Agriculture Information Technology

Advisory Group (AITAG)

AITAG Meeting – June 1, 2006

NDSU VP of Agriculture and University Extension D.C Coston began the meeting by thanking all for their involvement on the Agricultural Information Technology Advisory Group (AITAG). D.C. mentioned this meeting will begin a renewed effort for AITAG. The renewed charge is outlined in a document mailed to all AITAG members.

Tom Moberg, NDSU Vice Provost and CIO, commented on recent developments linking NDSU ITS and Ag Communication services. He indicated the relationship is developing well between ITS, Ag Comm and the NDACo. Tom made reference to the document outlining AITAG’s renewed charge.

In addition to discussing AITAG’s renewed charge, Becky Koch, Director of Ag Communications, outlined some issues that need to be addressed immediately by the AITAG. They include feedback and recommendations for the NDSU IT plan for the 2007-09 biennium, hardware and software baseline adjustments in preparation for NDSU Extension Service purchases by July 1, 2006 and discussion on the vast array of training needs for NDSU agriculture. Becky will forward the 2005-07 IT plan to the AITAG so planning can begin immediately on the 2007-09 IT plan.

Tom Moberg gave an update on ITS and ag communication consolidation efforts. Recent efforts/developments which began in the fall of 2005 include:
1. Help desks have been reduced from two to one.
2. Networking protocols have been migrated to Novell (ag comm. and ITS were previously different).  
3. Email servers and web servers were to remain separate. However, the ag budget office server crashed and they were merged (clarification needed?).
4. Folks from ITS toured several county and REC sites to learn of unique needs. The NDACo’s also provided feedback.
5. The recycling of IT equipment (ag and non ag) are now done using the cascading system.
6. Cost sharing is being done together and the baselines are one in the same.
7. Training via video-conferencing and through the web are being instituted.
8. ITS will be involved with the ag comm. IT plan.
9. ITS and the NDACo’s are working closer together.

The AITAG then began reviewing the 2005-07 IT plan for NDSU ag in an effort to begin compiling the 2007-09 IT plan. Some accomplishments based on the 2005-07 IT plan include successful implementation of hardware and software training that allows users to use them more effectively. In addition, video-conferencing usage has increased substantially. Areas or issues identified in the 2005-07 plan that have not been fully accomplished include and may be included in the 2007-09 IT plan:
1. Establishment of learning centers at the LREC, CREC and HREC.
2. Significant increase in long distance education including college credit courses.
3. Further development of E Extension team development.  
4. Increase in non-credit class usage for clients.
5. Decrease state network line charges.
6. Increase usage of internet business activities especially for rural areas.
7. Assisting constituents evaluate and receive input regarding the quality of web pages at NDSU.

The AITAG then discussed other IT issues. The use of video-streaming and pod casting at NDSU was discussed. Currently, limited resources are not allowing NDSU to further develop video-streaming. It is not expected that pod casting will replace video-streaming. Questions also arose concerning email changes and the ag server. Whatever develops, ITS will communicate to users what changes may take place. This may be accomplished through an NDSU web page communicating changes or proposed changes. In most cases, the changes should be transparent to users.

The meeting ended with an offer by ITS to create an organization on blackboard for AITAG. The offer was accepted by the AITAG. Tom Moberg will implement this asap so the AITAG members can begin dialogue.

Agenda items for the next scheduled meeting include:
1. 2007-09 IT plan (goals) to be submitted asap.
2. Hardware and software baseline changes (if any) that will help direct Extension IT purchases.
3. Discussion/recommendations on who is responsible to communicate IT changes to NDSU ag users.
4. Discussion on IT training efforts for NDSU ag.
5. Rotation of AITAG members

Next meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 23, 2006, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon.

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