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

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November - December 1996: Volume 8, Number 3
Contents
z From the Vice Chancellor z Model Classrooms are Launched z Oracle/DBA Camp-Rock Eagle Pre-conference Workshop z 25th Anniversary Annual Computing Conference a Success z 1996-97 Broadcasting Services/University System of Georgia z K-12s Connect to PeachNet z What's New on the University System of Georgia World Wide Web? z Publishing Information
From the Vice Chancellor
***The OIIT and the four research and two regional universities just completed a "current information technology (IT) condition assessment" as a first step in strategic IT planning processes, both for the state Information Technology Policy Council (ITPC) and the ACIT (Administrative Committee on Information Technology). A consensus report from the group, facilitated by an outside consultant, was developed. Copies have been sent to ACIT representatives.
***The OIIT is also participating with the state Chief Information Officer, Mr. Mike Hale, and the ITPC in two technology planning efforts. The first effort, chaired by Dr. Allen Ecker with the ITPC and Dr. John Copeland with GCATT (Georgia Center for Advanced Telecommunications and Technology), will examine requirements and alternatives and develop a plan to serve high-speed networking needs for education and state government. The second effort, chaired by Mr. Jerry Segers, OIIT, and Mr. Bailey Mitchell, DOE, will involve all educational agencies in examining the requirements and alternatives and developing a set of options for expanding educational networking in the state.
***The BANNER system continues to progress with the goal of upgrading from version 2.0 to the client/server version 2.1 by spring 1997. A client/server overview seminar was held in November. Security workshops are planned for December and January. Week- long upgrade workshops will be held for each implementation group during February.
***The RFP for acquisition of new financials was released to vendors on October 3. A bidders conference was held at Georgia State University on October 28. After the bidders conference, vendors submitted questions regarding RFP items needing clarification. Answers to the questions were provided to the vendors on November 15. The deadline for receipt of vendor proposals is December 20. The evaluation committee will begin evaluating the proposals January 13, 1997.
***The installation portion of the PeachNet/MCI dial-in project is ending, and the transition to production status is underway. The remaining telephone facility problems have been solved, and two of the last three sites, of the 53 planned, will be installed this month, with the final site scheduled for January. The information on the University System WWW (http://www.peachnet.edu/OIIT/PN/dial/) is being updated, and maintenance procedures are being

established with full operation expected to begin January 1997. CampusMCI will provide local dial-in coverage for 88% of the state.
***A number of issues emerged from the System computing conference at Rock Eagle in October:
1. Ms. Kay Rawlings from the Regents office-Human and External Affairs, addressed the ACIT meeting on staffing, history, and training issues. ACIT representatives highlighted the problem of recruiting, indicating that the system needs to find a way to attract and retain qualified individuals and to offer them a career/promotion track. It was suggested that a committee be formed consisting of human resources and ACIT representatives so that the issues could be further discussed and addressed. The ACIT subcommittee on human resources will handle this issue.
2. Mr. Ken Williams suggested that more support be available from the OIIT for BANNER, even if institutions had to be charged a fee for the service. Smaller institutions rely heavily on the OIIT for support. The ACIT subcommittee on administrative systems and the human resources subcommittee will address this issue.
J.B. Mathews, Vice Chancellor
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Model Classrooms are Launched
The Model Classroom Initiative provided two-year, four-year, and regional universities with $100,000 in lottery funds to develop at least one basic multimedia classroom to be used for instruction or to upgrade an existing facility. The following reports from three University System institutions describe the application of funds, and initial results look exciting and promising.
State University of West Georgia
The Model Classroom Initiative project at the State University of West Georgia is nearing completion. Almost all of the hardware has arrived and installation is well underway. The Learning Resources Center, Computer Center, and facilities/engineering have worked with representatives from the schools of Business, Arts and Sciences, and Education in implementing the project.
The room identified for the project had been used as a business computer classroom and, as a result of the model classroom project, has been significantly improved. The room with damaged ceiling tiles, worn out carpet, oneswitch lighting, and old technology (an overhead projector) had been equipped with 28 aging microcomputers which were networked with a 386 server. (The chief advantage of the room was its satisfactory LAN situation.)
Among the basic room improvements have been new wiring and trackwork for the multimedia equipment, new area lighting, a new ceiling, and new carpet, as well as essential repairs to the walls. The room is ADA accessible, and two student computers are designated ADA units.
The heart of the project is the bank of 30 student computers-166 Mhz pentiums with 32 Mb RAM and a two gigabyte hard drive-and the teacher workstation. Each computer has a 9X CD-ROM and headphones for private listening. The server upgrade is a similar pentium unit, which is linked to a laserjet printer. The classroom LAN has access to the campus WAN and to the Internet.
The multimedia equipment will include a VCR, a laserdisc player (which can play all laserdisc media including audio CDs), an audio amplifier, and a projector. The audio system includes four speakers. Other multimedia additions include a remote mouse and a laser pointer. The School of Business has supported the project with the purchase of new computer tables, and the Learning Resources Center has supplied the rack, speakers, amplifier, and power supply.
The School of Business has identified twelve courses for possible scheduling in the room. So far, an estimated 1,267 students will be served. The School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education are currently reviewing their class options.
The model classroom has stimulated interest in the continuing development of high tech classrooms throughout the State University of West Georgia.
Kennesaw State University (KSU)

