Project Name:
2014-15 State Funded Smart Conversion Classroom Project
Project Background, Purpose and History:
Other than new construction (i.e. Chinatown/North Beach and Health and Wellness Center) and
occasional computer lab conversions from traditional non-technology equipped classrooms, the
District by and large has not placed a concerted effort towards installing and maintaining current
technology in instructional classrooms. The result has left the District with many instructional
classrooms with outdated unsupported IT equipment and instructors relying primarily on
relocate able carts loaded with the core equipment needed for instructional technology (i.e.
projector, laptop, ect). Further, many of these same classrooms are currently in a state of
disrepair as they have not been adequately maintained over the decades.
According to Fusion, the District occupies 1,952,419 gross square footage, 1,245,290
assignable square footage, 38 buildings, 2,528 classrooms, and 33,123 stations.
Within the State’s 2014-15 fiscal year budget, contained one-time funding for instructional
equipment and schedule maintenance block grants. City College’s allocation of these two
funding sources is approximately $3.4 million (split equally between the two block grants). To
partially address the conditions described above, these funds have been encumbered to
update, modernize, and renovate instructional classrooms.
Project Scope and Limitations:
Availability of funding and time constraints mandated by State funding. Funding source for this
project are two categorical programs funded by the State: Scheduled Maintenance and
Instructional Equipment block grants. In total, $3.4 million has been allocated to the College for
both of these block grants. Each categorical program has separate timelines in which funds
must be expended. The timelines in which the Instructional Equipment block grant must be
spent is June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2016 for the Scheduled Maintenance block grant.
Project Goals and Objectives:
The primary goal of this project is to update, modernize, renovate instructional classroom to
equipping them with instructional technology equipment based upon specifications approved by
ITAC (described below). Based upon identified funding available, it is anticipated that
approximately 75 classrooms will be addressed through this project.
A secondary goal of this project come from working with stakeholders in the CCSF community
and college/departmental technology staff to develop design standards for audiovisual
technology installed in future CCSF smart classrooms that best meet the needs of the college.
The goals of standardization aim to:
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Provide a comfortable, modern, flexible, easy-to-use, and reliable teaching-learning
environment that accommodates a variety of instructional methods,
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Design an active, engaging environment for today's generation of students,
Provide a consistent, intuitive interface for controlling audiovisual equipment throughout
the campus for faculty, staff, and students,
Ensure maximum reliability and up-time based on proven designs, components, and
installation methods,
Ensure ease of support and usage by installing standard computer models and
audiovisual components,
Keep the number of makes and models to a minimum so that an inventory of
replacement parts such as projector lamps can be maintained.
Using data collected and analyzed regarding class scheduling, the top 100 most utilized
classrooms have been identified. For purposes of this project, utilized means classrooms that
had the highest frequency of meetings as measured by meeting count. To the extend sufficient
specificity existed, program review documents were reviewed as well to determine if classrooms
had been identified for needing instructional equipment. Classrooms that were identified were
included in this review. Then, a representative from the Audio Visual Department was asked to
review these classrooms to determine suitability for inclusion of this project. Based upon this
review 92 classrooms have been identified as falling under the scope of this project based upon:
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These classrooms being the most used classrooms in the District, based upon number
of meetings held
Current condition assessment
Current assessment of existing technology
All classrooms
CCSF Smart Classroom Technology Specifications:
CCSF Classroom Technology Standards
LCD PROJECTOR:
3000 Lumen Projector, Wide Format:
W-XGA Resolution (1280x800, 16:10), 5000/6000 hour Lamp, 5000
hour Filter Hitachi, Model CPWX3030WN (or equivalent)
LCD PROJECTOR:
4000 Lumen Projector
XGA Resolution, 5000/6000 hr Lamp, 5000
hr Filter Hitachi, Model CP-X4015WN (or
equivalent)
CEILING BRACKET SYSTEM:
LCD Projector Mount Bracket, # RPMa-U-W
www.chiefmfg.com
Attachment Bracket, with built-in "key lock" security
Peerless Ceiling Bracket Plate, (White) Model # ACC570W
Custom Extension Mount Pole (extends projector from ceiling to proper height/matching top of
screen) Custom Mount Hardware for ceiling mount
SOUND SYSTEM: (Typical 30ft x 30ft Classroom)
