Over the last eight years, approximately 9 million dollars have been spent renovating rooms and improving technology in central teaching spaces in the Health Sciences. Our goal has been to improve what we offer to our faculty and students in terms of teaching spaces and equipment access. Some of these changes have been:
Lecture hall renovations - RR134 (2003), D209 (2004), and T639 (2005):
New podia, with additional control capabilities and new touch screen panels to access the controls, were built for these rooms. Improved audio-visual equipment, including installed data/video projectors, VCR’s, and new PA systems with both stationary and wireless lapel microphones, were incorporated into the rooms. Large screens were installed so that either dual slide projection or computer projection would be possible. The rooms were painted, received new carpeting, and had new seating and wall treatments installed to improve the overall appearance and acoustics of the spaces.
Lab Renovations - (2003-2005):
In 2003 and 2004 we purchased and installed new lab stools in our teaching labs on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th floors. In addition, we replaced the stained, chipped, and cracked counter tops with new chemical and heat resistant tops. Finally, we installed new screens and had the labs re-painted to further improve the functionality and overall appearance of the rooms.
Replaced installed LCD projectors - in T435 and T439 (2004):
When T435 and T439 were renovated in 2000 we purchased new LCD projectors to install in the rooms. By 2004 problems were apparent with that technology so, we purchased high-end projectors that had a higher lumens rating and also used lamps that produced excellent color uniformity and ultra high brightness. These units also have a temperature-warning indicator to let us know when the projector is too hot due to a blocked air intake, clogged air filter, or internal problem with the projector itself. This is very helpful as it alerts us that some kind of maintenance needs to be done.
Temporary installment of an LCD projector - in T739 until we can renovate the room in 2007:
T739 is the last lecture hall to be renovated. Although we have not yet received funding for this, we want to provide the same access to technology as in our other lecture halls. In order to do this, we installed a temporary LCD projector in the projection booth with a cable connection at the podium. The unit is powered on and off via a remote controller, which is attached to the podium.
Replaced overhead projectors - in A420 with new high intensity models (2004):
Due to the size of A420 and the preference by instructors to leave the room lighting at the brightest setting, the overhead projectors were not sufficiently bright for our instructors’ teaching purposes. We found and installed high intensity overhead projectors that could be used in this room.
Academic Technology Advisory Committee - equipment & installations:
LCD projectors for checkout (2005); upgraded A420, K069, T478, E212 (2005); T473 & T531 (Future):
We received Academic Technology Advisory Committee (A-TAC) funds for new equipment and to upgrade technology in some of our lecture halls and teaching spaces. We have purchased six new LCD projectors for check out and four new projectors for A420, K069, T478, and E212. Each of these rooms have installed LCD projectors (including a 10,000 lumens machine in A420), audio-visual control panels, installed DVD/VCR combo units in A420 and K069, and both video and s-video connection capabilities in the other spaces. We also made additional improvements in A420 so that there would be a dedicated audio output in the wall at the back of the room for video tapings. In addition, in those spaces where the ethernet connection was located at the back or the side of the room, we moved them to the front for better accessibility.
New room scheduling software programs - (2003):
In 2003 we implemented new room scheduling programs to reserve central teaching spaces both for courses and non-course events. The old program required a significant amount of manual data entry. With the new programs, and their interaction with the information contained in the Student Database, we have become more efficient at reserving rooms for courses, have been able to reduce the number of errors in room scheduling, and have been able to fit more courses into Health Sciences spaces than we were able to do using our previous methods & procedures.
Online Time Schedule Worksheets and online change forms - for course reservations (2005):
The implementation of the new online Time Schedule Worksheets has streamlined how the course reservation process occurs. Prior to this system, curriculum coordinators would manually submit information and room preferences for each course. They would send this information to us, which we would manually enter in the Student Database. Now, the coordinators are able to enter all their information online. This information is downloaded into the Student Database, which is then downloaded to our room scheduling programs so that rooms can be reserved. A lot of time is saved and we are able to process the course reservations much quicker than in the past. We are working to modify the code of the online change forms created by Upper Campus so that coordinators will be able to submit course changes directly to us on our web site, allowing us to process the changes more efficiently.
Audience Response System - (2005):
The Audience Response System (ARS) is a tool for interactive learning using hardware and software to “poll” audiences utilizing wireless transmitters and receivers. Students can respond to in-class questions or quizzes, allowing them to become more active and involved in the class. We purchased a 32-user test system in 2005 to evaluate this technology. The instructors who have tested this technology in their classes have been enthusiastic about the immediate response they receive from the students, as it provides them with feedback regarding the students level of understanding of the material being presented. Based on this positive response, we will be purchasing larger systems for use in the lecture halls.
Student Technology Fee - equipment checkout program (2005-2006):
Multi-media technology has become an integral part of our teaching, presentation, and learning environment. This technology shift has increased the demand for students to utilize multi-media technology as part of their course and research work. Having access to equipment free of charge is crucial to the educational and professional development of students at our University. In 2004 we requested and received funding from the Student Technology Fee (STF) group to set up our student equipment checkout program in the Health Sciences Building, in cooperation with the Classroom Support Services STF Loan Program in Kane Hall. Starting in Autumn Quarter 2005 we had LCD projectors, PC & MAC laptops, Mini DV Camcorders, and CD Recorders available for student checkout. In 2005 we requested and received further funding for additional equipment, which will be available Autumn 2006.
Wireless and Ethernet Capabilities - (2005):
We had top priority on campus for installation of wireless through the Campus Wireless Initiative defined
by the Provost in April of 2005. During this first phase, UW Technology is installing wireless in the
T-Wing: floors 3-6 West and Center, and floor 7. If you are interested in using wireless in our central
teaching spaces and have questions about how the system works, or whether it has been fully implemented,
please give me a call.
We want to provide support and services that meet your course needs. If there are additional tools that would help in your teaching mission, please let us know.
