Selection of faculty participants and registration is managed through the colleges and departments. Registration Deadline for Spring and Summer tracks is December 19, 2003.

In early January, FDI will notify each participant by e-mail of their workshop assignment. There will be a series of informational sessions offered that can assist faculty in creating an individualized training plan utilizing both The Software Skills Gateway, FDI workshops, as well as year-round New Media Center support to assist in successful project completion.

Please read this document carefully to understand several new approaches and procedures we will be using. If you have questions not answered here, or would like to make suggestions, please contact John Moore, Director of Educational Technologies (jmoore1@vt.edu).

1. Spring Alternative Workshops:
   In addition to the traditional three-day summer workshops, this year we are continuing the Spring Alternative Workshops. These are similar in content to the summer tracks, but are conducted in four to six two-hour blocks between February and mid-March. The Spring Alternative is offered primarily to those faculty whose research, teaching, or travel plans preclude FDI participation during the summer.
   
2. Software installation and computer delivery options:
   In recognition of many requests for self-installation and configuration of software, and to expedite early spring delivery of computers to faculty (starting late March 2004), FDI is no longer routinely pre-installing software on computers. Instead, CD-ROMs are provided for all FDI software (see list below) so that faculty, or their departmental support person, can install the software in a manner that best suits their personal preferences.
   
   Those faculty who would prefer someone else install the software should first ask for assistance from their departmental technical support staff. If not feasible, they can request that their computer arrive with software installed by FDI. This option must be selected during the FDI registration process in December. Please note that selecting the pre-installed software option means your computer will not be delivered until mid-May or later.
   
3. Northern Virginia faculty:
   Faculty based in Northern Virginia must be included by their respective colleges in the standard FDI registration process. The quotas established for each college include the Northern Virginia faculty. There will no longer be a separate registration process, or a separate quota, for Northern Virginia faculty. Northern Virginia faculty may elect to either attend summer workshops in Blacksburg or participate in Track N, which will be conducted at the Northern Virginia Center September 20-22, 2004.
   
4. Computers:
   Several changes in computer configurations are necessary due to budget constraints. Zip drives will not be furnished for laptop computers. Existing USB zip drives should be used for laptops if desired. Desktop computers will be configured with an internal speaker. Existing powered speakers can be added if desired.

November 2003: College Deans notified of seat allocation and program objectives for summer 2004

 

December 19, 2003 College Deans submit participant list to FDI

Colleges submit Excel spreadsheet file to FDI containing faculty names, computer choices and workshop Track preferences.

January 9, 2004 {Reserve right to alter summer schedule based on enrollment data}

FDI notifies each participant by e-mail of their preliminary workshop assignment.

 

February 2 - March 25, 2004

Spring Short Courses and Spring Alternative Tracks.

March 31, 2004

Computer deliveries to faculty offices begin

April 5, 2004

Deadline to request changes in either workshop track or date for the summer.

April 9, 2004

Workshop dates and participant rolls "locked down" final confirmation notices e-mailed to faculty.

April 2004: Northern Virginia Center Orientation Session Videoconference

 

May 17, 2004

FDI Summer workshops begin

Summer FDI Workshop Track Schedule

Workshops will be offered mid-May until mid-July. Pre-determined summer schedule posted on FDI web site. Track A workshops for incoming new faculty will be held August 10-11, 2004.

September 20-22, 2004: Northern Virginia Center Track N