We’ve been fortunate to be able to update our classrooms in the past few years due to Title III and CRF funds. Our classrooms really needed the love, although it is a bit of a change for everyone. Additionally, while we have money to purchase things, we often run against supply chain issues. Demand for equipment is high right now, yet production is incredibly slow. So, updates are coming as fast as possible, considering the challenges. In an interest in keeping everyone informed, I thought I would share the coming updates for classrooms.
Winter Break Plans
Many of these changes are supported with the remaining CRF Funds. Please note, these are projected plans, but other demands may shift the ability to complete all projects.
North, South, and Audet – The projectors, screens, and control system will be removed. In their place, we are installing a 75″ television, which will replace one section of the whiteboard. These classrooms will be controlled using a remote and will only have the ability to connect the installed PC or a laptop. Later updates will improve access to other technology, such as a document camera, etc. along with a control system.
Athletic Training Classroom (ATC) – The projector, screen, and control system will be removed and replaced with a 75″ television. Due to space issues, we are shifting the classroom to face the exterior wall. A new board will be installed next to the television. This classroom will be controlled using a remote and will only have the ability to connect to the installed PC or a laptop. Later updates will improve access to other technology, such as a document camera, etc. along with a control system.
Fine Arts 105 – The chalkboard will be removed. In its place, we are installing a 75″ television and a new whiteboard. This classroom will be controlled by remotes. Currently, there is no installed computer in that space. Those wishing to connect to the equipment using a laptop will need an HDMI input on their device (or an appropriate dongle). Later updates are to be determined.
Fine Arts 110 (piano lab) – The old television will be replaced with a larger, 65″ television. This classroom will be controlled using a remote and will only have the ability to connect to the installed PC or a laptop. Later updates are to be determined.
Jeffords 121 (lab) – A television will be installed on the side wall of the lab, which will allow HDMI input for anyone wishing to use it (there is no installed computer). This equipment will be controlled by remotes. Later updates are to be determined.
Fine Arts 120 – I’m working on making the Smartboard smart again. I’m not sure how that will turn out. TBD.
Woodruff – I have an Interactive panel on a moveable cart to be shared by the classrooms upstairs. This will provide faculty with the opportunity to play with this device.
Next in the Hopper
I have a handful of TVs that I plan to strategically install near the back of classrooms to allow faculty to view remote students while they instruct. I’m still working on implementation and how to best make them work as desired.
Standby Hoppers
This is equipment I have ordered but am still waiting for.
LV 202 – (Title III funded) We have newer microphones on order. Last I heard, the microphones were in, but the mounts might not be. The new microphones should enhance useability greatly. Additionally, the panels were re-programmed to fix issues with the displays. It’s an incredibly complex system, so please bear with us as we work out the kinks. The goal is to make that room how we want it and then mimic that approach in any other places we decide to do a full telepresence design.
Moving Into the Hopper
These are requests that haven’t been ordered yet, but are working through the appropriate chains.
Glenbrook A and B, Castleton Hall Multipurpose Room, Jeffords 101, Jeffords 213 – (Title III) I’m working on a quote to give these classrooms new screens (not A and B), speakers, document cameras, Bluray player, a switcher, and touch panel control. This would provide HDMI and VGA input for laptops.
