The following text describes the 2000-20001 APP&R document prepared by the Instructional Computing and Technology Committee (ICTC) for Dr. Paul Hunt, Vice Provost for Libraries, Computing & Technology. The report is divided into two subject areas. The first relates to policy recommendations prepared by ICTC and the second describes proposals related to expenditures and the prioritization of these proposals.

ICTC Policies & Recommendations

MSU's Technology Classrooms

MSU's Technology Classrooms continue to have an important impact on how instructors teach their classes. With their easy-to-use multimedia facilities, the technology rooms are expanding the opportunities for more exciting learning experiences. Each classroom allows the use of video, audio, and a networked computer linked to a permanently installed high quality projection system.

MSU currently has over sixty technology classrooms. Of these an increasing number are smaller classrooms with seating capacity of one hundred or less. The vast majority of large university classrooms now are equipped with technology carts and LCD projectors, so that the availability of technology to a faculty member assigned to teach in a large room is virtually assured. While the greatest concentration of technology rooms is to be found in the Business College Complex, Wells Hall, and Bessey Hall, the geographical proliferation of rooms continues. There are now technology classrooms available in the medical schools, Plant and Soil Sciences, and in Akers, Holmes, and Case Halls.

Worthy of special mention this year are the "video only" technology rooms constructed in Berkey Hall that support only the showing of videotapes using the VCR or ITV network. These rooms use LCD projectors that were installed in 1996 in computer-equipped rooms. The projectors are now obsolete for computer projection, but still give excellent service in showing videotape.

Faculty use of technology rooms for multimedia use has grown dramatically. For the 1999-2000 academic year the Registrar's Office has received requests from departments for approximately 370 sections to be in technology rooms. Of these requests, about 60 percent were for rooms with capacity below 100 students. The number of faculty using the technology in the rooms continues to increase.

Providing training and support for faculty using the classroom facilities is also an important activity. Current efforts include the LC&T Brown Bag Video seminar series, the LC&T Training Program, the Instructional Media Center, the LC&T Faculty Seminar series, and the Faculty Facility for Creative Computing. There has been a very large increase in demand for the use of the classroom management tools called the "Virtual University Widgets." And the Faculty Seminar series enjoyed a dramatic increase in enrollments in January 2000, with most of the increase being in courses in PowerPoint, and web page creation and maintenance. The increased ability of more faculty to take advantage of classroom technical facilities will lead to an increased demand for more technology classrooms.

Recommendation: MSU should continue to build technology classrooms. There is a relative shortage of smaller classrooms. A freshman in a large, required course now has an excellent chance of being in a classroom that is equipped to show multimedia. As that student moves from introductory to more advanced courses with smaller class sizes it is less likely that he or she will be in a technology classroom. Yet it is at the advanced level that students and instructors are more likely to need to teach and explore computer applications in their fields. At the graduate level, where small classes are the norm, there are important computer applications in mathematics, statistics, econometrics, communication, telecommunication, art, the natural sciences , and others that can be taught effectively only in a computer equipped classroom. The committee therefore recommends that the commitment to technology classrooms continue, and put special emphasis on providing facilities in smaller classrooms that will be used in upper level undergraduate, and in graduate courses. We recommend that funding for creating technology classrooms continue at approximately the current levels.

Recommendation: Using multimedia technology to improve instruction presupposes that faculty are knowledgeable about its advantages and limitations. At the present time, many faculty do not know how to use the facilities to their best advantage, and some may not know how to use them at all. The committee therefore recommends that Libraries, Computing, and Technology increase financial support for its education and training commitment to help faculty take advantage of the new techniques. In particular, more options for free seminars and training sessions should be available to faculty. The committee recommends continuation and expansion of the free and well-publicized seminars recently offered by the Instructional Media Center on classroom uses of media instruction.

Training and Support Issue

As MSU has entered the era of rapidly changing technologies and services provided to faculty, staff, and students, the complexities of logistical operation have increased immensely. Audiovisual equipment, (VCR, slide projector, CD, video/data projectors, laptop computers) integrated with computer hardware, requires trained staff able to provide the necessary assistance and support to the faculty in the classroom. At times the requests by faculty are overwhelming the support system. ICTC recognizes both the benefits of the funds reserved for non-recurring equipment and software costs and the stress on the training, operations, and maintenance systems created by MSU's ability to acquire increasingly complex instructional hardware and software. Few departments have the resources to maintain complex instructional systems or to help faculty members learn how to use multimedia technology to best meet the needs of their students. ICTC members believe that the gap between existing support staff being able to facilitate technology teaching activities and the demand for technology assistance is widening. Consequently, ICTC members support efforts permitting reallocation of funds for technical support staff.