The English writing labs previously operated 21 obsolete computers in each of three labs with no network connectivity. The following equipment has replaced them: 75 pentiums with Internet access, six networked laser printers, one file server, communications hub with 96 ports, wiring for 90 ports, and 75 licenses for MS-Office.
Upgraded computer technology in the English electronic classrooms has provided access to students in English 101 and 102 and in upper-level English education writing courses and other majors, for a total of 1,514 students. Next quarter, the classrooms are expected to serve 1,810 students.
Beyond the greater capacity, however, is the improvement in teaching. The KSU English Department now offers students three different software modes (rather than being limited to a not very flexible single disk): MS Word, WordPerfect, and Norton TEXTRA Connect. Word for Windows, in particular, was cited by Professor Martha Bowden as "useful to students in other locations because it is the industry standard. We are much closer to approximating what our students have at home, and thus, the work is increasingly portable."
In addition, the advantages of the TEXTRA Connect program in this new environment are numerous. The program integrates word processing and file sharing so that students and faculty can read and comment on each other's work over the network. Assignments can be distributed, collected, peer rated, evaluated, returned, revised, and resubmitted. Better yet, electronic conversations can go on from different locations. All of the transactions in the writing process can occur without paper ever exchanging hands, without the retyping of entire papers, and without the extravagance and waste of consuming endless reams of paper.
Additionally, the new equipment gives students research access to the Internet, as well as to the KSU and all University System library catalogs, all from the classroom. It is a tremendous help, as Dr. Bowden notes that "students can browse the web when they start researching their final papers." Dr. Laura Dabundo states that "we shall be reaping dividends from this investment in technology for years to come."
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University will convert a typical large lecture classroom into a facility equipped with multimedia computer workstations. Construction will begin at the end of fall quarter 1996 and reach completion in spring 1997. The plans call for multimedia computer workstations, with access to GSNet and to the Internet, large screen monitors, and Windows 95.
The lab will be equipped with a high quality printer-connected to GSNet-capable of printing laser quality documents from the workstations, as well as reports generated through connections to the mainframe systems on campus. A multimedia presentation system with interactive capabilities will allow for demonstrations to be made through a computer, as well as through audio and video. Portable LCD panels for overhead demonstrations will allow presenters to bring their own systems (laptops) to demonstrate materials for students.
Primary use of the model classroom facility will involve the teaching of English composition in a multimedia environment, though other courses will have access. A conservative estimate of usage based on current patterns in composition laboratories would be 590 students per week.
The OIIT does not necessarily endorse any of the products mentioned in this article. Anyone wanting detailed information on installation of the model classrooms should contact Mr. Myk Garn at 706-369-5678 or e-mail: myk@oit.peachnet.edu.
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Oracle/DBA Camp-Rock Eagle Pre-conference Workshop
by Beth Brigdon, OIIT
The 25th Annual Computing Conference at Rock Eagle hosted its first pre-conference workshop this year. The Oracle/DBA (database administrator) Camp began on Tuesday before the conference and ran until noon Wednesday when the Annual Computing Conference officially began.
For that one day and a half, approximately 55 Oracle systems administrators and BANNER DBA's from 29 institutions and the OIIT had the opportunity to interact with one another within an arranged program and through smaller breakout sessions.

