Abstract
A substantial renovation to a historic college and building resulted in a state-of-the-art building, full of new technologies and possibilities for new kinds of technology-enhanced teaching. Technology malfunctions slowed adoption and exploration of these possibilities, but limited communication and training accompanied by institutionally-mandated scheduling system stagnated adoption and innovation further. This case explores these issues and how an unconventional training series has started a deeper conversation about these issues and promoted more pedagogical experimentation.
TopCase Description
This case describes a variety of issues that occurred during or resulted from the renovation of McCracken Hall. These include the need for professional development and the need for both more and sustained conversations about technology and functionality. As with many interventions, training could help to address a portion of the needs, but there were other factors at play, which also needed to be addressed. It was these considerations that shaped the type of training that was designed, developed, and carried out.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Instructor Station and Terminal: The instructor station, in this case, refers to the desk, table, podium, or cart which contains the wired computer for a room as well as the terminal which allows a user to control the power of the projector and display panels, control which inputs are used to project for the whole room, and when it works in the distance rooms, both record meetings or lectures and control connections with students or visitors at a distance.
Vendor: A business that provides goods or services. For some organizations, some vendors may be designated as being preferred and others may be designated as being required. In the instance of preferred vendors, an organization has a favorable relationship with them and employees are encouraged to do business with them as needed. In instances where a vendor is required, purchasing or billing practices may have been negotiated by the organization or a controlling entity at the state or regional level.
Wireless Presentation: Through the use of a wireless connection, individuals can project the screens of their mobile devices to a display panel or projector. This concept can also sometimes be referred to as screencasting or screen sharing.
Video Bridge: A device which allows multiple locations or multiple video inputs to be put together into a common video conferencing environment. This may be either a wired or wireless device.
Moveable Projector Screens: In the context of this case, this refers to screens which LCD projectors project onto. The movement aspect comes in the form of them being able to be retracted into the ceiling when not in use.
Kinesthetic Learning: Learning by carrying out some type of physical activity such as carrying out a procedure or acting something out. It can also sometimes be referred to as Tactile Learning. While readers may be familiar with the concept of Haptic Learning, that has to do with the only touch as opposed to kinesthetic, which involves the whole body.
Display Panels: Appearing like a large, flat panel television, the displays in this case range from 40-60 inches in size. Unlike television, these panels do not have built-in video decoders for television signals, nor do they have connections for coaxial cables.
Active Learning: A practice of being more student-centered in teaching and learning. This can involve the teacher/instructor taking on more of a facilitator role as opposed to the traditional role of expert and source or knowledge. Active learning can also take advantage of both chairs and furniture which have wheels on them, allowing for the rapid reconfiguration of rooms and student seating, to allow flexible and experimental forms of interaction.