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TLTR Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2006
Attendance:
Paul Mullins-CpSc, TLTR co-convener, Rebecca Zahora-IT/PTA,
Melba Tomeo-Library, TLTR co-convener, Joanne Leight –
Physical Education, TLTR co-convener, Russ Dively - Collegis, Brian
Danielson-Collegis, Leighann Forbes – Secondary Education,
Brandon Himes – IT/PTA
I. Regular Business
Reports
A. Report from
IT – Dean Lindey
B. Report from
Collegis – Russ Dively, Collegis
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Reported on recent Blackboard presentation on future directions
and possible upgrades. No decision has been made as to date
of upgrade or version. New features will include different
languages, the ability to synch laptops and PDAs to Blackboard
content, and a survey interface. No further information on
Course Genie. Russ will email the presentation to those
interested.
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Dr. Yale, Dr. Walker, and others are working with Collegis on a
Title III Institutional Improvement grant that has a technology
component, including a dedicated faculty/staff professional
development center with facilities for multimedia production.
C. Taskforces
–
Technology Advisory Committee:
Paul Mullin reports
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A new Instructional Technology Strategic Plan is in
draft.
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The web policy committee is seeking feedback on the
university’s home page and webmaster contact information for
all departments and divisions. Contact information should be
sent to Sherry Mellott.
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Mark Chase, Mark Banks, and graduate student Meghan Herrold have
completed a study of student technology perception at SRU, to be
presented next week at the Research Symposium.
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SAP Campus Management software is now being discussed. A
“commonalities” document addresses issues such as the
standardization of grades at all SSHE institutions. The
Provost is seeking feedback from faculty on these issues.
II. New Business
§ Melba
Tomeo announced a new blog devoted to sharing technology tips,
tricks, techniques, and free or inexpensive
applications--RockTechTalk. Started by Jane Lasarenko and
Melba Tomeo, the blog is open to all. Those wishing to
contribute should contact Jane or Melba. http://www.rocktechtalk.blogspot.com.
§ Nominations
are being accepted for TLTR co-convener. Joanne Leight
nominated Leigh Forbes, secondary education. Leigh Forbes
accepted the nomination. Nominations will be accepted again
at the next meeting, prior to election.
III. Program – Research
and Confocal Microscopes – Joy Strain
Joy Strain, Biology, presented on Confocal Flourescent
Microscopy, first providing some background information and
diagrams explaining the inner workings of microscopy.
Traditional and electron microscopes do not allow for the use of
live specimens and the observation of events within a cell.
Flourescent dye is used to attach to and identify targeted areas of
study, which creates a very colorful and detailed image.
Cells are globular, not flat as they appear in traditional
microscopes and in print and the confocal microscope accommodates
the viewing and creation of 3-D images through the use of scanning,
pinhole focus, and three different lasers.
“Biofilms” can be created by stacking images for
dynamic classroom demonstrations. The confocal microscope
must be connected to a computer to display the high-pixel
images. Once a rarity due to expense, confocal microscopes
are becoming more widely available as more research employing this
technology emerges. The Biology department currently uses the
confocal microscope for classroom demonstrations and research
applications. Students are able to use confocal images for
presentations and independent study. The department also
houses two electron microscopes.
*Meeting minutes and program comments written by Melba Tomeo
Education Librarian; Instructional Materials Center, Bailey
Library, Slippery Rock University
Next meeting is Tuesday April 25, 2006 in
Special Collections Room at Bailey Library!
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