The DBA camp, an idea resulting from several mentoring sessions held throughout the year between a small group of DBA's responsible for the support of BANNER on their campus and OIIT staff, provided the first organized opportunity for technical systems administrators and DBA's to discuss their ideas and concerns. In addition to the technical discussions, the group examined ways of effectively sharing ideas among institutions, as well as communicating priorities and needs to campus administrators.
Another result of the mentoring sessions was a University System Mentor Handbook, a group effort documenting proven tricks of Oracle management. The handbook, which will continue to be enhanced, was given to camp participants and is available at http://www.peachnet.edu/OIIT/SUPPORT/Oracle/MentorDocument.
The camp provided a smaller group atmosphere which facilitated sharing of ideas, problem solving techniques, and an understanding of several upcoming issues that could not have been accomplished otherwise. The group that attended found the camp so beneficial that they want to do it again, and plans are being laid for a similar type of workshop for the spring. Announcements of plans will be posted to Ora-Info@uga.cc.uga.edu.
Many thanks go to presenters: Charles Ash and Debbie Exum-OIIT; Elizabeth Boss-Miaco; Ted Schmidt-Armstrong Atlantic State University; Dan Good-Georgia College & State University; Erik Bowe-South Georgia College; Michael Johns-Valdosta State University.
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25th Anniversary Annual Computing Conference a Success
by Andrea I. Wilson, OIIT
The 25th Anniversary University System Annual Computing Conference held October 23-25 at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center was a huge success with a total of 743 attendees.
David Watts, Executive Assistant for Education, Office of the Governor, delivered the keynote address. Watts focused on the recent infusion of technology in Georgia's universities and colleges, reminding attendees that the success of the investment in technology is up to each institution.
The theme, "Clueless? The Mystery of Technology," was demystified in the 87 educational sessions which covered many facets of information resources in higher education. This year's conference offered something for everyone, with sessions addressing issues faced, challenges met, changes weathered, and partnerships forged in areas of keen interest such as distance learning and instructional technology, operating system overviews, LAN and WAN issues, library applications, and multimedia.
Attendees benefited from the opportunity for hands-on computer demonstrations, information on the latest advancements in computing hardware and software, and a glimpse into the future of computing during the vendor displays and the newly added vendor track.
Along with the high-quality presentations and vendor displays, the conference provided attendees with a mix of fun-filled activities, which included the annual miniature golf tournament, a dance and rock band, a fireworks display, a magician, door prizes, and plenty of time for one-on-one interactions with colleagues and friends.
"Call for Presentation" brochures for the 1997 University System Annual Computing Conference scheduled for October 22-24, 1997 will be mailed out in late December.
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1996-97 Broadcasting Services/University System of Georgia
Ms. Diane Chubb (OIIT) and Ms. Janie Smith (Georgia Public Broadcasting-GPB) co-hosted a 30 minute satellite teleconference on October 15, 1996. The program provided an update on the Adult Learning Satellite Service program, along with other services offered by GPB to support satellite distance learning. The program will be rebroadcast periodically throughout the year on PeachStar.

The audience for the broadcasts is University System campus distance learning personnel. Satellite information is as follows:
Peachstar KU Band, TelStar 401 Transponder: 14 Lower Horizontal Polarity Audio 6.2/6.8, Channel 27
For programming dates, contact Georgia Public Broadcasting Educational Services Division at (404) 756-2550 or 1800-222-6006 outside Atlanta.
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K-12s Connect to PeachNet
by Cathy Cruger, OIIT
Eleven elementary, middle, and high schools will be connected to PeachNet in December with funding provided by the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Board.
Each school will receive a 56Kbps connection to PeachNet, including a router, CSU/DSU, hub, UPS, and equipment cabinet. Funding provides for the purchase and installation of the equipment and installation of the 56Kbps circuit.
In addition, the funds cover 50% of the monthly line charges and 50% of the annual PAMM (PeachNet Access Monitoring and Maintenance) fee for two years. Sites budget approximately $4,500 per year for their 50% portion.
Installations are scheduled to begin December 5 and to be completed by December 19. The OIIT appreciates the support that System institutions provide to their local K-12 community.
PeachNet welcomes the following: Bleckley County High School, Cochran; Dodge County High School, Eastman; East Laurens High School, Dublin; Greenville High School, Greenville; Jeff Davis High School, Hazelhurst; Lowndes High School, Valdosta; North East Georgia RESA, Winterville; Turner County Elementary School, Ashburn; Turner County Middle/High School, Ashburn; Upson-Lee Middle School, Thomaston; Washington County High School, Sandersville.
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What's New on the University System of Georgia World Wide Web?
by Brad Bacon, OIIT
Several new features have been implemented on the University System of Georgia (USG) World Wide Web (WWW) over the last few months. One may now search the USG web for specific information by selecting "Search" on the homepage or from any page in the web structure. Also, a "News" section has been added to provide information on happenings in the System and on the University System WWW.
The Board of Regents section has seen several additions and updates. The 1994- 1995 Information Digest, published by the Office of Planning and Policy Analysis, provides summary information concerning the various activities of the University System of Georgia and reliable statistical data over time.
The "Memorandum of Understanding Between the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Georgia Hospital Association" has been added to the Office of Legal Affairs section.
Of special interest to those in advisement, academic affairs, or student affairs, the Academic Affairs Handbook has been updated to include new sections which pertain specifically to the move to the semester system.

The Apple Rock Eagle USG Computing Conference Webcast has been archived to the OIIT section. This site features QuickTime movies and QuickTime VR scenes from the conference, as well as other pertinent information. There is also a link from which you can download all software needed to utilize the multimedia files employed on the site.
A new area has been added to the University System of Georgia Resources section. University System of Georgia Administrative Personnel includes listings of the University System presidents, chief academic officers, and chief fiscal officers.
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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