Technology Committee Meeting
April 1, 2015
2:30 p.m.
Minutes
PRESENT:
Virginia Rapp
Howard Story
Rudy Ramos
Jean Shankweiler
Donna Manno
Noreth Men
Claudio Vilchis
Irene Graff
Will Warren
Erick Mendoza
Laptop Replacements & Table Purchases
The committee discussed the pros and cons of providing faculty with laptops or tablets. Some
faculty have expressed a preference for tablets due to their versatility and application in the
classroom. However, tablets come with a high breakage rate and limited warranties, and are
more susceptible to theft. ITS preference is for Dell tablets because ECC is certified to repair
Dell equipment and devices. Price is a consideration since the proposed tablet with associated
docking station and keyboard runs about $2,000, while the proposed laptop costs about $1,500.
However, volume discounts will likely apply.
With the possibility of offering faculty a choice, members discussed the option of surveying
faculty to get a preliminary sense of preference. A quick online survey could be created and
distributed by next Monday once questions are determined. Questions to ask include:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Full-time vs. adjust;
Laptop vs. tablet;
Tablet platform (android, apple, windows);
Special considerations or needs (e.g., instructional reasons for needing an Apple project).
Including a “desktop” option for question #2 could be used to gauge general interest in desktop
computers. V. Rapp will move the survey forward, in consultation with P. Marcoux, to develop
a survey to be created by Institutional Research.
Purchase and distribution of laptops/tablets could begin as early as summer and carry through to
early fall semester.
1. Making Decisions document
The committee discussed the general content of the Making Decisions document with a special
focus on the guidelines for consultation committees that include:
1) New member orientation;
2) Review of purpose statement and setting of goals;
3) Conducting a self-evaluation; and
4) Reviewing the Making Decisions document.
A question of a required quorum was raised since that is PBC’s practice but there is no
stipulation in Making Decisions about quorums. Committee membership was discussed
including whether or not there should be a student member. The committee’s purpose and
membership will be reviewed at the next meeting. Two members (Jean & Dipte) will be
changing roles on campus, so the committee will need to determine how to handle this transition,
as well.
2. PlanNet Assessment Report
The committee began discussion of the PlanNet report and recommendations. Topics included
CIO role, reporting level, and Cabinet membership; and recommended migration of Media
Services and DE to be under ITS.
Pros of Cabinet-level position:
1) Having an IT resource in the room;
2) Reporting directly to the President regarding critical IT issues; and
3) Participating in Cabinet-level discussions.
Comments on Migrating Media Services & DE to ITS:
1) PlanNet may not have understood the organization sufficiently and didn’t speak with
LRU faculty/staff.
2) PlanNet did not make a strong case for such a move but suggested that the move could
improve coordination of service and response to problems.
3) Distribute of staffing and duties was not fleshed out in report – need to address that and
staffing needs in Media Services
4) When making our recommendation, the committee should consider that the supporting
tools of DE are an IT function and are broadening (statewide LMS coming, online ed
planning, etc.).
5) The Tech Comm could choose to recommend the migration of Media Services and not
DE.
Members will continue to discuss and finalize recommendations at the next meeting.
Next meeting topics:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Membership
Purpose statement
PlanNet recommendations
Future committee goals