Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Academic Technologies
California State University, Chico
Prepared by: Jan Costenbader
Manager, Classroom Technologies
California, State University, Chico
(530) 898-4192
jcostenbader@csuchico.edu
Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Introduction
In December 2008, Classroom Technologies conducted a survey of Smart Classroom users.
The last survey was done at the end of the Spring Semester, 2006. There were no changes in
the survey questions and once again we offered an incentive (256MB USB Flash drive) to
two randomly selected respondents. We had 174 respondents, which is the highest response
rate we have ever had for this survey. We did receive many very valuable written comments
from our users, which we will share in this report. The survey results do not differ
remarkably from the Spring 2006 survey. There was positive movement in many areas but no
major shifts in opinions. Where appropriate, we present the results of the Spring 2006 survey
along with this latest survey.
Two recurring issues are at the forefront again with this survey. Most of the written
comments either dealt with lighting problems or the desire for additional smart classrooms.
Survey Results
The survey results are listed by category. Each result includes a chart of the results and the
number of respondents. Where applicable, comments by the respondents are also included. In
addition, we show any significant changes from the fall semester survey.
General Information
How many semesters have you taught in a Smart Classroom?
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Enthusiastic Users
Our next two questions were about repeat business:
Would you use a Smart Classroom again?
Would you recommend using a Smart Classroom to others?
In both cases, 100% of the respondents said yes! The comments also reflect the need for
additional smart classrooms.
Hardware
Did you use any of the following elements in the Smart
Classroom? Please mark the frequency for all that apply.
Classroom Computer
This is the installed classroom computer system. Usage has increased slightly since 2006.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Laptop Computers
Surprisingly, laptop usage has fallen slightly since 2006. The installed computers remain the
primary source in the classroom.
Hardware: Presentation Sources
We speculated that the usage of the overhead transparency projectors would fall off as more
faculty become familiar with the data projectors and PowerPoint. Some reduction in use is
shown over the past 18 months, but the overhead transparency projectors are still getting
used.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
We did see additional requests for more document cameras.
I desperately need Elmos or other document cameras in more classrooms.
Alternatively, might TLP purchase some Elmo's that can be checked out?
I would like to see a doc cam in very classroom I use
I'd like document cameras available in the classrooms used by MGMT 300
instructors in Glenn Hall. We could edit papers as students watched and participated
in improving their writing.
Need Elmos in SMART rooms. Need Elmos available from equipment check-out
office.
Hardware: Data Sources
We were also interested in how users were bringing their data to the classroom. When
compared to the 2006 data, we saw increasing usage of Internet connections, USB drives and
campus network servers. Floppy drives remain with little or not usage. At some point in the
near future, we will no longer order computers with floppy drives.
FALL 2008
Internet Connection
USB Drive
Zip Drive/Floppy Drive
Campus Network servers
Every Class
42%
46%
3%
20%
Frequently
44%
24%
7%
40%
Seldom
9%
17%
23%
17%
Never
5%
14%
67%
22%
SPRING 2006
Internet Connection
USB Drive
Zip Drive/Floppy Drive
Campus Network servers
Every Class
28%
36%
2%
16%
Frequently
45%
39%
10%
28%
Seldom
17%
17%
24%
26%
Never
10%
8%
63%
30%
Content
Did you use any of the following content while teaching
in the Smart Classroom? Please mark the frequency for all
that apply.
PowerPoint continues to be the overwhelming winner in this category with 76% of the
respondents using their own PowerPoint presentation. The data in the section is virtually
unchanged from the Spring 2006. The raw percentages from each survey are shown below.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Spring 2006
Viewing CD/DVD that came w/ text
Listening to Audio CD's or tapes
Watching VHS Tapes
Watching DVD other than text's
Your own PowerPoint presentation
Every Class Frequently
3%
10%
3%
10%
2%
20%
5%
40%
50%
26%
Seldom
28%
24%
37%
31%
12%
Never
59%
63%
41%
24%
12%
Spring 2006
Viewing CD/DVD that came w/ text
Listening to Audio CD's or tapes
Watching VHS Tapes
Watching DVD other than text's
Your own PowerPoint presentation
Every Class Frequently
Seldom
Never
3%
5%
3%
3%
47%
11%
8%
35%
36%
27%
28%
32%
38%
40%
12%
57%
55%
24%
20%
13%
The comments also focused on PowerPoint, but some did not think PowerPoint was the best
solution.
There were also requests for additional content tools on some computers. While we would
like to accommodate some of the specialized requests, we standardize the computer software
and hardware (sorry, no Macs) in all of the centrally scheduled classrooms. If special
software is required, we recommend bringing a laptop with that software installed instead of
using the SC computer. We will be looking at adding Google Earth to all computers this
summer.
