Classroom Technology @ UCR
An Eight Year Perspective
Presented by
Larry McGrath
Director Computing Support Services
Computing and Communications
University of California, Riverside UCCSCAugust, 2004
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Result…
• VERY Unhappy Faculty…
Classroom Technology History…
• Little Self Service Capabilities• Aging Equipment• Constant Deliveries• Expensive• Administrative Overhead
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
The Early YearsThe Early Years
• Early 90’s the demand for digital technology in the classroom was not high.
• Early 90’s there was a vision that technology in the classroom was coming.
• Early delivery model of request and delivery would not scale.
• Fixed equipment – University of Colorado
• The direction was clear but money was a big obstacle as UCR gave up their 19905 monies as part of their budget cut in the early 90’s.
A Plan Starts to Take ShapeA Plan Starts to Take ShapeWhat does not work?What does not work?
• In the mid 90’s the demand for technology in the classroom was growing.
• Faculty found that using the technology often required assistance. (operators)
• The “rental” model of centrally held and distributed equipment was not scaling to meet the increased demands.
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
The Vision Six Years Ago…
Create the model / design
Make it Self Service
Four Year Plan / Acquire Funding
Common Technology in All Classrooms
Involve Faculty
Create Classroom Tech Advisory Group
Three Profiles to Match Classroom Sizes
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Fundamental Design Standards…
Classrooms must contain the capability to present materials from a wide variety of sources, including (at a minimum) VHS video, DVD, a personal computer, and the internet.
Classrooms must contain a chalkboard or whiteboard that is available and viewable at the same time digital or analog presentations are underway.
3 Profiles3 Profiles
• Profile A – seats max of 85
• Profile B – seats 85 to 150
• Profile C – seats 151 and aboveSome classroom required hardware
outside of the spec, such as multiple projectors, surround sound etc. X and M
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Fundamental Design Standards…
Classrooms must contain a combination of LCD projectors and/or lighting controls that allow students to take notes and view presentation material at the same time.
Classrooms must be "self service" thus allowing instruction to occur without the aid of student operators and without the delivery of equipment.
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Fundamental Design Standards…
Based on the academic discipline, sound systems and data projection resolution requirements may drive certain classroom minimum standards.
What Happened…
Project Funded ($1,000,000 over four years)
Faculty Surveys Very Positive…
Please visit http://iclassroom.ucr.edu/index.php
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Communications and Training…
Workshops held each quarter; Information on web.
Depending on classroom assignments, faculty contacted for training.
New website to support communications efforts…
Surveys of user satisfaction indicated a high level of faculty approval.
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Next Steps…
Project Funded for Four More Years…
Upgrade or replace equipment in general assignment classrooms as required; at the beginning of 04/05 25% of all classrooms will have five-year-old equipment.
In appropriate classrooms, provide dual projection system (allowing simultaneous projection, for example, of PowerPoint and Internet material).
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Next Steps…
In appropriate classrooms, provide single point of control (allowing faculty to control, from one location, input from a computer, DVD, Internet, electronic whiteboard, etc.).
In ALL classrooms, provide "Extra-thin" classroom computers (keyboard and a monitor) allowing classroom access to a campus server hosting faculty "classroom content": PowerPoint, Blackboard, streaming video, audio, etc.
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Next Steps…
In appropriate classrooms, provide video conferencing equipment (allowing web casts of classroom presentations, archiving of classroom presentation for later viewing, and "virtual" presentations from visiting faculty or subject matter specialists or experts).
Find a common controller for all classrooms
IP Based, JIT Support, Remote Management
Extron SystemExtron System
• We selected Extron System 5 IP– Universal Projector Control– Room Control– IP based, remote support, central
monitoring and theft protection.
It provided for our major needs at an affordable price.
Classroom Technology @ UCRClassroom Technology @ UCRAn Eight Year PerspectiveAn Eight Year Perspective
Emerging Issues…
Audience Response System
Wireless Access in All Classrooms
Thin Clients
Web access to personal file storage (Xythos)
Webcasting/Archiving in the lecture hall
Creating a development environment for Instructional Technology.
Questions? Comments? Thoughts?