UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 29, Page 11
April 27, 1995
TechTalk
Committee provides faculty input on issues

     Many of the new technology services available on campus are a
direct result of faculty input through the Information Technologies
Faculty Advisory Committee.
     According to committee co-chair John Mackenzie, agricultural
sciences, "This advisory committee provides a way for faculty to have
input on issues including specific product selection, the timing of
system upgrades, and base capital acquisitions."
     As a result of suggestions by the committee, the Research Data
Management Services Data Center was developed to assist with research
and instruction. To explore issues associated with the use of
technology in classrooms, the Faculty Advisory Committee supported the
creation of a Classroom Technology Subcommittee, chaired by Fred
Hofstetter. The subcommittee, in turn, seeks guidance on multimedia
issues from the new Multimedia Users Group. (See accompanying box.)
     The committee, composed of faculty representatives from each
college, meets regularly with staff in Information Technologies to
help provide all University faculty with the most effective and
efficient technology-related service. Specifically, the committee is
charged with making recommendations about faculty computing and
network needs for instruction, research and administrative tasks.
     "Much of the information from the committee is instrumental in
the development of our policies and services," said Leila Lyons,
director of user services. The committee, Lyons said, allows "those of
us in Information Technologies to get a direct sense of what types of
services faculty would like to see implemented. Additionally,
committee members have an excellent opportunity to exchange
information about their experiences."
     "The committee also is extremely useful for disseminating
information from Information Technologies to faculty," Mackenzie said.
     To reach the committee, send e-mail to USAC@mvs.udel.edu. The
committee welcomes technology topics for discussion from any member of
the University community.