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So-called smart classrooms have been installed in nine buildings, including Willard, Barnard, DiLoreto, Copernicus, and Welte Halls. “The locations were picked with faculty input by a representative appointed by the dean from each of the schools,” said Temple. All of the systems include a computer, a ceiling mounted video/data projector, VCR, document camera and DVD player, video source switching and with audio amplification through wall mounted speakers and a new wall screen. “The document camera is a modern-day version of the old overhead projector,” Temple pointed out. “The biggest advantage of it is that it serves also as a video camera allowing zoom up on details of books, maps, and newspaper articles, for example.” All the equipment except the document camera and computer monitor is mounted inside an equipment rack. The projector is securely mounted on the ceiling. The systems have cable TV through the VCR as well as videotape playback. “Most classrooms, being equipped with cable TV, have access to CNB, a business cable channel, and of course, the news network, CNN,” said Temple. “Further, cable TV makes it possible to take a satellite teleconference and deliver it live to almost any classroom. And, a live event in Welte Hall, for example, can be televised over one of the CCSU channels.” “The multimedia classrooms give professors the ability to demonstrate and display in class on a large screen software used on a computer plus the world wide web, including typically PowerPoint, web applications, and WebCT,” said Temple. “Many students use the computers in the presentation of reports and projects.” An enthusiastic Dr. Paul Altieri, professor of economics (shown above in one of the multimedia classrooms), stated, “I love the new classrooms, because I’ve been able to try different teaching techniques that were unavailable to me before. Our new facilities are well-regarded, comparing favorably with other higher education institutions.” Training opportunities are now
available with multiple sessions offered on various days. Professors can
arrange to schedule classes in one of the “smart” classrooms by
contacting their department chairs, deans or Tom Eisenlohr, associate
director of Continuing Education and the Enrollment Center. Sherry
Pesino, assistant director, Media Services, can assist with training and
developing instructional tools for use in the multimedia teaching
stations. |
“With the installation of 10
more classroom systems this summer, CCSU is in the enviable position of
having more than 65 technology equipped multimedia classrooms across
campus,” exclaimed a proud Dr. Roy Temple, director, Media Services. “We
are thrilled to have these facilities and want them used to the
maximum.”