Learning Spaces Study
Overarching Goals:
1. Inventory existing classroom technology at NAU
2. Identify exemplary classroom technologies at NAU and elsewhere.
3. Categorize and evaluate these technologies using a standard set of criteria.
4. Develop recommendations on the deployment of future technology at NAU.
Goal 1 will be undertaken by ITS staff, led by Harper Johnson, in collaboration with
college/departmental level Support Systems Analysts and Property Control staff. Goals 2
& 3 will be undertaken by Larry MacPhee from e-Learning. Goal 4 will be undertaken by
an NAU faculty committee recommended by the PACAC.
Goal 2: Larry will explore “model classrooms” at NAU and peer institutions through
surveys and site visits. Some possibilities include looking at the Georgia State system
classroom standards study. The TLT Group is also interested in Learning Spaces and
collaboration is possible. Since Larry will be in the DC area during Spring 07, possible
visits might include Howard U, James Madison U, George Washington U, Fairfax
Community College, Catholic U, American U, Gallaudet?
Goal 3: Evaluate Technology Purchases with respect to:
Benefits (and drawbacks) of Equipment Standardization
Security
Safety, Ergonomics, Accessibility
Disposal (toxic waste) issues
Value (Cost/Benefit, Reliability, Ease of Use, Breadth of Use)
Effectiveness for Teaching and Learning
Relevance to good teaching practices (for example, using the 7 principles of good
practice)
Technology Backlash (Bans on Classroom Technologies)
The following are some of the aspects of classroom technologies that will be explored:
Levels of Use:
Level 1: Teacher only, for administrative purposes
Level 2: Teacher to students, for instructional purposes.
Level 3: Teacher and students, for interactive learning.
Level 4: Student to student.
Location:
Inside the space (face-to-face)
Outside the space (distance)
Mixed models
Ownership Models
Individually Owned
Grant Funded and Donated
University Owned
Resource Sharing of Costly or Specialized Equipment:
Public
Shared
Private
Maintenance/Support Models
Support Limitations
Lifespan and Obsolescence
Centralized
Decentralized
Outsourced
Hardware Purchase Models:
Leases
Rolling Purchases
Procurement “Loans”
Extended Warranties
Service Contracts
Software Purchase Models:
Single User Licenses
Multi-User Licenses
Group Licenses
Site Licenses
Upgrade Policies
Physical Spaces:
Multi-use spaces
Collaborative Spaces
Informal Meeting Places
Technology Enhanced Classrooms
Computer “Labs”
Technology Classroom Design
Podium Control Systems
Furniture
Layout
Lighting
Acoustics
Line of Sight
Classroom Movement Patterns
Food and Drink Policies
Display Technologies
CRT Monitors
Televisions
Scan Converters
Flatscreen Displays (Plasma and LCD)
Document Cameras
Overhead Projectors
LCD Projectors
Projection Screens
Electronic Whiteboards
Screen Sharing
Administrative Control
Student Accounts
Roaming Profiles
Monitoring
Software Deployment
Security
Access Privileges
Testing Constraints
Infrastructure:
Internet Access
Wired and Wireless Networks
Network Storage
Power: Power Strips and UPSes.
Printers (and payment systems)
Student Equipment
Computer Carts
Tablet PCs
Pen Tablets
PDAs and UMPCs
Classroom Response Systems (Clickers)
Cell Phones with PDA functionality
Input Devices
Ergonomics Considerations
Mouse
Keyboard
Pen Input Devices
Voice Recognition
TouchScreens
Remote Presentation Pointers
Video and Audio Equipment
Webcams
Analog and DV Cams
Microphones and Headsets
Speakers
Plan and Timeline
Larry MacPhee will write a report on Classroom Technogies during Spring 2006.
Larry will use the IT-PRO list to solicit input from Support Systems Analysts,
will conduct research online, and will visit schools doing innovative things with
technology. Larry will collaborate with the TLT Group on this project. A Faculty
workgroup will form during summer to review and make recommendations on the
report.