Eastern’s new vice president for academic affairs for technology thinks the time is right for Eastern to begin investing in technology.

Michael Hoadley, who came from the University of South Dakota, gave an introductory presentation on academic computing for the Faculty Senate Tuesday, along with journalism professor and former senate member James Tidwell.

The presentation focused mainly on Hoadley’s goals for his position and technology goals for the future.

“Technology is a tool, not the answer,” Hoadley said. “The planning is critical, but at the same time it is important to be flexible and patient.”

Technology is expensive, but it is a good investment, he said.

Tidwell chaired both search committees for the vice president of academic affairs for technology, and also remarked on technological goals for Eastern.

He said he taught online for the first time this summer and his experience was a good one, with good support from the Center for Academic Technology Support and user services.

The senate needs to take the lead in figuring out where the university is going technology-wise, Tidwell said.

A reliable infrastructure is the key to success, but a backup plan is needed, Hoadley said.

Technology should never replace the instructor, but Hoadley also said he is interested in enhancing regular courses with technology.

Hoadley mentioned starting a Center for Academic Technology Support, or CATS, advisory board to address technology issues.

One of those issues is figuring out how to integrate technology into the curriculum, when it is appropriate and how to make use of it, Hoadley said.

CATS should be on the cutting edge, but “they won’t be able to find it all,” Hoadley said.

When faculty members go to conferences on such topics, they should communicate the material to everyone.

The responsibility for technology at Eastern is shared, and Hoadley said he is looking forward to finding out what changes could or should be made here.

Senate members also asked questions regarding technology use on campus relating to long-term planning and other topics.

Other Faculty Senate agenda items were not discussed Tuesday because of the presentation.

An honors college proposal was distributed to senate members and senate chair Anne Zahlan said the proposal will probably be near the top of next week’s agenda.

The senate also did not get to a proposal to put the women’s’ studies minor under the College of Arts and Humanities.

Other agenda items may sit awhile until there is more information, Zahlan said.