Computer Initiative

Along with the advent of requiring each student to own a computer, ICTC recognizes the continued need for computer labs, especially for instructional settings with expensive discipline-based software and hardware.

Basic Technology Equipment

Although most requests from the Instructional Computing and Technology Committee represent newer technologies and advanced computer applications, MSU faculty continue to demand and use varied conventional instructional technologies in classrooms and other teaching facilities. The committee endorses continued funding for replacement and upgrading of basic technologies including overhead projectors, slide projectors, VCR's, television receivers, video/data projectors, and other similar technologies including consumable supplies necessary for service and maintenance.

The ICTC views the above equipment and supplies as essential for maintaining high quality teaching environments for MSU faculty.

Expanded AFS Space

The members of ICTC strongly support the expansion of individual AFS space to at least 20 MB for each individual to accommodate the need to store larger digital files such as presentation files, graphics, video files, and related web files.

ICTC members carefully reviewed and evaluated 17 proposals for an approximate total of $812,445.00. Voting members were asked to rate each item on a scale of 1 (not a high priority item at this time) to 10 (highest priority, essential to instructional computing and technology). The proposals are presented in order of priority. Appendix A, at the end of this document, gives a more detailed review of the results.

1. Proposal: Software Fund ($200,000)

The response of faculty and students to the ICTC software fund continues to be strong. This fund is also used for recurring software costs and networking software upgrades. The fund supplies the computing laboratories with copies of basic applications such as word processing and funding the ongoing annual renewal fee required by many software packages. This year, expenses for operating system upgrades, anti-virus software and instructional software upgrades have stressed the fund. More academic units across the university are employing instructional software and depend upon this fund to initiate many of their technology related instructional updating.

2. Proposal: Digital Video Laboratory for the Department of Art ($28,766)

The Department of Art offers a class, STA467 Motion Graphics, for advanced design students in the Kresge Art Center Macintosh laboratory. This proposal is for equipment to allow graduate and advanced undergraduate students to explore more sophisticated and self-directed motion graphic projects. The proposal is for two professional quality digital video cameras and three digital video editing suites. This satellite lab would be housed in 27 KAC.

2. Proposal: IMC Video/Data Projectors ($144,000) The demand for projection of computer and video images in the classroom continues to increase as faculty are becoming more familiar with the potential of such technology. Currently, the IMC has 18 video/data projectors for portable use, which are fast approaching obsolescence. Last year IMC added 14 projectors capable of XGA (1024x768) resolution and considerably more illumination. These projectors have been in high demand since they were placed in circulation. Purchase of an additional 24 projectors will enable IMC to replace the 18 old projectors and add six more to the equipment pool.

4. Proposal: IMC Projection Lamps and Batteries ($24,850)

This recurring request is for supplies necessary to service and maintain: a) over 100 video/data projectors, b) high-lumen overhead projectors, and c) wireless microphones located in all University classroom auditoriums.

4. Proposal: Language Learning Center Audio & Video Streaming ($4,773.00)

The Language Learning Center would like to move to audio and video streaming in the language laboratories. This will require a powerful server, with ample storage space. 1 server, 400MHz PowerPC G4 - 1MB L2 cache, 256MB SDRAM - 1 DIMM, 2x18GB Ultra2 SCSI, 2-channel card, DVD-RAM drive with DVD-Video, RAGE 128 PRO card - 16MB SDRAM, 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet, Keyboard, AppleShare solution software, Mac OS 9.

6. Proposal: Language Learning Center Computer Upgrade ($19,106.64)

The Language Learning Center would like to upgrade the Macintosh computers located in room 141 OHB so as to allow for net booting. 14 iMac DV, 400MHz G3 and 14 VST USB Floppy Drive

6. Proposal: IMC VCR/Monitor ($11,250)

The purpose of this request is to replace VCR's and monitors that are problematic because of constant transportation from classroom-to-classroom. Even with the utmost care and maintenance, regular (annual) replacements are necessary.

