Learning Line 1.1

In this Issue

Notes from the Associate Provost for Learning Resources

Welcome to the first of what I hope are regular updates of news and information from the office of the Associate Provost for Learning Resources. As I write these words, the summer is upon us and many of us are busy preparing for another academic year. Then again, many readers will only find this newsletter after returning from a well-deserved summer vacation. Whatever the case may be, I hope you enjoy reading the information presented here. We've tried to keep it brief so that it can be read quickly instead of being thrown on the reading pile that's probably already deeper than any of us will ever wade through.

A few years ago, I attended a workshop where the presenter asked the attendees to describe the purpose of a newsletter. Of course, there were the obvious answers such as to inform the community of news and events. After some discussion, the presenter gave his definition of a newsletter as a planning document. He reasoned that once you have put your plans in print and published them, there is strong motivation to carry them out. In keeping with that theme, you will find several of the items in this newsletter describe plans that are being laid for the upcoming academic year. I hope that you will find them as exciting as do those of us who are working to bring them to fruition.

Alan Hargrave

Computer Laboratory News

Effective June 1, management responsibility for the general access computing labs was transferred to the Associate Provost for Learning Resources. This was done in recognition of the labs as an important part of instructional delivery. Our thanks to the fine individuals in Computer and Telecommunication Services who have managed these labs in the past. With the transition, Eric Williamson has been hired to manage the labs. (See the article about Eric in this issue.) We would also be happy to assist with departmental laboratories as appropriate.

In preparation for the fall semester, several improvements to the computing labs are planned. The table below highlights some of these. If you have particular needs that are not addressed, please give Eric a call at extension 2108 or send e-mail to cewillia@samford.edu.

Memory Upgrades	Most computers will be upgraded to 16 MB of memory to support newer programs that require more memory.
Windows 95	Most PC compatible computers will be upgraded to Windows 95. This will allow us to take advantage of new features and will more closely reflect what an individual purchaser would have on their own computer.
Microsoft Office	Plans are underway to add Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) in response to many requests for this software. Existing software such as Word Perfect and Lotus 1-2-3 will continue to be supported.
Software Upgrades	We are attempting to upgrade as much software as possible to current versions.
Networking	Finish connecting all lab workstations to the campus network.
Computer Replacements	Some workstations will be completely replaced with new computers.

As one can see, these plans are quite ambitious and we may find that our resources don't stretch far enough to complete all of them. However, we hope that you will see dramatic changes by the start of the fall semester.

Technology in Learning Center

One of the more exciting things happening this summer is the creation of the Technology in Learning Center or TLC. The TLC will be located in the Library and serve as a focal point for supporting the use of technology in classrooms and laboratories. The center will be home to high-end computers and related equipment that can be used for creating multimedia materials. Specialized equipment will include a color flat-bed scanner, a color slide scanner (for all of those 35-mm slides that some of you have wanted to computerize), a color printer and CD-ROM recording equipment. The new position of Academic Technology Specialist (see the article about Doug Smith below) has been created to provide support to those who use the center. One item of note: the photographs in this issue were taken with the Apple QuickTake 150 digital camera. This camera is one of the items that will be available for faculty use through the TLC!

Staff Changes

Other News

Doug Smith

As we emphasize the use of technology in the learning process, it is important to improve support. To help meet this need, Doug Smith has accepted the position of Academic Technology Specialist. His primary duties will include management of the Technology in Learning Center and support for faculty who are integrating technology into the curriculum. Doug came to Samford earlier this year after a career at BellSouth. He is near the completion of a Ph.D. and has classroom experience as an instructor in the Samford School of Business.

Eric Williamson

Eric Williamson has joined the Samford staff as the new Computer Laboratories Manager. In this role, Eric will be responsible for managing the general access computer labs on campus. Eric graduated Cum Laude from Samford this spring with a Major in Religion and a Minor in English. He has extensive experience with our laboratories, having served as the student lab manager. Eric will be working with faculty and students to make sure that our labs stay up to the task of meeting curricular and general purpose needs.

Congratulations

We're proud to announce that on June 12, Elizabeth Wells received the F. Wilbur Helmbold award from the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. This is an annual award which recognizes sustained, distinguished service to the Institute and the genealogical community. Please join us in congratulating her on this award.

Library Closing

On August 15 and 16, the Davis Library will be closed so that we may conduct a staff development activity for all library employees. We have tried to select a time that would create minimal impact on our patrons. We appreciate your patience as we strive to improve our service to the University community through staff development.

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