(Audio System for AV as well as Teacher Mic and Assistive Listening
Transmitter) Listen Point Sound System, Model LPT-S1-01
Includes wall Mounted Amp/Mixer # LPT-C2, Teacher Mic Kit # LPT-M1,
LA393-P55 Ceiling Sensor # LPT-R12, 55ft Pre-Assembled Sensor Cable #
LA-393-P-55 Audio Cable Kit, Model LPT-A107
Kit for Mic & Accessory Audio Connectivity
ListenPoint Power Supply Wall Mount Bracket, Model LPTA115 Speaker Cable Set, Model # LA-394-P-20
Surface Mount Speakers, OWI Model P602W
Speakers for Non Drop-Tile Ceilings http://www.owi-inc.com
Assistive Listening System (ALS) Transmitter
Ceiling Mounted Transmitter ListenTech, Model # LPT-T216,
Assistive Listening Notification Signage, Listen Technologies Model # LA-304
NOTE: Assistive Listening Receivers, Frequency 072 are already available separately for
students to check out from the appropriate student services office. (25% of classroom's seats,
minimum of 2 available per classroom)
PROJECTION SCREEN:
Brand: Da-Lite, Model # 36457 or equalivant (if the dimensions and finish are the same)
16:10 format screen, 57.5" Long x 92" wide
6inch Extension Mount Bracket pair, Model # 40932
PROJECTOR & SOUND CONTROLLER:
SP Controls' "Pixie Pro" controller (mounted on the wall for Projector system control) (sole
source, based on ease of use, standardization for multiple users)
Controls the Projector: On/Off/Input Selections, Speaker: Volume Up/Down
Basic Install Kit (Cable/J-Box/Plate)
Cat6 Interfaces:
CatlincVGA for CPU connection, SP Controls
Powered HDMI Extender, Hall Research
Hall Research, Model # UH2D
Patch Cable for UH2D Interface # 42500
Wall Connection Plate:
Wall Plate for VGA+ Audio+HDMI
(with connections for: VGA+3.5mm Audio & HDMI)
EQUIPMENT CABLES
(cables to connect to wall plate and to user's equipment)
25ft Male to Male VGA+Audio Cable
(connects to Laptops with VGA+Audio output)
15ft HDMI cable, High Speed, Flat
(connects to Laptops with HDMI output or to DVD or BluRay players)
CUSTOM INFRASTRUCTURE MATERIALS
Includes Cat6 Cablings, audio cabling, mounting fittings, wire mold across ceiling and down
wall, wire mold for speaker cables, from projector to Pixie Controller and to Connection Plate as
needed; Junction Boxes for Pixie Controller & for connection plate, Audio loop-thru from
projector to wall mounted sound system amp/mixer
ADA-COMPLIANT INSTRUCTOR STATION
EuroDesign MPD3078CEA OPEN STYLE:steel frame and laminate multi-purpose desk
• 1” laminate table top with both side laminated (to match/coordinate with classroom furnishings)
• pull-out keyboard work surface, d19” x w35”
• perforated steel side panels
• open AV-Section and 24” wide leg space
• lockable rear access panel
• electrically adjustable from 30” base height with 12” travel
• station load capacity up to 600 lbs.
OTHER:
Powered "Y" Interface for Desktop Computers
Kramer Electronics, Model # TX1X2UXGA
Wall Mounted Cable Winding Hook Attachment
(4 Winding Hooks secure VGA/Audio/HDMI cables at wall cubby when not in use)
OPTIONS:
Document Camera with VGA and HDMI outputs
Lumens, Model DC192 or Elmo TT12i (or equivalent)
each includes: Built in Microphone, built-in 30 frames per second camera can record
Video+Audio for internal or USB Thumb Drive storage
CCSF Classroom Types and Infrastructure
CLASSROOM INFRASTRUCTURE:
Lighting/Electrical:
Basic Requirements:
1. Uniform light level in student seating area, at desk height, is to be 40 fc.
2. Switching is to be provided to reduce light level in the area of projection screens. Light
level at projection screen is to be 10 fc.
3. Switches must be installed at wheelchair-accessible height. For multiple switches
(zoned lighting), the switches must either be labeled or a reference placard must be
mounted next to the switch bank.
4. At least one light switch must be located on the wall as close as possible to each entry
door to the room.
5. Occupancy sensors must have the ability to be overridden using the light switches at the
instructor podium so the entire room can be darkened or illuminated during a class,
under control of the instructor.
Lighting Zones:
Classroom spaces should have lighting organized into a number of zones. These zones can
be combined and switched to create a number of different lighting scenarios. In spaces
where cost concerns prohibit dimming, light fixtures should be wired for inboard/outboard
switching. Where rectangular fluorescent or LED fixtures are used they should be oriented
parallel to the teaching wall where the instructor typically stands. There are four possible
lighting zones in most classrooms:
Zone 1 – Main Classroom Area: This zone services students and allows them to read and
take notes in class.
Zone 2 – White Board: The first row of lights over the main white board area of the room
should be switched separately from the rest of the room. These lights should be far enough
away from the surface to avoid having the light trapped above the board. It should be close
enough to allow for proper illumination of the board. Proper illumination is defined as an
average of 40 lumens across the surface of the board with no area below 20 lumens.
Zone 3 – Projection area: It is important that light not shine directly on a screen during
projection. Because of this, lights which shine directly on the screen be switched separately.