WebCT and general networking surfing are the most popular network activities as shown in
the table below. The usage of WebCT in the classroom has picked up from 37% in 2006 to
61% in 2008 while general web surfing remained the same.
FALL 2008
Viewing WebCT courses
General Web "surfing"
Viewing your own web site
Every Class
20%
8%
5%
Frequently
41%
39%
16%
Seldom
17%
37%
25%
Never
23%
16%
53%
SPRING 2006
Every Class
Frequently
Seldom
Never
Viewing WebCT courses
General Web "surfing"
Viewing your own web site
17%
6%
5%
30%
26%
11%
17%
33%
27%
36%
36%
58%
We do need to set bookmarks in the browsers to facilitate quick access to the WebCT server
on campus (including the new WebCT Vista).
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Environment
Please evaluate how well the classroom environment met your
needs using the following ratings.
Environment: Classroom Hardware
The results were overwhelmingly favorable. In 2008, we found that 59% of the respondents
rated the hardware as excellent as compared to on 39% in 2006.
We continue to get requests for new/additional hardware –wireless presenters and response
systems, in particular. We have not made any plans at present to install either. The biggest
problem we face with wireless presenters is one of security. How do we ensure that they stay
in the classroom since they are very portable! It is a subject we will address in our smart
classroom virtual advisory board this fall.
We also had a number of requests for Macintosh computers, particularly in areas where the
department is Macintosh based. As much as we love the Macintosh, we have chosen to
standardize the centrally scheduled classrooms on the Dell Optiplex platform. There are
some department funded and scheduled classrooms which have Macintosh computers
installed. Examples can be found in Modoc, Glenn, O’Connell and Yolo. These computers
are supported by the department and not by Classroom Technologies.
Environment: Classroom Software
The responses on software showed gains in the excellent ratings from 2006 to 2008. This
year, no one rated the software as unacceptable! We are implemented a ‘thaw’ space on the
classroom computers that provide the users with an area to put files that will not be erased by
the security software when the computer reboots.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Statistical software (SAS, specifically) Thanks for the opportunity to express my
opinion and give input.
I use putty every class but I don't like the default values (small white text on a black
background). Since you delete the registry (where putty stores its settings) every day I
have to reconfigure putty for every class. It would be nice if the computer
remembered my putty configuration. It would also be nice if firefox remembered my
website so I would not have to type it in for every class.
Some software need to be installed. There should be access for the instructor to
install the programs he needs on the classroom computer. All in all, the equipment
are excellent and sufficient for academic use.
Every class, I get a pop up dialog box asking if I want to update something or other.
It would be nice if the computers were configured so that didn't happen. It's only a
minor annoyance.
Environment: Lighting
As expected, lighting continues to be a major issue but has improved from 37% of the
responses indicating that the lighting is less than acceptable to 30% this year. All newly
constructed classrooms have had banked lighting implemented, but significant work remains
to be done on the lighting and window coverings in older rooms.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
As in the 2006 survey, we received more comments about lighting and window coverings
than any single topic.
All smart classrooms should have the ability to turn off front lights (so powerpoint is
visible) without turning off all the lights in the classroom
I was moved from my original class to Glenn 314. It was not easy to control the smart
elements. For example, the lights in the class needed to be off to switch on the
monitor. Confusing. Also, there was nothing in the classroom with which I could
write on the whiteboard. Had to seek assistance often. (NOTE: This is a department
room and is not maintained by CTS)
In some of the classrooms (such as Tehama), the front bank of lights can't be switched
off independently, so we have to turn all lights off to watch videos. The students can't
take notes in the dark.
Visibility is linked with the lighting problem (Butte 229)
Room lighting controls need a lot of work.
In PLMS 205 lighting needs work.
Would be nice if the light switches were by the computer, so teacher can control it. In
most of the classrooms I've taught in, I need to ask a student to run the lights.
lighting options in Butte Hall stink. Get the asbestos out of here and fix the lights.
Lighting and light switches are terrible for visual presentations. I adjust the lights to
not come on.
Sometimes I have to darken the room to get the best visibility.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
In some of the SMART classroom in Taylor hall the blinds on the windows are so
crappy that it is hard to get the room dark enough to see images, like when showing a
DVD.
Lighting in THMA 113 & BUTTE 104
Graduated lighting (dimmer lights) would be great for showing film clips in the
classroom.
The lighting is my major problem. I have said this for years, but no one ever does
anything about it.
In general, I consider the Smart Classrooms to be adequate but not exceptional. In
many cases, it would be nice to have classroom lighting that would allow a darkened
space near the projections screen.
