Department Interviews - 1996

Interview:  John Cross, Modern Languages

     Date:  4/3/96


1. Do you have plans for special initiatives and/or projects for the 96-97 
   school year that involve technology?  -- for your students, your faculty, 
   your department?

   a. The primary concern for the department is replacing very old faculty
      desktop computers, particulary for Vilma Manzotti, Celine Philibert,
      Liliana Trevizan and Oscar Sarmiento.

      With adequate equipment, the faculty would be interested in learning how
      to "publish" materials from their computers for student access (e.g.,
      Web-based material).
 
   b. The department is looking at proposals to replace the current language
      lab with a facility that has interactive workstations and presentation
      capabilities similar to Carson 101.  Funding for this may come from
      a donor.

   c. The department is considering participation in a FPSI grant sponsored by
      Binghamtom University (Steve Straight) to investigate distance
      learning opportunities.  There are other proposals as well from BOCES,
      the prison system and US Customs.


2. Student Computing Access Program (SCAP) proposals:

   a. If funding for the replacement of the current language lab is not
      possible through a donor, the department would like to propose the 
      use of SCAP funds to increase the number of student computers in the
      language lab facility.  These computers would allow the department to
      take advantage of software and CDs now accompanying textbooks as well
      as provide a way for students to use language-specific programs.

   b. Modern Languages is very interested in converting Distributed  
      Computing/Telemedia's current Carson office space, if/when it moves out,
      into a "lab" as described above (1b).
      


3. What are your most important concerns and priorities for the 96-97 school 
   year?  -- for your students, your faculty, your department?

   a. Replacing faculty computers as described above (1a).

   b. An interactive language lab as describe above (1b).


4. How can we improve our services and support to meet your needs? 

   - The department feels that Distributed Computing/Telemedia is responsive
     to their needs in light of the load it works under.  Nevertheless, the 
     department is frustrated with getting things done.  

   - There is some frustration with our HELPDESK when trying get requests
     completed or answers to questions.

   - U-Compute is frustrating to work with (contacting them and getting them
     to respond to questions/requests.

   - No particular concerns about moving the Levitt Center or the Kellas
     Computer Classroom.  The department does not make much use of either
     facility.  On the face of it, having an instructional space in the library
     seems like a good idea.

   - The analog phones seem to have problems with sticking keys (keypad).