Instructional Technology Conference 2008

Title: Changing the Landscape of the Classroom: Strategies for deploying SMART Classroom Technology

Name: Deborah Simmons & David Cargill

Audience Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced

Audience: Faculty, Deans, Instructional Technology Specialists, General

Length: One hour

Abstract:
Gone are the days of overhead projectors and transparencies. Technology has brought about "smart"; classrooms with integrated multimedia, Internet and computing capabilities to enhance faculty and student presentations. This presentation outlines the process and outcomes of a pedagogical, needs based approach to evaluating, designing and deploying instructional technology in classrooms. The presenters will discuss the criterion that was applied to the development of smart classrooms to meet the needs of faculty and students. Topics include committees involved, technologies selected, funding challenges, policies, assessments and training.

Description:
Educators and students are embracing new methods of computer-aided teaching and learning. The age of one-size-fits-all courses of fixed length, content, and function or method of teaching is over. These modifications challenge higher education to keep pace in this changing digital teaching arena. Classrooms are now built or retrofitted to better engage students and place them at the center of learning. Louisiana Tech University recognized the need to enhance classrooms with technology. A solution for deploying new classroom technology was presented by the Vice President of Academic Affairs in 1999. The charge was issued to implement smart technology in 130 classrooms with a goal of providing access to the technology in order to improve learner outcomes for faculty and students.

The deployment of Smart classrooms reflects a significant investment initially and over time. One of the most difficult processes is to retrofit new instructional and presentation technology into old classrooms with a limited budget. The expense involved poses a challenge to administrators and others involved in finding a balance between functionality and expense in learning spaces.

The Center for Instructional Technology and Distance Learning initiated implementation of this technology by forming a Smart Classroom Project Team. The team was charged with standardizing technology in 130 classrooms and developing guiding principals that would serve as focal points throughout the duration of project. CITDL was responsible for surveying, consulting, designing, acquiring, installing, supporting, maintaining and evaluating the "smart"; systems. The guidelines and strategies that were developed have driven the project to success.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

Contact information/affiliation:
Deborah Simmons
Coordinator for Instructional Technology
Louisiana Tech University
P.O. Box 10167
Ruston, LA 71272
Tel: 318-257-2912
Fax: 318-257-2731

David Cargill
Director, Center for Instructional Technology and Distance Learning
Louisiana Tech University
P.O. Box 10167
Ruston, LA 71272
Tel: 318-257-2912
Fax: 318-257-2731

Equipment: Digital Projector & Screen

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