Enhanced Technology Classrooms: Where We Are and Where We're Headed

By Frank Paine , Director, Instructional Media Services

Through the summer and into the beginning of the Fall Semester, Instructional Media Services (a unit of Information Technology) struggled with the help of our vendor Digital Networks to install 18 new Enhanced Technology Classrooms (ETCs.) We have been extremely pleased with the results and have had many faculty members comment on how well they work.

These new ETCs—although similar to the units we have installed in the past—have several features that make them more reliable, easier to use, and simpler to maintain. The first and most significant element is the Extron Pole Vault™ System. The Pole Vault™ System is an easy-to-use, economical classroom AV system that incorporates twisted pair technology for signal transmission rather than the bulky cabling formerly needed in smart classrooms. They also include network connectivity for Web-based asset management, monitoring, and control. This means that we will be able to monitor each classroom remotely and possibly save our technical staff valuable time in assisting our faculty. They are also easy for our staff to configure, resulting in a significant reduction in engineering and installation costs. The units we have installed accommodate four inputs allowing for an onboard computer, a laptop connection, a VHS/DVD combo player, and a document camera. They also include a powerful sound system that utilizes two ceiling mounted speakers to deliver clean, clear audio.

A basic component of these rooms is the projector, and we have focused on the Epson PowerLite® 822p projector. In the past we've had our share of problems with blown out bulbs and units that did not live up to the advertised bulb life. The Epson projectors are rated at twice the bulb life of our current units. They also have variable intensity, so the bulb life can even be further extended. These projectors are rated at 2600 lumens, but with the new generation of lamps they present a more brilliant, high-resolution image equal to projectors rated at much higher luminosity. They have easy lamp and air filter access for quick maintenance. This is important since many failures can be avoided by the periodic changing of filters. Although we have had relatively few thefts, we are providing these units with secure mounting hardware that creates a significant impediment to removal. In fact, all of the elements of the podiums and projectors are tethered to security cables.

Speaking of podiums, we are using a new generation of Spectrum Link™ podiums (Figure 2). Our lead ETC tech Mike Little recommended these, and they provide excellent access to the VCR/DVD, computer, and document cameras for our users. They also have front and rear access so they are easier to maintain than the older stacked versions or front access only units.

As you well know the equipment is only part of the equation. We asked Doug Borcoman, Interim Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), to suggest how this equipment can be used to its fullest potential: "One cannot help but observe that more and more instructors are using smart podia and other technologies to enhance teaching and learning… Clearly, presenting a PowerPoint show, displaying multimedia video and audio files, and engaging in a Web quest can easily and effectively be accomplished through the use of a smart podium. However, what is important to bear in mind concerns instructional design considerations. Even a glossy PowerPoint equipped with animated text and background effects can grow stale after an hour or be a source of noise and/or distraction to the student audience. This is, of course, an example of the non-optimal use of technology.

"The effective pedagogical use of technology would seem essentially to be related to personal teaching philosophy and methodology. If the purpose of a presentation is primarily information giving, then an appropriately designed presentation should include robust and interesting production values, such as relevant graphics, audio that reinforces the topics and concepts under consideration, and a clearly established outline. This will help to enliven the classroom climate and kindle student interest. In contrast, if the purpose of a technology-augmented presentation is to stimulate interaction, reflection, and participation amongst members of the audience, then the smart podium might be used more as a very convenient electronic chalk-board.

"The main point is to consider what the instructional goals are and whether or not various technologies actually conduce to reaching those goals."

If some of the above seems impossible or difficult to incorporate into your own curriculum you might consider visiting Doug in the CTL office at LIB C510. You might discover that it's not as hard as you might imagine.

Even as we consider all of the rooms we have now installed, we are looking forward to the next iteration of ETCs. Since we have outfitted many of the larger rooms that require podiums and more robust systems, we are now looking at spaces where we might install wall boxes that would include a VHS/DVD combo player and a small form factor computer (about an inch high!) This unit folds against the wall in a locking case. The panel on the exterior allows for laptop hookup to the projector, audio and Internet connection. Instructors can connect to the campus system using their laptops and project hundred-inch diagonal images with full fidelity audio. This would help us preserve much needed seating in these smaller rooms and still provide the salient elements of an ETC.