Building Stronger Programs and Departments
Present: Dean Nelson, Steven Boone, Joseph Ryan, Keshav Bhattarai, John Sheets, James Staab,
Jack Rogers, Lester Brothers, Buzz Herman, Michael Sawyer, Don Melichar, and Vicki Orcutt
1. Dean opened meeting thanking Marla Selvidge for coming to show the department chairs streaming video. Marla discussed with the group lessons she has learned and challenges she has had over the last few years getting on-line course instruction together. Marla explained the benefits of streaming video:
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Helps students with review for tests
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Brings the dynamics of the classroom to the on-line course
Provides faculty flexibility to adjust courses in emergency situations
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Can tape guest speakers which help supplement the course
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Real issue with streaming video is the bandwidth. Students wait till the last minute to do the assignment which saturates the market. One way around this is to link to outside sources for streaming video.
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Marla recommended getting a developer on staff to ensure quality products.
Dean requested feedback on support for on-line courses. Mick said we need a center or group of three to four individuals who have the expertise to develop on-line courses. Jack suggested giving faculty a stipend and some release time for development of new on-line courses for next semester. This would allow for more and more faculty to develop on-line courses.
Dean requested individuals provide a listing of faculty who are currently teaching on-line and a list of those interested in on-line course instruction.
2. On-going Issues:
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Revenue Share: Significantly down from last year. Should have figures in the office within the next few weeks.
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Signage: Dean said we want signs within weeks not months.
Upcoming Events:
Large Classroom Workshop – Aug 28, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm, UN 237B
Upcoming Chairs’ Meetings:
Fall 2009 meeting dates beginning at 3:30 except Aug 19 will immediately follow the Presidents’ meeting; Sep 2, Sep 23 – Humanities Chairs only; Oct 7 th , Oct 21 – Arts Chairs only; Nov 4, Nov
18 – Social Sciences Chairs only; Dec 2 and 16; Jan 6, Jan 20 – Arts Chairs only; Feb 3, Feb 17 –
Humanities Chairs only; Mar 3, Mar 24 – Social Sciences Chairs only; April 7 and 21; May 5 th and 19.
Summer 2010 meeting dates beginning at 2:30: June 2, 23; July 14.