TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
February 26,2010Presented by Rob Kennedy and Jason Oakey
Technology should make our lives easier…
Technology should not cause apprehension and worry.
Getting started…
Know the technology available to you.
Use that technology to your advantage.
Educate with its abilities.
What's in our classrooms? Basic Mediation
Projector Screen Computer DVD/VCR Document camera Lap top connection Desktop selector Computer speakers
Projectors
Several brands and models deployed
Moving to one brand for flexibility as well as continuity.
Resolution limitations vs. cost
Switchers
Extron MLC206
Most basic of switchers Talks directly with the projector
DVDs and VCRs An epidemic with no vaccine.
The medium is no longer sustainable
Existing machines are of poor quality
Higher quality DVD drives in our PCs
Actively working toward an archival option that promotes ease of use as well as security.
Advanced mediationThese provide all of the attributes of a
basically mediated classroom plus these added advantages:
Automatic Screen Recessed in wall speakers Crestron touch panel for room control.
This allows light dimming and input switching with a graphical user interface.
SMARTboards
SMART Technology Currently SMART Technology is in
place in more than 20 locations on campus
Group Training through CTLE Individual Training Through ITS We are investigating its use on a
broader scale
Video Conferencing
Three systems available MGH213 and MGH110 Weekly class using remote learning for
Anesthesiology Room is booked through Elisa in ITS to
not interfere with the class schedule. One portable system available for
campus flexibility
WHERE WE AREvs.
WHERE WE ARE GOING
The NumbersWhat we Currently Support
Just the Facts…
Campus Mediated Facilities
Mediated Classrooms
72
Just the Facts…
Campus Mediated Facilities
Mediated Computer Labs26
Just the Facts…
Campus Mediated Facilities
Mediated Conference Rooms22
Just the Facts…
Campus Mediated Facilities
Observation Rooms
19
Just the Facts…
Campus Mediated Facilities
Other Mediated Facilities17
•Ballrooms / Dining•Theaters•Multi Purpose Rooms•Digital Signage
Just the Facts…
Campus Mediated Facilities
Total Mediated Facilities
161
Just the Facts…
Campus Mediated Facilities
Total Mediated Facilities
200AddScience Center Facilities +
Just the Facts…
Campus Equipment
Equipment
Just the Facts…
Campus Equipment
LCD ProjectorsLCD PanelsCrestron Control SystemsExtron Control SystemsTelevisionsDigital Signage SystemsSMART BoardsVideo Conference SystemsDVD’s / VCR’sDocument CamerasAudio Mixer/ProcessorsAmplifiersVideo CamerasMatrix Switchers
137502565919214100+50+50+50+30+25+
Wow!
2
How do we maintain and keep track of allthis equipment, with a staff of only ?
GOOD PLANNING and SERVICE is key…
Scheduled Maintenance and Replacement
Technology Support Center (TSC) Equipment Database Planning for Sustainability
Scheduled Maintenance
Winter Clean Projector filters Operation Check
Summer Clean Projector Filters Operation Check Replacements / Upgrades
Technology Support Center
All calls are logged in FootPrints This is our most accurate, and up to the
minute form of communication. Tracks and Sorts Priority Issues. Maintains a Historical Database.
Trained Student Staff (First line of Defenses) We train the students
Access to the Equipment Database
Equipment Database
List of Facilities List of Equipment Equipment Directions Room Photos Room Schedules Computer Software
Planning and Research
Prioritizing Replacements Researching new Technologies Creating a Sustainability Plan
5 – 7 year Replacement cycle Solving the laptop dilemma
Switchers and Scalers Remote Access
5-7 Year Replacement Cycle Everything has a life cycle
Must assess components age and abilities
Staggered replacement Helps offset costs Helps us attain a total life cycle of the
technology in our classrooms. Meaning everything would have been replaced by the end of a given cycle.
We hope for this to become 5-7 years.
Projectors
Replace Every 4 - 5 Years 2-3 Year Warranty 2000 hours per Lamp Dim over time Resolutions Change
1024 x 768 (Current Resolution Supported)
Inputs Change
DVD/VCR Players
Inexpensive Units (3 – 5 Years) Made from low end parts
No fan to circulate the air Chalk settles on the laser
Laser overheats “Unknown Disc”
VHS tapes Old, Dirty and Tightly Wound
Document Cameras
Replace Every 5 – 7 Years Always On Low Resolution
S-VHS output Capable of 1024 x 768
No third input on the projector
Remote Access
Monitor Equipment Turn off equipment at Night Check Lamp Hours Record use of Equipment
(Requires Server License) Reset Equipment after Power Surges
We expect this to be the new standard.
Remote Access
General Assistance Start up of room equipment Start Video Conferences Remote Weekend Support
We expect this to be the new standard.
Remote Access
Crestron Systems are current being programmed. BRN, TDC and EST Lamp Hours Remote Assistance Equipment Resets
Extron Systems will be piloted this summer. MGH (second floor)
Useful Tips
Useful tip number 1…
The Virtue of patience……Does it seem like the projector is acting up, not showing your image? Confidently switch between other inputs and back again to your preferred input. Many times the projector needs to be reminded what to do (or show).
Useful tip number 2…
Check your resolutions at the door !When you create Power Point or other presentations be mindful of the supported resolutions in your classrooms and meeting spaces. In most cases 1280 x 768 with a 16:9 aspect ratio is the highest wide screen resolution we can currently support. Even though all of our classroom monitors have a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Useful tip number 3…
VLC Portable Free Software Installs on a thumb drive Most Current Codecs
Useful tip number 3…
VLC Portable Free Software Installs on a thumb drive Most Current Codecs
Useful tip number 4…
Turn OFF the projector when finished They time out in only 5 minutes. Wastes valuable lamp life. (approx:
$350/Lamp) Wastes energy Burns the blue LCD panel
Questions ?