Classroom Technology Sullivan Hall Stephanie Zimmerman Associate Director of Multimedia Services...

Classroom Technology Classroom Technology Sullivan HallSullivan Hall

Stephanie ZimmermanStephanie Zimmerman

Associate Director of Multimedia Services Associate Director of Multimedia Services Seattle University School of Law Seattle University School of Law

March 25, 2006March 25, 2006

Sullivan Hall ClassroomsSullivan Hall ClassroomsBuilt in 1999, with several upgrades and renovations since.Built in 1999, with several upgrades and renovations since.

Initial Technology for ClassroomsInitial Technology for Classrooms

• Smart Podiums Smart Podiums • Crestron Control Processor “brains”Crestron Control Processor “brains”

• One device that centralizes the controls for everythingOne device that centralizes the controls for everything• Integrated Touch Screen Controls in PodiumIntegrated Touch Screen Controls in Podium

• Multimedia ProjectorsMultimedia Projectors• Document ReadersDocument Readers• Connections for LaptopsConnections for Laptops

• Audio CD and Cassette Decks (with speed controls)Audio CD and Cassette Decks (with speed controls)• VHS playersVHS players• MicrophonesMicrophones

• Professors MicrophonesProfessors Microphones• Audience voice lift systemAudience voice lift system

• Lighting ControlsLighting Controls• Wired Ethernet jacks for each chairWired Ethernet jacks for each chair

Smart Classrooms – Centralized Control UnitsSmart Classrooms – Centralized Control Units

Crestron Control Processor “Brains”

•Control module with standardized device controls.

•Routes in and outputs for presentations.

•Ability to centralize controls for everything.

•Programmable, Scalable, Flexible.

•Continues to be useful regardless of new technologies.

Standardized User InterfaceStandardized User Interface

Touch Screen Interface

•Standard, consistent interface in every classroom.

•Easy to figure out, even without training or evening support.

•Programmable to incorporate new technologies.

•Communicates useful information.

Choosing the Right ScreenChoosing the Right Screen

Tab Tension Screens

•Advantages: Never creases, great reflective surface.

•Disadvantage: starts to stick to itself after a few years.

Multimedia Projector UpgradesMultimedia Projector Upgrades

Models are always improvingModels are always improving• 2x Brighter, Quieter, Smaller, Higher Resolution2x Brighter, Quieter, Smaller, Higher Resolution• Warm-up in a few minutes. Important, especially if the Warm-up in a few minutes. Important, especially if the

class just before you turned it off.class just before you turned it off.• Ability to sell original model to recover some money.Ability to sell original model to recover some money.

Original Proxima Projectors Current Sharp Projectors

Document ReadersDocument Readers

Problems with original Doc Reader Interface.Problems with original Doc Reader Interface.Technology improvement between design and installation.Technology improvement between design and installation.Can stand in as Overhead Projector as well, with under bed Can stand in as Overhead Projector as well, with under bed

lights.lights.

2nd Doc Reader Model Newest Doc Reader

Classroom 328 UpgradeClassroom 328 Upgrade

Originally one room had no technology Originally one room had no technology

• Tables could be moved into configurations at Tables could be moved into configurations at will.will.

• Future space needs required it to be multi-functional.Future space needs required it to be multi-functional.• Technology had to be added, 5 years later.Technology had to be added, 5 years later.

Classroom 328 UpgradeClassroom 328 Upgrade

Installing new equipment, that has same Installing new equipment, that has same interface.interface.• None of the original equipment models are made anymore, but None of the original equipment models are made anymore, but

Crestron and Touch Screen interface the same way.Crestron and Touch Screen interface the same way.• Setup allows professors to sit at table level with students with Setup allows professors to sit at table level with students with

laptop extension cord, or move podium around (which is same laptop extension cord, or move podium around (which is same height as desks).height as desks).

Microphones in Large ClassroomsMicrophones in Large Classrooms

Professor based microphones

•Stationary podium mics, always on.

•Wireless Microphones,

•Require faculty to use: keys, batteries, and on/off switch.

Microphones in Large ClassroomsMicrophones in Large Classrooms

Student based Voice Lift system

•Ceiling Mounted Microphone Arrays.

•Ceiling Mounted Speakers

•Directional Program Speakers

•Complex control Systems

Fully integrated via Crestron

Architecture and Technology – Sound ProofingArchitecture and Technology – Sound Proofing

Hard walls and floors create echo champers inside classrooms.

•Fabric panels, carpet and insulated walls help.

Noisy ventilation can drown out everything.• Important to lesson pressure at any one spot. •Make sure ceiling microphones are not near vents.

Double doors to keep out hallway noise.

Architecture and Technology - LightingArchitecture and Technology - Lighting

Great, I can see the whiteboard, but…

Where is the professor?


Great, I can see the whiteboard, but…

What’s being projected?


Wooden Clouds are pretty, but…

Pretty and Functional are not always the same thing. If there is a battle over looks, its important that functionality wins before the architect builds something that can’t be changed.


