Biosystems Engineering at Oklahoma State University

John Deere
Distance Education Classroom

(6/22/00)

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Copyright ©2000 Biosystems Engineering

The John Deere Distance Education Classroom located in Agriculture Hall at Oklahoma State University was formally dedicated June 22th. In attendance were over 60 students, staff, faculty and guests. Representing Deere and Company were Gary Burau, Dallas Branch Manager, Jim Lee, Finance Administration Manager, Lenexa, KS, Roger Jenkins, Manager Marketing Division, Moline, IL, Mike Sand, Manager of Training Programs, Dallas and Ken Buell, Manager of College Programs, Dallas.

The facility was made possible by a generous gift from John Deere and the support of OSU and CASNR administration. Dr. Bill Barfield, Head of the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department demonstrated the room's features including computer displays, multiple cameras, electronic chalkboard, Elmo overhead, automated class microphones and live two-way video conferencing. Bill gave special acknowledgement to Marvin Stone, Professor, Mike Velman, Electronics Technician, and Craig Trible, Computer Support Specialist, who facilitated the initial planning, design, and construction, and to Charles Gause, Division Marketing Manager, Lenexa, KS, for developing the initial partnership between Deere and OSU.

Dr. Ed Miller, Associate Dean for Instruction, CASNR, discussed the importance of the facility to introducing students to advanced technology and noted it will expand OSU's reach to enable lifelong learning to those off campus. Jim Lee, expressed Deere's belief in the importance of new technology and challenged the faculty to "wear this equipment out" in the development of new educational products, while Roger Jenkins told the audience of the important roll OSU is playing in Deere, as evidenced by 36 recent new hires and 33 summer interns. Fitting the function of the facility, Richard Potts and three coworkers joined the event by two-way video from the John Deere Dallas Offices. Richard stressed the importance of live, two-way communication to recruitment and training. Closing out the event was the keynote speech by Gary Barau. Gary gave a short overview of John Deere's history and future. He showed how facilities such as this fit into Deere's vision of teaming up Deere and university engineers in research, design and education. It may also provide dealers with the type of support they want; close to home and when they need it.

Finally, from the students and faculty of the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, Oklahoma State University, THANK YOU DEERE & COMPANY!