May 2006 — Smart Classroom
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Room With a View
For larger rooms, a data/video projector provides a large-enough image for all to view. When planning for these display devices, it’s essential that cabling be carefully thought out. Cables and interfaces should be deliberately placed and protected so users can connect to the display device with a minimum of difficulty and technical prowess. Tamper-proofing goes a long way toward reducing tech-support problems.
Also to be considered are electronic whiteboards, which can be used effectively in group study spaces where users are trained in how to use them, and where necessary software drivers have been preloaded on the computers being used in the space. A less-expensive collaborative tool that encourages all users to get involved in digital imaging is the wireless writing tablet. Typically using Bluetooth, and costing less than $200, a tablet can be passed from user to user, allowing each to draw or annotate over the displayed computer image.
Final Considerations
For group study spaces designed with media viewing in mind, several special considerations should be made:
Content. What formats of content need to be supported (VHS, SVHS, MiniDV, DVD, international formats, ITV, satellite, CAT-V, streaming video, etc.)?
Volume. Audio volume limits must be set high enough for the users but not loud enough to disrupt learners in adjacent spaces.
Accountability. Windows and/or a Webcam should provide a view of the screen or monitor, so teachers can keep an eye on the content students are viewing.
All of these technology issues will inevitably increase the amount of tech support that is necessary—computer maintenance and replacement, software updates, projector lamps and filters, network issues, and user training/error. All will take time to support—something to consider when planning the staffing to maintain group study spaces.
Will Craig is a multimedia systems consultant with Elert & Associates, a multidisciplinary technology consulting firm working with K-12 and higher education clients nationwide.
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