HISTORY

In 1991 with funds from AT&T, the goal to establish a facility, which uses technology to transform lectures and learning, was manifested in the AT&T Teaching Theater, a computer classroom equipped with technology designed to foster collaborative learning. The design of the teaching theater, its network and the software installed are all intended to give both students and faculty a way to work together to achieve their learning goals.

Since the development of the AT&T Teaching Theater, three other teaching theaters have been constructed. In 1993, a grant from IBM funded the creation of the IBM-TQ Teaching Theater, which supports the Smith School’s efforts to incorporate Total Quality Management principles into the curriculum. Like its predecessor, the IBM-TQ Teaching Theater also features special software designed for collaborative learning and group interaction.

With the opening of the new wing of the Computer and Space Sciences building in 1996, the OIT Teaching Theater opened its doors. This teaching theater was established to meet the growing needs of the University faculty for classrooms that support innovative teaching and learning. This facility also responded to needs of faculty using a Macintosh platform.

Most recently, the Office of Information Technology in collaboration with the colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Life Sciences instituted the Plant Sciences Teaching Theater. Based in the new Plant Sciences building along with many technology classrooms, and the sponsoring colleges' distance learning (IVN) facility, this teaching theater has the greatest number of student stations (36) and can be used for distance education as well.

More information on the design of the rooms