TLTR Emerging Technologies Bert Wachsmuth Math and Computer Science Seton Hall University

The TLTR  Established in 1995  Composed of representatives from academic and administrative areas, including students  Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and IT  Meets to discuss the enlightened use of technology for teaching and learning  Comprised of action teams (subcommittees)  Makes recommendations to Provost and IT

EmTec: Emerging Technologies  Identify new and emerging technologies and investigate their usefulness in teaching and research.  In 2010/11 focus on Mobile Computing (and Cloud Computing)

Mobile Computing  UG Students pay a technology fee each semester  Receive a laptop for two years, refreshed at the end of 2 nd year, get to keep laptop upon graduation –15 inch media laptop –12 inch Tablet for science and honors students –Apple Powerbook for select Art students  IT fee amounts to about $7 Mill, pays for software licenses, wireless infrastructure, insurance, PC support, CDI grants, and of course the laptops  In existence for over 10 years; we were at the forefront of using IT for teaching and learning (among “Top Ten Wired” Universities)  Inter-connected with faculty use of technology

Importance of Mobile Computing  Defines in part how students learn  Defines in part how faculty teach  Provides valuable skill set to students  Enhances reputation of SHU and helps attract students  Provides jobs

Mobile Computing Myths?  Mobile Computing costs the University money –The technology fee pays for entire program and even returns some money to general fund  IT has an enormous budget –Independent consulting firm Huron places IT costs in the middle of our peer institutions  Students already have a computer as freshmen –Some evidence suggests students have access to computers but not their own system  Faculty no longer allow use of laptop in class –See data provided later

Mobile Computing Pros/Cons Pros –Standard hardware allows cheap and quick support –Faculty rely on standard computing environment –Level playing field for all students Cons –Expensive for the student as visible extra cost –No choice and individualism –One choice laptop may not fit all needs

Main Questions 1. Have the expectation and needs of our students changed? 2. Have the expectation and needs of our faculty changed? 3. Has the technology changed?

Questions for Students  Did you own your own computer prior to coming to SHU?  If you were to buy your own laptop, what priorities would you have?  …???...

Questions for Faculty

Faculty IT Use

Has Technology Changed? Yes !!! –Cloud computing –Social networking –Smart Phones –Tablet devices

The Plan 1. Gather data on student IT expectations 2. Gather data on faculty IT expectations 3. Gather data on Mobile Computing in comparison to our peers 4. Evaluate new technologies for suitability 5. Evaluate cloud services as local software replacement 6. Prepare recommendation by the end of the academic year