Integrated Instructional Technology

Integrated instructional technology achieves an important (yet seldom considered) balance. Classroom renovations should build in the infrastructure to meet the need for students to connect digitally and online with others outside the school — while "staying put" to reduce their carbon footprint.

It is reasonable to assume that geometric rather than linear technological growth will produce changes greater in magnitude than developments since the introduction of the personal computer and commercialization of the Internet.
— Bruce Bimber et al


BASELINE

  1. Plan for future upgrades:
    • sufficient technology access and support

    • ubiquitous IT (instructional technology) infrastructure (power supply and data connectivity set up in every learning/meeting space)
    • special flooring or raceways/conduits throughout classroom to allow reconfiguration of cables (with consideration of maintenance and safety issues)
    • possibility of a laptop classroom in future (consider furniture now)
  2. Ensure that specific discipline/department needs are met.
  3. Mitigate potential interference with wireless access.
  4. Plan for the capability to access information and communicate within and beyond the classroom:
    • Smartboard or other team board technology plus digital projector in every classroom

    • video conferencing and webcam capabilities in at least some classrooms
Classroom Video Conferencing

Click on the image for information on classroom video conferencing
(in a new window).

IDEAL

  • Set up all teaching/learning spaces (including faculty offices, if possible) for some form of global interactivity capability (eg, video and web conferencing) with:
    • multiple cameras for speaker and audience

    • microphone systems capable of capturing all participants' voices
    • sophisticated lighting
    • digital signal processing and production controls



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