CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY
INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST
(JANUARY 2008)
Background: Classroom technology (CT) has become an important tool for effective instruction. IU
Northwest recognized the importance of technology in the classroom and outfitted most, but not all of
its classrooms about 5-6 years ago. The basic structure of the technology, both hardware and policy,
has not changed dramatically over the years. New equipment such as computers and projectors were
replaced as needed, but an overall plan that addresses the needs of instructors has not emerged. It has
become evident that a large majority of instructors who use the technology in their classrooms have
become frustrated with it. For various reasons the technology has fallen short of meeting its
instructional goals.
In the fall of 2007, IU Northwest instructors were surveyed on their CT instructional needs and
concerns. A total of 130 out of about 180 instructors responded to the survey. The results of the survey
were analyzed and a series of conclusions were extracted (see below). Vice Chancellor Marilyn Vasquez
announced that a budget exists to make the technology upgrades suggested by the survey. She
entrusted the task of developing a plan, both hardware and policy, for classroom technology at IU
Northwest to the CT&DE faculty org committee (chaired by Prof. Don Coffin). It is this task that the
present document addresses. All aspects of the CT plan will be conducted in consultation with Elizabeth
Van Gordon (CIO: IU Northwest).
Survey Results: From the outset of this project it was agreed that faculty input would play a major role
in planning and implementing a much needed upgrade to the CT on campus. With that in mind, a survey
was written, faculty input was obtained, and the results analyzed. The survey clearly identified key
points that a classroom must meet with regard to technology. In rough order of importance
(major/secondary) these points are:
Major Points
 CT should focus on instructional use
 Reliability of CT should be a priority
 The projector and screen should be optimally configured
 Connectivity to external devices should be simple
 All general purpose classrooms should have the technology
Secondary Points
 All current CT equipment is important: Mac, PC, Elmo, DVD/VHS player, CD, Audio
 Room conditions (seats, furniture, cables etc.) need to be improved
 Uniformity of CT among all classrooms
 Technical support should be streamlined
Implementation: Developing a detailed CT plan will require at least 5 major steps: (1) a survey to
determine faculty needs, (2) determination of the technical possibilities, (3) costs and implementation
details, (4) upgrading the classrooms and (5) a long range policy to maintain and routinely life-cycle CT.
Step (1) has taken place. Steps 2 to 5 are briefly discussed below.
Step(2): Technical Possibilities
Before any plan is developed it is essential to understand the possibilities – in technology, cost and
installation. It is essential for the CT&DE committee to have first-hand knowledge of a variety of CT
configurations, which can be acquired by site visits to selected institutions and/or a presentation to the
CT&DE committee by personnel knowledgeable in the field. CIO Van Gordon has suggested that Beverly
Teach (UITS Classroom Technology Services Manager for IUB and IUPUI) would be able to help through
her expertise and a presentation. Participants in site visits would report the results of their visit to the
CT&DE committee. At this stage the CT&DE committee will decide, in consultation with CIO Van
Gordon, the guidelines for the technology.
Step(3): Costs and Technical Implementation
CIO Van Gordon and the IT staff will determine how to best meet the guidelines established by the
CT&DE committee in step (2). Overall costs will also be determined at this stage. Once these details are
known, a report will be given by a member of the IT staff, to the CT&DE committee at their next
meeting.
Step(4): Upgrading the Classrooms
Reconstruction of the classrooms can now begin. It is expected that a full renovation of all classrooms
will take 1- 2 years, with the initial phase beginning in the summer of 2008. The timeline will identify
the order in which classrooms are updated. The chronology should be determined in concert with
CT&DE committee and the Registrar with the intent to address the most utilized classrooms first. As
renovation progresses, reports can be given to the CT&DE committee.
Step (5): Long Range Policy Considerations
Without a strong procedure that focuses on maintaining and routinely updating effective classroom
technology, in time this technology will age and become unreliable. As a consequence, it will cease to
meet the instructional needs of the faculty and students. Developing this policy and a procedure for its
implementation, as well as carrying it out, is the purview of the CIO. However, it is hoped that the
CT&DE committee can make suggestions on key points that this policy addresses. Below are some ideas
of what this policy/procedure should address:
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A method to regularly evaluate the state of CT at IU Northwest
A method to regularly evaluate optimal use of CT at IU Northwest
A streamlined method to address any concerns/problems faculty encounter while using the
technology
Careful tracking of all aspects of CT usage and problems
A plan for maintaining CT and well documented processes for routine maintenance
Designated funds for routine life-cycle replacement of CT
In cooperation with CETL, develop training for faculty on the proper and effective use of CT
Infrastructure:
In addition to installing and upgrading classroom technology, basic infrastructure to support the
technology must also be included in implementation plans. Physical Plant and other campus partners
should be engaged to address the installation of essential elements such as dedicated power for
projectors and lecterns, conduit/Panduit for cabling, pipe/mount to support ceiling mounted projectors,
and the purchase and installation of projection screens should be included in implementation plans.
Painting, furniture replacement, and appropriate aesthetic improvements for classrooms should also be
considered and plans for this should be crafted as supplements to the classroom technology plan.