8. Proposal: Language Learning Center Audio Console & Secure Testing Center ($40,000.00)

Instructors in the English Language Center and L&L traditionally used the console-based audio lab in B100 Wells Hall for their classes. When the Language Learning Center moved from Wells Hall to Old Horticulture, these instructors hoped that at least one section of B100 would remain available for classes, and at one point it looked like that would be the case. It is now clear that B100 will not be available and several people have asked whether a section of 141 Old Horticulture could be retrofitted for classes. There are two audio/video sections in Old Horticulture that have been used on a walk-in basis. It would be quite possible to convert one of them to a classroom facility by separating it from the rest of the lab by a partition and by adding an audio console (see accompanying sketch). The section would be available for walk-in use when classes are not in session. This change would also make testing more feasible. As a service to the English Language Center we have conducted, on an interim basis, tests of spoken English in the existing section (about 75 per year), but have had to close the entire lab during the tests in order to provide audio isolation and security. A partition will eliminate this inconvenience to patrons. An estimate for renovations has been requested from Physical Plant but not yet received but it is expected that the amount would come to about $20,000; a Sony console would cost about $20000, for a total of about $40,000.

9. Proposal: Broadcasting Services Erickson Hall upgrade ($40,000)

The Erickson Hall 133d ITV facility is used for interactive distance education classes, LC&T training programs, video brownbag and other instructional technology functions. 1) The three low-cost security-grade cameras in Erickson Hall are aging and they lack external video level controls, or "white clip" controls, making it possible to have excessive video levels, which can result in audio distortion. They share one camera control device, which causes video glitches as cameras are selected. Broadcasting services recommends replacement of these cameras. 2) Because the audio system has far-end sound directed to speakers in television sets, operators can‚t adjust the volume. In the other distance education facilities, operators are able to adjust PA volume to reduce the impact from problematic remote sites, which minimizes the impact on classes from far end echo. Therefore, we recommend adding dedicated speakers and amplifiers to improve the quality of the sound. 3) This facility should be equipped with a video-processing amplifier to control its video level to prevent overmodulation. 4) Because the existing lighting is straight down and casts shadows on participant faces, Broadcasting services recommends the acquisition of a florescent lighting system, such as the Videssence specifically designed for television lighting. 5) Many faculty use slides for graphics and instructional support; therefore an electronic slide projector should be acquired to transfer slides to video.

This facility has had problems when connecting courses with marginal distant sites such as Gaylord. Faculty in Nursing and Social Work have expressed serious concerns about these problems. Equipment changes are recommended above to correct the problems.

9. Proposal: Broadcasting Services Classroom upgrades ($44,000)

1) MSU WEST, GRAND RAPIDS. The existing equipment at Grand Rapids is not capable of operating with a newer codec. Installing a new codec will require new cameras, monitors, microphones, speakers, amplifiers, control, switching and distribution equipment, along with an automatic microphone mixing system.

2) MANAGEMENT EDUCATION CENTER, TROY. The MEC classroom needs an additional camera and two monitors so that BOTH faculty and students can be seen at East Lansing. Human Ecology faculty also have requested a wireless microphone and videotape machine capable of originating videos at Troy. Faculty have expressed serious concerns about the limitations of remote sites such as Troy. They support this request for upgrades.

9. Proposal: Broadcasting Services Audio/Video Streaming upgrade ($40,000)

ITV provides live web delivery of selected classes via streaming in a temporary arrangement with the FFCC. Currently Broadcasting Services is supporting PHY 962B with Prof. Martin Berz. The video and audio path to the FFCC from CAS is via campus cable. This is an insecure publicly available path. Additionally, video compression can suffer audio and video degradations from the noise inherent in broadband AM television signals. To avoid these degradations, improve capacity, and improve security, we recommend acquiring and placing compression and serving system at Broadcasting Services. This would minimize external artifacts because ITV studio classrooms are connected via fiber optic cables. Also, this acquisition will make it possible to handle increased numbers of courses delivered live and/or stored. It will allow students to view selected classes directly over the Internet.

9. Proposal: IMC Laptop Computers ($24,000)

The IMC currently has eight laptop computers for use in the classroom, six IBM compatibles and two Macintosh PowerBooks. IMC needs an additional six IBM compatible laptop computers to meet the current demand.

