Information technology, Georgia. University System of Georgia. Board of Regents. Office of Information and Instructional Technology

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August - October 1996: Volume 8, Number 2
Contents
z From the Vice Chancellor z Continued - Model Course Proposal Highlights z First-Ever Rock Eagle Webcast z Instructional Technologies - Faculty Development Workshop z Rock Eagle Keynote Speaker Announced z Training Opportunities Available z Publishing Information
From the Vice Chancellor
***The Regents Central Office, including OIIT personnel located in downtown Atlanta, will be moving to new, renovated space in the Trinity-Washington Building. Across the street from the current location, the new facility will provide much needed office and meeting space. The move is targeted for late February 1997.
***The installation phase of the PeachNet/MCI dial project is nearing completion, and the OIIT is working with MCI to complete procedures and move the project to production mode. Even the summer Olympics could not interfere with the progress of the project.
***The Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) has undergone a reorganization under the direction of the new commissioner of DOAS, Ms. Dottie Roach. The functions of the Division of Telecommunications were integrated into the newly formed Information Technology Services, which is responsible for telecommunications, software systems, computer operations, and GSAMS.
***Production BANNER institutions have completed successful fall quarter registrations; BANNER institutions in groups three and four should move general person, recruiting, and admissions modules into production before the end of 1996. The OIIT is working with SCT to pursue adding many of the Georgia enhancements to the baseline student system. Progress with BANNER 2.1 (Forms 4.5 edition) is progressing. The system is available on the FTP server for institutions wishing to perform preliminary tests with the base product. A client/server seminar and BANNER 2.1 security workshops are scheduled this winter to assist with upgrade preparations.
***The summer ACIT meeting was held August 14 at Georgia Tech. In order to identify and address key issues at System institutions, standing subcommittees were established: strategic planning, to include EDP and emerging technology; personnel; operations; software; administrative information systems; networking; and academic programs and instructional technology.
***The new BOR training facility at Georgia College & State University-Macon Campus will begin offering classes the last week in October. For a schedule of classes, see the article on page 4 of this newsletter.
***GALILEO conversion of paper records to computer format is complete. Currently, 138 various institutions and public libraries throughout the state are participating in GALILEO, and all 34 University System institutions have on-

line catalogs as of fall quarter.
***Ms. Kriste Pope and Ms. Holly Parker have joined OIIT Planning Support: Ms. Pope as Administrative Secretary in Statesboro and Ms. Parker as Help Desk Specialist in the Athens office. Ms. Kathy Ecker has been hired by the Division of Administration as Senior Accounting Assistant. Technical Support Services welcomes Mr. Jim Ervin as Systems Support Specialist III. Ms. Deborah Starnes, Administrative Coordinator, and Ms. Susan Bass, Administrative Secretary, are new employees in the Division of Telecommunications and Networking.
J.B. Mathews, Vice Chancellor
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Continued-Model Course Proposal Highlights
The June-July newsletter described two of the twenty-six course proposals which were awarded in the first round of the initiative Connecting Teachers and Technology. This article will highlight three more examples of the course proposals that were funded in the first cycle.
Dr. Bonnie Cramond, University of Georgia, submitted a proposal entitled "Integrating GSAMS, Interactive CD-ROM, and World Wide Web Technologies in the Preparation of Teachers in Gifted Education."
Assessment of Gifted Children and Youth is one of four courses required for certification in gifted education, an area declared in critical need of teachers in Georgia. The course prepares teachers to administer, score, and accurately and reliably interpret the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking; to identify issues and problems related to assessment of gifted students, especially those from traditionally underserved populations; to design an appropriate identification program for a school system based upon its population and resources; to evaluate the appropriateness of assessment instruments for different purposes; and to evaluate the design of identification models.
