
      person forthis yet.  Could talk to Neil Johnson, Kathy O'Rourke, and 
      Ricky Virk. This facility can be developed gradually, but something 
      needs to occur here during the 96-97 year.

      Continue maintaining and upgrading the Satterlee 300 facility as needed.

   b. Videoconferencing (BOCES Distance Learning Project)

      It is important to participate in this project even though it is 
      purported to be expensive ($100K).  Being a "RECEIVE" site would give 
      our Education program a "field" situation and would improve the teacher    
      education.  We might eventually get an urban school site as a feed for 
      instructional experiences as well.
      
      As a "SEND" site, we could supply high schools with our courses.  This
      might also give us student-teaching opportunities (field supervision).

      There are PR opportunities here as well.  Students would see and learn
      about SUNY Potsdam while still at their high school.

      The videoconferencing-classroom could be placed anywhere on campus, but
      doing this at the Potsdam HS would not work.  It would be too 
      inconvienent and would not be taken advantage of as it would if it is 
      on-campus.

   c. Reading Center facility as a "smart classroom"

      This area should be converted into a "smart classroom".  This would also
      be an ideal space for the BOCES videoconferencing classroom (see b   
      above).
      
      A private donor might be secured to fund this project.
 


2. Supporting faculty-maintained professional organizations using campus 
   network resources (Web server, access lines).

   This is an important part of faculty development and should be supported.
   We should set a limit on the nubmer of professional organizations that 
   could be supported given our current resources and then let the individual 
   schools determine which organizations will be supported.  The limit would 
   be based upon the capacity of our resources to handle the increased 
   traffic.



3. Where can DCTM improve?

   a. In general, more timely support for faculty problems.  Some faculty have
      complained that they cannot get help when they need it.  We need think
      about how to address this problem because needs will continue to grow.


   b. Any concerns about how we organize ourselves to address services?
      (for example, consolidating ourselves into Kellas)

      Suggest that we obtain  a .25-.50 release time for faculty who would 
      then provide support for the school's faculty and computer centers or 
      "smart" classrooms.  
  
      No problem with consolidating our HELPDESKs/offices in Kellas, though
      it would be better to have support near the "smart classrooms" as we 
      currently have for Carson 101.

    

4. Other projects that should be supported:

   The library pilot project to provide closer ties to faculty should be 
   supported.  There is a space in the Satterlee lobby that could be used.  
   If that doesn't work out, the space could be used as an advising area.