| Design
Goals
The
design goal for the electronic classroom was to enhance
or improve the learning environment for students and faculty
by providing them with an environment equipped with a wide
variety of technological options. Classrooms that use a
variety of equipment are often not compatible. The room
was also designed to be highly intuitive to learn and affordable
to purchase and replace components, such as the basic computer
that runs it.
Solutions
To
achieve the design goals, the Media Center worked with Adcom
Electronics for almost a year to make the Electronic Classroom
a reality.
They
designed a system with preset dimming control in the podium
of the Electronic Classroom that let the lecturer select
desired combinations of lighting for recall at the touch
of a button. Software integrated all devices-VCR, data/video
projector, document camera, and lighting. These two systems
came together using icons on a touch screen VGA monitor
embedded in the console that served as the room's control
panel. The instructor presses an on-screen button to activate
whatever device is needed; for example a VCR player to introduce
a short video clip to supplement, augment, or clarify a
topic in a lecture. The lectern design emphasizes practicality
and includes multi-task functions that are transparent to
the user.
With
the system, lighting can be preset to optimum levels; for
example, 100% for lecture, 50% for videoconferencing, 20%
for data or video viewing, spotlight only for demonstration.
Lecturers can concentrate on instruction and, at the touch
of a button or screen icon, change lighting levels, audio
levels or manipulate other equipment as desired. The system
defaults to the original setting when turned off - ready
for the next lecturer. Lutron Grafik Eye dimming controls
provide four preset room scenes and off for touch button
recall.
The
first user to test the efficacy of the Electronic Classroom
involved a professor in Mechanical Engineering. Positive
feedback from both students and the professor led to the
decision to conduct may additional sessions from the room.
The promising results have led to a host of small activities
hat have increased the interest on campus. A particularly
appealing feature is the ability of instructors, for example,
to connect to the network at the Engineering Computing Facility
and to bring files from that location to the Electronic
Classroom by using an X-terminal. The X-terminal produces
workstation-level files and graphics that can be shown by
using the high-scan data projector. In other words, professors
can extend what they are doing in their labs to the Electronic
Classroom. Connection to the Internet is also available
from the lectern.
Instructors
are able to use either Macintosh or IBM compatible computers
in the classroom. The podium has been designed with ports
that accommodate both kinds of computers. This means that
instructors can use their own notebook computers, for example,
to prepare and store their simulations or presentations
and then use those same machines during class. All that
is required is to plug their computer into the appropriate
podium port and then use the ouch screen monitor in the
lectern to share their materials with their audience.
The
room was equipped with a 486 PC with a touch screen VGA
monitor (in 1994). Adcom Electronics' iRoom software managed
the room's utilities through the 486 and Microsoft Windows.
The iRoom software integrated all the devices (e.g. VCR,
high scan data/video projector, document camera, lighting,
etc.) using the RS232 connectivity. Using 486 computers
and Microsoft software allowed the systems to be replaced
inexpensively. The Media Center added 16 more electronic
classrooms on campus with laserdisks and networking for
videoconferencing capability.
Classes
taught in the facility include Mechanical Engineering, Chemical
Engineering, Zoology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Business and
Management.
Benefits
The main benefit
of the design decisions was having a classroom that enabled
instructors to use sophisticated electronic equipment with
a simple interface. The facility was so well received by
students and professors that a host of new activities were
featured in the electronic classroom. Professors can now
extend what they are doing in their labs to the Electronic
Classroom.
This
educational vision of the future was developed through the
efforts of University Information Commons, the lighting
controls company, and the technology company personnel.
Simplicity in design and usage, budget, and purpose were
key elements that were delineated and satisfied. The lighting
control system was specified because it is sophisticated,
yet simple and easy to use.
The
plug-and-play automated characteristics of the room means
that the set-up time for instructors to use the technology
is quick, and the need to know how to connect different
pieces of technology is limited. The projector c an be programmed
up to 99 settings which allows for a great deal of flexibility
in using it. It means that any type of computer or video
source can be connected to it once the settings are programmed.
The room is self-sufficient in the sense that the instructor,
when trained, operates independently without the need of
a technician being present. The instructors are able to
operate the room on their own.
The
room is easy to use from a technical standpoint and feedback
from the students and faculty has been positive, especially
in terms of the quality and variety of the audio and visual
enhancements that can be inserted into a presentation. However,
users have learned that developing new materials such as
computer demonstrations, slides, and videos requires a significant
amount of time.
Specifications
& Credits
Owners
:
University of Toronto, University Information Commons
Technology Consultants : Adcom Electronics
Ltd. of Toronto R&D Center
Control Manufacturer : Lutron Electronics Co.,
Inc.
Equipment Providers : Automated Imaging |