According to a new Georgia regulation, the identification of gifted children has been broadened to include multiple assessment techniques, in addition to intelligence and achievement tests. Many school districts in Georgia are gearing up to have personnel assess students using these new techniques before the 1998 deadline. Also, the extension of the HOPE scholarships to graduate study in critical fields such as gifted education has increased the statewide need for certification courses. With traditional teaching methods, UGA will not be able to meet increased demand. The distance learning aspects of a redesigned Assessment of Gifted Children and Youth will address the geographical spread of those needing the course.
After adaptation, the course will integrate three technologies: CD-ROM, the World Wide Web (WWW), and GSAMS. CD-ROM technology will be used to provide practice to students at their home base. The course requires practice in the scoring of instruments, which could be better individualized through computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and interaction among students and with the instructor. The WWW will be used to establish a "chat site" where students can collaborate on class problems, share questions, and receive individualized, immediate feedback. The primary instruction will be through GSAMS from the UGA host site.
The second proposal, submitted by Dr. Thomas Padgett and Dr. Marc D. Miller, State University of West Georgia, will redesign MGT 290, Business Information Systems. This first course in business information systems focuses on developing skills and understanding computer tools and techniques used to solve business problems. Because MGT 290 includes an introduction to spreadsheet, word-processing, database management, and a brief introduction to information systems concepts, being taught in a computer classroom laboratory is ideal. Of course, it is also highly practicable to teach basic computer skills to a diverse group of learners in a distance learning environment.
CAI, which provides the means to create learning environments which are individualized for each student, will overcome two limitations associated with the current course in either of these environments: 1) students who take the course in a traditional computer classroom come with a broad range of computer skills; 2) when the course is taught at a distance, the instructor cannot observe students working in the computer laboratory and provide individual assistance. With the incorporation of CAI into the course, students will be able to progress at their own pace. Individuals already possessing basic computer skills can move through the fundamental topics quickly and concentrate on more advanced concepts. The approach will greatly facilitate the teaching of this course at a distance because the structured, interactive approach provided by CAI modules will compensate for the lack of oneon-one contact at a computer terminal.
The use of Authorware will allow the creation of realistic simulations. Recently developed instructional packages will

provide hands-on, self-paced, interactive lessons that lead the student through the important aspects of learning the business applications software. A complete package for this course will include self-paced, computer- assisted, interactive instruction for acquiring software skills and for understanding basic information systems concepts; selftesting modules which will give the student feedback about strengths and weaknesses; and evaluation instruments which can be administered by course facilitators.
The third exemplary proposal, submitted by Dr. Betty Oliver Seabolt of Southern Polytechnic State University, will redesign ARTS 231-Art Appreciation-and create an "Electronic Gallery." Through the proposed E-Gallery, the fine arts core curriculum elective will incorporate instructional technology and interactive multimedia.
The redesigned art appreciation course will focus on discovery learning through independent exploration and research in the E-Gallery. The resource room, to be located in the library and managed by library personnel, will be equipped with multimedia computer workstations for exploration of interactive CD-ROM titles and for access to the Internet and WWW; laser disk players for viewing works from worldwide collections; and VCRs and monitors for viewing videocassettes. The E-Gallery also has potential use for delivering continuing education, workshops at area schools, and credit courses via the Internet.
The application of technology will support and improve delivery of art appreciation materials by replacing instructorbased lecture/discussion and limited slide presentation with student-centered hands-on research on the Internet. Student-instructor conferences and transfer of assignments via e-mail will enhance the learning environment. Students will be able to research the lives of artists, their works, and the context of those works by following hypertext links among nearly limitless electronic sources using GALILEO and the Internet.
The updated art appreciation course will teach students to use electronically available information and will increase exposure to fine arts at an institution that offers no liberal arts or fine arts degrees. The revamped course will encourage critical thinking, especially as students compare and analyze two or more digital images simultaneously and will allow exploration of aesthetic issues through electronic news. Students can create their own electronic museums and curate their own electronic art shows by organizing selected digitized images and preserving them on disk. They will be able to explore cultural diversity in the expression of universal themes through the use of interactive multimedia and videocassettes.
