Tri-Campus community learns more about technology initiative
(July 7, 2003)--More than 200 members of the Tri-Campus community representing various disciplines attended a technology forum Wednesday morning in the Retama Auditorium on the 1604 Campus. The purpose of the forum was to educate and engage the UTSA community about some of the exciting opportunities that lay ahead through a new technology initiative designed to enhance the learning experience for UTSA students.
Pictured is University of North Carolina Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Stephen Jarrell presenting a technology initiative adopted in 1999.
Stephen Jarrell, vice chancellor for information technology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, presented the Carolina Computing Initiative (CCI) which for the last four years has made either a laptop or desktop computer available for all incoming freshman, faculty and staff.
According to Jarrell, the initiative not only enhanced the students learning experience, but also helped UNC save money on equipment and lab space.
CCI was supported through state funds and a grant from IBM that provided financial assistance for incoming freshman who could not afford to pay the costs of the required equipment.
UTSA President Ricardo Romo has appointed a task force to evaluate the opportunities to expand the use of all types of technologies and media in support of UTSA's mission of teaching, learning and discovery. As part of the initiative, the task force has been charged by Romo to look at options to expand the use of technology in classrooms, laboratories, study areas, residence halls and community spaces throughout the university from undergraduate to doctoral-level programs.
Ideas under consideration include creating a campus-wide wireless environment, establishing a center to assist faculty in integrating multimedia into their course materials, exploring the expanded use of laptops and/or tablet PCs, and delivering more courses and student services online to reach students beyond the campus boundaries. The task force will also explore ways to support students in meeting the costs of accessing technology.
"This initiative will make our university a true model of learning for the 21st century," said Romo. "Students I have talked with are excited about innovative ways to integrate technology into our university environment, and I invite all members of the UTSA community to get involved with this initiative."
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2003