Lighting Placement and Controls are Important

These are studio lights added after building was finished.

Can be customized and controlled by Crestron.


In-room Lighting Demo


Color Temperature

Every type of lighting has a different color to it. Make sure yours all match, especially if you ever want to videotape.

•Outside windows and Skylights

•Fluorescent Light Fixtures

•Incandescent area lights

•Bright Projectors

•Studio Lights

Architecture and TechnologyArchitecture and Technology

Equipment Rack Space

Leave space for growth.

Conduit Pipe

Wireless is not the

answer to everything.

Water Damage

Plan for Crisis.

Raise equipment off floor.


Additional Equipment Racks in Podium

•Access to items like VCRs, DVDs, etc.

•Additional Inputs (future iPod jacks etc.)

Access and Security Issues

•Theft & Tampering Concerns.

Fixed or Movable Podiums

•Wiring Concerns

•Labor Considerations


Build for durability.

•Avoid any moving parts. They break and add complexity.

•Choose round edges when possible. Corners break and scratch.

•Use metal instead of plastic when possible.

Architecture and Technology - VideotapingArchitecture and Technology - Videotaping

Whether you use them now or now, build outputs from your classrooms for recording devices, both at the podiums, and at the back of the rooms.

Architecture and Technology - VideotapingArchitecture and Technology - Videotaping

Sullivan Hall portable videotaping and encoding capabilities.

Fixed Cameras versus Portable Setups.

Convertible Recording Formats. (WMV to MP3, etc)

VideoConferencingVideoConferencing

Experimenting before purchasing.

Using existing device for many purposes.

Repurposing portable equipment for larger uses.

Integrating new technology into rooms not built for it.

Polycom Viewstation FX

Video ConferencingVideo Conferencing

1st Semester, SU Courtroom

•Existing Room reinforcement audio was a disaster.

•So table mics had to be laid out for each student, and Vortex Echo Cancellor was purchased.

2nd Semester, classroom C5

•Two ceiling mounted mics pickup questions for 115 people seamlessly.

•Fully integrated with VTC.

Usability – Why is this Important?Usability – Why is this Important?

Could I use it - Will I use it?

•Intuitive Use - Technology should Assist not Hinder.

•KEEP IT SIMPLE

•Minimize wasted time. Minimize stress for presenters.

•Keep student and professor confidence high.

•Minimize labor costs in support.


Never assume anything about your users.

•Leave instructions where they can be found.

•Label Things if they aren’t obvious, or even when they are.


Tech Support - Phones

•Analog Phones in Classrooms•Ringers off•local numbers only•posted help numbers•Repurpose for telephone conferencing

•Tech Support

•The show must go on.

•Don’t leave evening faculty and students hanging out there on their own.

•Manned help desk or phone, student workers who can locate who ever is needed via radio, cell, etc.


Critical Questions to Ask:

•Are we buying it because its trendy – or will it actually be useful?

•Will technophobe users be comfortable with it?

•Is it so complex that a technician has to be on hand, in every room, holding hands, every day?

•Can I move from one room to another without have to relearn everything?

•Will the interface change every year?

•Can evening professors figure it out on their own?

•Can visiting guests lecturers figure it out without training?

Technology InvestmentsTechnology Investments

Its not how much money you have, but how you spend it.

•Know what your choices are.

•Learn from other’s experience. Ask Questions.

•Know advantages and disadvantages of each option.

•Don’t throw money at cool things, invest in useful opportunities.

•Always plan for forward growth.

•Don’t marry yourself to proprietary, dead-in technology.

•Technology is never a one time cost….

•Consumables: projector bulbs $$, repairs, upgrades.

•Find a Trustworthy Subcontractor for Integrated Systems!

Technology InvestmentsTechnology Investments

Technology is never a one time cost…

•Consumables: projector bulbs, batteries, studio bulbs.

•Accessibility of equipment for repairs – ladders, etc.

•Someone has to replace mic batteries every week.

•Life-cycle of Equipment: 3-5 years on industrial grade devices.

•Unexpected repairs

•Theft replacements

•Outdated technology

•Changing needs

Better not to spend anything, then dump money once into systems you won’t sustain in the future. It sets false expectations for use.

Plan for ExpansionPlan for Expansion

Growth is inevitable….

•Have more room than needed in Conduit Pipe.

•Leave empty space in Equipment Racks.

•Have additional inputs and outputs in all devices than needed.

•Buy industrial equipment that is controlled with standardized protocols.

•Know technology will improve between your first quote, and when you finally build.

•Own your own Crestron Programming, always demand copies of that programming from your engineer after each upgrade!! Don’t assume that company will exist in 5 years.

•Buy one spare of everything, because when it finally dies you won’t be able to find that model again. And it always dies in the middle of a semester, when the room can’t be upgraded.

The FutureThe Future

What is on the Horizon….

Classroom Technology Sullivan Hall Stephanie Zimmerman Associate Director of Multimedia Services...

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