Each proposal has incorporated methods for evaluating the project. For further information about these proposals and future funding opportunities, contact Jessica Somers at (706) 369-5678 or through e-mail: jessica_somers@oit.peachnet.edu
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First-ever Rock Eagle Webcast
by Brad Bacon, OIIT
In recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the System annual computing conference, Apple Computer and the OIIT will present a live Webcast from the conference this year.
The Webcast will consist of a website serving dynamic data, such as pictures from the conference and interviews with attendees, as well as conference agendas and abstracts. Vendors displaying the latest technology at the conference will also be invited to create pages for the Webcast.
Other events planned include a broadcast of the keynote address and audio and video files of various elements of the conference. The site will contain links to all tools needed to make full use of the technologies implemented during the Webcast.
The Webcast site will go live approximately one week before the conference begins on October 23, 1996. Check the University System of Georgia "News" section ( http://www.peachnet.edu/news.html) for an announcement and link to the site after its unveiling. For more information on Apple's Webcasts, see http://live.apple.com.
[Return to Contents]

Instructional Technologies-Faculty Development Workshop
by Jessica Somers, OIIT
The Georgia Center for Continuing Education was the site for "Week One" of this year's series of the 1996 Faculty Development Workshop (FDW). Sixty faculty from throughout the System participated in a five-day program of hands-on learning activities and exploration of instructional technologies. The participants will reconvene for a second week in December at Georgia College & State University-Macon Campus for more extensive instructional technology seminars, practice, and demonstrations. Between the two workshop sessions, participants will work as teams developing presentations which utilize and showcase instructional technologies.
To become FDW participants, faculty first completed an application and participated in a nomination process on their campus. From these nominations, three faculty from each research university, two from each four-year institution, and one from each two-year school were invited to join the 1996 FDW cohort. To be eligible, faculty agreed to work toward two goals: 1) to create or redesign a course that incorporates technology and 2) to mentor faculty on their campus who want to integrate technology into their teaching. The workshop, funded by the initiative Connecting Teachers and Technology and coordinated by the OIIT Division of Academic Services and Distance Learning, began with each participant receiving a laptop computer and software, MCI accounts for communications and Internet connectivity, intensive technology training, and opportunities to work on group projects with other FDW faculty with similar interests. As a part of the FDW program, home institutions have been asked to support their FDW representatives by granting release time for course development and mentoring activities.
With the start-up of fall quarter, FDWers have already been busy conducting mentoring activities on their campus. For example, Mark Bauman, a history professor at Atlanta Metropolitan College, reports that he gave a "twentyminute presentation about what happened at FDW, shared PowerPoint materials with colleagues, discussed placing course materials on a web page with the business division head"-all in his first week back on campus. An FDW listserv is active with postings whereby FDW participants, as well as faculty from the 1995 FDW cohort, are sharing information about area technology workshop and conference opportunities, web sites worthy of visits, and other listservs of interest.
Following Week One, a prevailing comment in evaluations was that faculty were ready to share with other faculty and to try new techniques with students. One FDWer wrote that "I am interested in trying a lot of different technologies. I plan to continue with Authorware and try to import onto the web the materials that I have developed. In the future, I would like to get into teaching via GSAMS." Another evaluation comment summed up the FDW experience: "I am motivated to make further explorations into the use of technology for teaching; to make mistakes trying; and to tell faculty that it's never too late to start."
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Rock Eagle Keynote Speaker Announced
Mr. David Watts, Executive Assistant for Education Policy for the Office of the Governor, will present the keynote address at the University System Annual Computing Conference scheduled for October 23-25, 1996.
The following good-humored profile submitted by David Watts himself might give some indication as to the flavor of his keynote address.
