OUETDA (Ontario University Educational Technology Directors)

The OUETDA has been in existence for thirty years, sharing ideas and developing initiatives about the increased use and place of technology in education. The members of this group include directors and managers of Audio Visual Departments from nearly all universities in Ontario. Bart Strong and David Kidney have been members of this organization for the past four years.

We met in Waterloo in May 2004, with associate members from a similar group in Quebec, at meetings hosted jointly by the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier, and Guelph. Our discussions focussed on design of Smart Podiums, distance education, booking systems, and security of equipment, among many others. The interchange of information, and problem solving sessions were extremely helpful as we sought to deal with similar issues in our own institutions. Leadership was passed on to a new executive at the spring meeting. Leela Rampara (Ryerson) is chair, David Kidney, vice-chair, Ruth Gillespie (Guelph) will serve as treasurer, Mark Gareau (U.Ottawa) will take over as secretary. These are two year terms.

Our meetings are marked by a sense of unity and collegiality. They have led to some strong friendships, and to a sense that we're all in this together. The use of an e-mail list-serv enables the group to report new items of interest, and to help work through challenges with a peer group.

Our next meeting is in November at York University.