Meeting Minutes: November 7, 2013

Present

  • Stephen Blosser - Assistive Technology Specialist, RCPD
  • Tom Hwang - Blindness/Visual Impairment Media Access Specialist
  • Graham Pierce - User Experience Researcher, UARC; Project Manager, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research; Digital Communications Coordinator, Center for Community and Economic Development
  • Al Puzzuoli - Information Technologist, RCDP
  • Todd Ring - IT Services Technology Training, Training on Accessibility Classes
  • Katelynn Ritchie - Recording Secretary, Tower Guard Representative
  • Joann Silsby - IT Services Trainer, Teach Accessibility Classes
  • Tyler Smeltekop - Course Materials Manager, Libraries

Minutes

  1. Blosser called meeting to order at 3:13 PM
  2. Members discussed the need to focus on creating eText documents with complex math, using programs like MathJax and Scientific Notebook. The file size of eText documents has increased, and MSU's current distribution system has insufficient space. MSU's online database of eText should be increased, similar to Illinois', so that books do not have to be broken into multiple files.
  3. ATC started teleconference with Milind Basole (University of Illinois), beginning with introductions including name and title.
  4. Blosser asks how MSU would be able to implement Illinois' eText system at MSU. A proposal will be developed to document how to do this, the cost, etc.
  5. Basole mentions brownbag on eText Illinois, and how specific publishers have agreed to help with Illinois' book database. MSU wants to continue being able to provide free eText for students while still using Illinois' database system. For students to gain access to the Illinois' system, they must purchase each book, and must be in the class of the textbook requested to be able to view it. The system includes advanced functionality. For example, a professor or Teaching Assistant can leave "notes" on files, which will directly notify students using the files.
  6. Illinois uses Blackboard as MSU uses Angel/ Desire2Learn. MSU wants to have a database including eText from publishers and eText that MSU can create, as the RCPD is doing now, with the same formatting. MSU uses Desire to Learn (D2L) as does University Wisconsin. Wisconsin is looking into a similar database to Illinois, and is initiating a pilot test. A pilot test like Wisconsin's for MSU would be a good way to ease into the new database system.
  7. MSU has the ability to track eText downloads by students; Illinois has the ability to track virtually all interactions with their eText system. Illinois' eText system requires you to be online to access the book; if there is no internet connection other eText documents cannot be viewed. Illinois looking into offline access to their system.
  8. Blosser discusses with Basole how using different software or upgrading it can prevent viewing of mathematical eText. Students presently have the most success when using JAWS.
  9. Blosser suggests preparing a draft of a pilot study for using Illinois' eText database at MSU. Basole reported that the University of Illinois is working on a proposed contract agreement and we should wait a few weeks for its completion.
  10. Phone conversation was ended.
  11. Blosser and Smeltekop discuss pilot study and what it entails.
  12. The meeting was adjourned (Pierce, Blosser) at 4:28 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Katelynn Ritchie, Recording Secretary