Education Bachelor's in Social Science Education and Master's in Political Science from the University of Georgia. After repeated-and unsuccessful-attempts to apply what he had learned there to the real world, Mr. Watts has concluded that college must prepare one for the after life.
Career Experiences Three years as a classroom teacher, all over 20 years ago. None of the experiences gained there have any relevance to the classrooms of today.
Five years as a federal programs administrator in the Georgia Department of Education. None of those programs is in existence today.
Fifteen years as education policy coordinator in the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget

He contributed staff support to a wide variety of education reforms in Georgia, including major revisions in the state's education codes and funding formulas, creation of separate agencies for technical-adult education, teacher certification, and public television, and advising Governors on budget and policy decisions in all areas of education. During this period, Mr. Watts became an expert on a wide array of educational program and policy areas without having actually administered any of them.
Three years as Director of the Education Services Division at Georgia Public Television
He had enough intelligence to hire and contract with creative people experienced in distance learning. As a result, Georgia schools have access to most of the major distance learning providers, and GPTV produces original programming tailored to the needs of Georgia's students, but suitable for national distribution.
Various stints as aide to Governor Miller
At the request of the Governor, Watts spent four months at the Georgia Student Finance Commission directing the start up of the HOPE Scholarship Program. He spent five months in the Governor's office as Senior Executive Assistant while the Governor was running for reelection. In May of 1996, he rejoined the Governor's staff in his current position as Executive Assistant for Education Policy. Governor Miller remains firm in the belief that there is something Watts can do right.
Personal Married to a woman whose only weakness is her taste in men. No children.
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Training Opportunities Available
by Andrea Wilson, OIIT
Each quarter, the Office of Information and Instructional Technology offers training to University System of Georgia (USG) faculty and staff, non-USG PeachNet customers, and other educational affiliations as appropriate. Following are upcoming training opportunities at our Athens and Macon training facilities:
OIIT Training Center-Athens
z Basic Oracle Forms V4.5 Development-Monday, November 4 to Friday, November 8 z Basics of IPX and TCP/IP in the DOS/Windows LAN Environment-Monday, November 18 z Common Issues in Novell LAN Administration-Tuesday, November 19 z Planning For Effective GSAMS Delivery-Wednesday, November 20, multi-sites (hosted from Athens) z Model Teaching Over GSAMS (1st offering)-Thursday, November 21, multi-sites (hosted from Athens) z Model Teaching Over GSAMS (2nd offering)-Friday, November 22, multi-sites (hosted from Athens)
BOR Technology Training Center-Macon
z Authorware Basic Training, Wednesday, October 30 z Authorware Intermediate Training-Friday, November 8 z Oracle7 Application Performance Tuning-Monday, November 18 to Wednesday, November 20 z Oracle Programmatic Interfaces-Thursday, November 21 to Friday, November 22
All OIIT training announcements are posted to the electronic mailing list GA-INFO, and if you subscribe to GA-INFO, you will automatically receive all training announcements. To subscribe to GA-INFO, simply send an e-mail message using the following information:
send to: listserv@uga.cc.uga.edu subject: (leave blank) message text: subscribe ga-info Firstname Lastname

Class descriptions, dates, appropriate audiences, registration information, and class fees are available on the OIIT World Wide Web server at URL http://www.peachnet.edu/OIIT/. Look under the "Training" section of that page. For more information about OIIT training, contact Andrea Wilson by e-mail at andrea_wilson@oit.peachnet.edu or by phone at (706) 369-6422. [Return to Contents]
Publishing Information
Information Technology, The Office of Information and Instructional Technology (OIIT) News Bulletin, is published by the Board of Regents, Office of Information and Instructional Technology, 244 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334. Suggestions and contributions are solicited. Unless otherwise stated, permission to reprint articles in whole or in part is granted provided appropriate credit is given.
z Editor: Jayne Williams z Office: Georgia Southern University z E-mail: jayne_williams@oit.peachnet.edu
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