13. Proposal: Broadcasting Services ITV Classroom Computers upgrade ($24,000)

Computers are essential components of instruction. Faculty use computers extensively in a wide variety of courses (including processor intensive computer graphics). The computers in ITV facilities were replaced three years ago due to the rapid advance of technology. They are again due for replacement to keep pace with the instructional demands. Broadcasting Services requests six high-end IBM compatible multimedia computers, each equipped with Jaz and Zip drives.

13. Proposal: Broadcasting Services Video Conferencing Bridge upgrades ($45,000)

Two years ago MSU acquired an 8 port Multipoint Control Unit for video conferencing between Desktop Video conferencing units and/or single ISDN room based systems. Currently there are higher capacity bridges at CMU, UM, WMU, GVSU, LSSU, and REMEC. Broadcasting Services recommends upgrading the system to 384kbs capability, which would allow the bridge to conference between MiCTA sites and ISDN based sites. With the single ISDN PRI line in place, this would allow various connectivity options:

a) three384kbs conferences

b) two 384kbs conferences and three 128kbs conferences

c) one 384kbs conference and six 128kbs conferences or

d) eight128kbs conferences.

Broadcasting Services also recommends MCU and control software upgrades to the current version, one year of maintenance support, and the acquisition of a notebook computer for remote technical support. Faculty in osteopathic medicine has asked Broadcasting Services to upgrade the bridge as described above; they support this request.

Faculty are requesting DVD players for use in the classroom. Currently, the IMC does not have any portable DVD players. This will enable IMC to provide DVD players to faculty teaching in regular classrooms.

15. Proposal: Broadcasting Services MiCTA Codecs upgrades ($120,000)

Michigan State University owns sixteen video codecs used on the MiCTA/Sprint network. Thirteen of these codecs are aging and outmoded. They can not connect to newer systems such as those at Gaylord, Wayne State University, Oakland University and Madonna College. Broadcasting Services proposes replacing the five codecs in East Lansing and one each in Grand Rapids, and Traverse City (NMC). New codecs will include internal echocancellers and be capable of operating via IP or via ISDN or Sprint/MiCTA lines. Because new codec installations will continue throughout Michigan, we must (at minimum) replace the E. Lansing codecs to be able to connect with our partner MiCTA sites. Also, we anticipate requesting funding next year for system replacements at the remaining off-campus MSU sites. Faculty in Nursing and Social Work are concerned about the limitations of our older codecs. They have asked that Broadcasting Services purchase new codecs to assure connectivity with remote sites.

15. Proposal: IMC DVD Player ($2,500)

Faculty are requesting DVD players for use in the classroom. Currently, the IMC does not have any portable DVD players. This will enable IMC to provide 5 DVD players to faculty teaching in regular classrooms.

17. Proposal: IMC CD Player-Cassette Recorder/Player ($2,450)

This is a portable recorder/player unit designed to be used in the classroom.

Appendix A

Score	Rank
10	1	Proposal: Software Fund ($200,000)
9	2	Proposal: Digital Video Laboratory for the Department of Art ($28,766)
9	2	Proposal: IMC Video/Data Projectors ($144,000)
8.71	4	Proposal: IMC Projection Lamps and Batteries ($24,850)
8.71	4	Proposal: Language Learning Center Audio & Video Streaming ($4,773.00)
8.29	6	Proposal: Language Learning Center Computer Upgrade ($19,106.64)
8.29	6	Proposal: IMC VCR/Monitor ($11,250)
8	8	Proposal: Language Learning Center Audio Console & Secure Testing Center ($40,000.00)
7.71	9	Proposal: Broadcasting Services Erickson Hall upgrade ($40,000)
7.71	9	Proposal: Broadcasting Services Classroom upgrades ($44,000)
7.71	9	Proposal: Broadcasting Services Audio/Video Streaming upgrade ($40,000)
7.71	9	Proposal: IMC Laptop Computers ($24,000)
7.43	13	Proposal: Broadcasting Services ITV Classroom Computers upgrade ($24,000)
7.43	13	Proposal: Broadcasting Services Video Conferencing Bridge upgrades ($45,000)
7.43	15	Proposal: Broadcasting Services MiCTA Codecs upgrades ($120,000)
7.43	15	Proposal: IMC DVD Player ($2,500)
6	17	Proposal: IMC CD Player-Cassette Recorder/Player ($2,450)