2008 IT Additional Information
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Arkansas Extension faces unique opportunities and challenges because its headquarters are approximately 200 miles from the main campus. This distance has handicapped some of our faculty, who could have otherwise contributed to research requiring the high bandwidth delivered through I2 if it had been available to us. Connection to ARE-ON is goal for IT within the next two years. Initially, the Extension connection will deliver 1Gb speeds, approximately 100 times current bandwidth through a partnership with our sister campus University of Arkansas Little Rock.
Texas AgriLife: In the past year the Agriculture Program at Texas A&M has undergone a branding/marketing evaluation and change. Dr. Larry Lippke, Head of Extension Information Technology retired during the year. These events provided an opportunity for a in depth review of IT operations which resulted in a decision to broaden the scope of the existing Extension IT unit and restructure organizationally. In July a new IT Director position was filled and a new IT organizational road map is under development that will include support for not only Extension, but the Research and Teaching components as well.
Access 4-H: I currently serve on the National Advisory Team (NAT) for Access 4-H. Following a F2F meeting in Chevy Chase, MD in early June, I wrote my overview of what Access 4-H is about and have placed it on Google Docs, viewable at http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgqkp875_143nppgg4cn. Two conference calls, along with several other side negotiations have occurred since that time, so this overview may not be currently accurate. I will attend another F2F NAT meeting in Indianapolis on 14 September 2008, and will update this document following that meeting.--Larry 17:41, 26 August 2008 (UTC)
eXtension: Recent changes in eXtension's FAQ and Ask an Expert system are making this a very powerful tool for county educators. I recommend all institutions look into rolling out training and use of the AaE widget. In Texas, the implementation of the widget has occurred through the county website system. Agents need two mouse clicks to turn on the widget on their respective websites. --Larry 17:41, 26 August 2008 (UTC)
