Technology For Teaching and Learning

NETWORK

The 100baseT network gives users access to the Internet, as well as, to an internal infrastructure, which offers individuals (both faculty and students) space for their class files. This infrastructure also provides a shared network drive for class access to course-specific software; for the instructor to distribute course-related files; for the students' to submit homework assignments; and for general class interaction.

Click here for network specifications.

HARDWARE

The hardware in each of the teaching theaters gives the instructors multiple options for presentation and interaction. Each facility has two LCD projectors that can be used to project either (or both) of the instructor stations; video from a VCR, DVD*, laser disc*, or campus cable; the output of a document camera, and video slide projector*. The Link System in each of the teaching theaters gives the faculty the ability to project a computer monitor out to the student stations. With the system, they can also view, control and project a student station, blank the student monitors, and more.

The audio for the instructor stations, video and campus cable can be heard through internal room sound system. Instructors can also play audio CDs and audiocassettes* through this system.

Control of the hardware is right at the fingertips of the instructors. Each teaching theater has a touch screen control panel for the projection system, sound system, campus cable, video controls, and lights. The LinkSystem is also controlled from the instructor's desk with the touchof a button or touch screen.

Each teaching theater also has at least two video cameras and ceiling-mounted microphones for observing classes, recording lectures, digitizing for later streaming, and teleconferencing*.

Click here for the Teaching Theater Hardware List.

* This equipment is not available in all of the teaching theaters. Please click facilities-at-a-glance to see a summary of hardware and software for each teaching theater.

SOFTWARE

The software in the teaching theaters provides access to common word processing, presentation, and development tools, as well as, Internet access for web browsing, telnet and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). There are also a number of instructional tools developed in-house to support class interaction and collaborative learning. Additionally, there is software that is required by specific classes. This software is only accessible by the instructors and students of the specific classes for which the software is needed.

Click here for the Teaching Theater Software List.

SUPPORT

Support for the teaching theaters is multi-layered. There is instructional support for the faculty. This includes orientations to the facilities, training on specific hardware and software, and instructional support on the uses of the hardware and software available to enhance teaching and learning. Technical support comes in two forms. First, there is a full-time technician and network administrator, who maintains the network, hardware and software infrastructures of the teaching theaters. This technician attends to the special technical requests for courses, as well as, keeps the facilities in working order. Second, there are student technicians assigned to each of the classes taught in the teaching theaters to provide instructors and students ongoing support. The student technicians are the first line of support for in-class technical troubleshooting.