It would be really nice to be able to lower the lights without turning them off
completely. The other option is to have a separate switch to turn off the lights in the
front of the room as this option would allow for greater visibility of powerpoint slides
without making the room too dark.
Environment: Writing Surfaces
Writing surfaces continued to evoke strong comments from the classroom users. There has
been a slight shift towards the positive from 2006 to 2008.
Most of the comments about writing surfaces focused on the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of
the white boards.
The white boards are often so dirty that I can't write over the old writing. Also,
people are using markers that don't erase, that need to be washed off. I had to cancel
class tuesday because the lamp was busted and the previous professor used markers
that would not erase, left the board completely covered.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
The white boards are often dirty, and the markers cannot be fully erased from the
boards. The board looks like drop shadows.
Environment: Audio (mics, levels and controls)
In 2006, there were a number of problems reported with audio and microphones. The
installation of new media controllers (Extron) should helped to shift this more in a positive
direction.
Environment: Ease of use of the technology
The goal is to make sure the technology is intuitive and easy to use. Again we saw slight
gains in the positive direction
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Environment: Visibility/clarity of projected images
After installing more that 50 new projectors since the 2006 survey, we are seeing some shift
towards the positive with regard to the projected images. There are still 14 lower brightness
projectors in service.
We received the following positive comments:
I like the big screens and the projectors have been bright all semester.
Support
Please provide your opinion on how well the classroom support staff and equipment
performed. Omit the response if you did not use a particular service.
Support: Was the equipment and software operating properly?
There was some improvement with more respondents indicating that the equipment was
always operating properly.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
I had both light bulbs burn out in my overhead, and help desk responded immediately,
but didn't know the right size of the bulb, and less than 2 minutes after they installed
it, it blew too. Unfortunately, my lecture that day was all overhead-based... Maybe a
chart for the help desk of what type of bulb is needed for projectors in each room
would help in that situation.
Support: Help desk responded in a timely fashion.
The help desk is on call from 7AM until 8 PM Monday through Thursday and until 6 PM on
Fridays. We lost a little ground at the high end, but improved slightly at the low end.
I teach evening classes so sometimes the help desk takes time to respond to my needs.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Support: Help desk answered your question satisfactorily
When we were available to answer questions, we did pretty well with roughly a 96% success
rate which was one percentage point lower than 2006.
Support: Posted instructions and labels are adequate.
We lost ground on the written instructions from 2006. We currently have a project underway
with a student team from the technical writing class that should help with this.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Connecting lap tops is still a problem, switching to DVD is still a problem.
Instructions don't always work to solve the problems.
I never received training. I've used Butte College's smart classrooms where I had
training, and used the EXCELLENT laminated note cards in the classrooms to
answer my questions
I got my training many years ago and no longer need the instructions so I haven't
noticed. I couldn't even tell you if there are instructions
More Smart Rooms
A continuing thread is the many comments we get about the need for additional smart
classrooms.
My only complaint about smart classrooms is that there should be more of them!
I think they are excellent and am delighted to see so many classrooms being
converted.
I would hate to be in a not-smart classroom!
Smart classrooms are essential for my teaching style. I wouldn't teach in a classroom
that wasn't smart!
Unfortunately, I could not get a smart classroom everyday, but my class would have
been more effective had I had one.
MORE smart classrooms in more places.
More SMART rooms please! I can't teach without one.
Our campus could use more Smart classrooms. UNIV 101 uses an Online Course
module for its required textbook and not all sections sre in a Smart classroom. More
classrooms would be quite helpful.
We desperately need MORE Smart classrooms available to the English department! I
needed a Smart classroom for one of my classes in spring 2009, and the only way I
could find one was to change the meeting time to T/R 8:00 a.m. This time was so
unattractive to students that now the class enrollment is low, and it looks like I might
have to cancel the class.
Smart classrooms are virtually necessary for some classes, and yet very few people
get to teach in them. I have taught multiple sections of composition for years and
rarely do i get to use a smart classroom, let alone a computer lab.
We need more smart classrooms!
No I have all what I need and I LOVE the smartclassrooms. We need many more of
them because it is a hard battle to be scheduled in one.
I appreciate the diversity and depth of experience that the smart class rooms allow
me and my students to provide in the context of the subjects covered.
More smart classrooms, please! It's impossible to accommodate those of us who need
them without creating ridicuous schedules.
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Smart Classroom Survey – Fall 2008
Summary
More smart rooms and better lighting are the most requested items. Unfortunately, these are
tied closely to the budget issues and we see no chance for improvement in either of these
areas. We appreciate the time that the faculty members took to complete the survey and share
their thoughts with us.
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