Zone 4 – Instructor Workstation: Light directly above the instructor workstation should be
switched separately whenever possible to allow the instructor to see his/her materials while
conducting a class with the rest of the lights off for projection
Screen Sizing Room Seating Layout:
The minimum physical screen size will be determined by the distance from the screen to the last
row of seats. The physical height dimension of the screen should be approximately equal to 1/6
the distance from the screen to the last row of seats, allowing text to be read and detail to be
seen in the projected image. Ideally, the first row of seats should be approximately two screen
heights away (as determined above). The bottom of the screen should be a minimum of 4 feet
above the audience floor, allowing those seated toward the rear of the audience to see the
screen.
Doors/Security:
Window Blinds/Shades:
Classrooms having natural daylight are to have blinds or other daylight control as well, so that
light levels can be adequately controlled for electronic media presentations.
Acoustics:
Assistive Listening Devices:
The following specifications are outlined in the 2010 Standards:
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All receivers must have a built-in 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) standard mono jack.
Systems must be capable of providing a sound pressure level of 110 dB minimum and
118 dB maximum with a dynamic range on the volume control of 50 dB.
Signal-to-noise ratio for internally generated noise in assistive listening systems shall be
18 dB minimum.
Peak clipping shall not exceed 18 dB of clipping relative to the peaks of speech.
Closets/Storage:
HAZMAT:
FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT:
Student Chairs:
Student Tables:
Instructor Furniture:
ADA Tables:
Conference Tables:
Whiteboards:
CLASSROOM TYPES:
Classroom Loose Seating:
Flexible spaces with moveable furniture. Furniture can be configured for lecture, seminar, group
work, or anything else the instructor might require. These rooms can be generally described as
having:
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20 to 50 seats
Flat floors (not tiered or sloped)
Tablet arm chairs or movable tables and chairs in rows. Unless determined otherwise,
chairs and tables furnished with casters.
Distance from the front of the room to the first row of seats per recommendations of IT
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10 square feet for an instructor station.
Classroom Seminar:
Collaborative learning spaces offer unique opportunities to experiment with seating and with
new audio visual technologies. They are characterized by having:
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8 to 25 seats
Require more space per person
Expanded instructor space to use interactive display
Seating may be larger than standard specifications and should be easily reconfigured.
Comfortable and movable chairs and tables. Unless determined otherwise, chairs and
tables furnished with casters.
CCSF Project Deliverables and Schedule
Project Deliverables and Schedule:
The conversion, modernization, and/or upgrade of instructional classrooms to include smart
classroom technology to standards recommended through ITAC. Equipment to be procured by
June 30, 2015. Classroom modernization and renovation work to be completed by December
31, 2015. Project completion projected to be December 2015.
Compliance with Public Laws:
It should be noted that while the college’s intent is to streamline the roll-out of the smart
classroom upgrades, make training and use by the faculty less confusing, and achieve
economies of scale regarding procurement, when bidding the specific equipment
required, City College will comply with Public Contract Code Section 3400 which requires
any material or item specified by brand or trade name to be followed by the words “ or
equal” or shall have the governing board adopt by resolution a finding supporting the
need to specify specific brands or models (for example, specific performance
requirements, safety concerns, maintenance and durability issues, standardization).
Miscellaneous Concerns:
Chalkboards vs Whiteboards
Chalkboards and chalk dust is very bad for the projectors and other installed equipment. Many
faculty have enormous resistance to whiteboards versus chalk. Some of the more common
complaints that can be remedied include:
Odor (odorless markers are available)
Expense (supply departments with markers on a yearly or semester basis)Have B&G begin
purchasing less chalk and more white board markers with supply monies. They can be
purchased in bulk.
Cleanliness (custodians need whiteboard cleaner and to clean whiteboards like they do
chalkboards)
Cleanliness (keep whiteboard trays stocked with erasers, clean erasers periodically)
Waste (not “green”, investigate re-fillable, recyclable, etc…)
Lighting
Many rooms that will be renovated need to be retrofitted for better lighting control (ideally a
switch plate at the instructor station) as well as replacing the shades (blinds, etc.) in order to
create the appropriate amount of darkness/light for using presentation technology.
Sound
There may be rooms that require sound implication for the instructor which also triggers
assistive listening support. There may be rooms that require improving the sound insulation.
Flexibility
Where it makes sense, the project will have flexibility to deviate from the ITAC-approved
standards to support particular needs related to teaching and room idiosyncracies. For
example, in a small room, it may be better to use an LED monitor instead of a short throw
projector. We may find one or more rooms that are candidates for creating “demo spaces”.
These rooms would deploy technology or furniture that is unique to their learning purpose.
Building a flexible, collaborative-learning classroom might be one example.
Support/sustainability
With limited AV/IT support staff, the rooms need to be as easy to maintain as possible. The
standard should be to include remote management capabilities and the connectivity whenever
possible.. (Extron’s Global Viewer is an example of such a system.) Remote diagnostics,
management statistics (equipment usage), and remote help (you can remotely run the Pixie Pro
panel for an instructor who is having problems) should be available. This will require some
research before the implementation.
Installed presentation computers will create additional support needs.
Support for instruction (the faculty member in front of a class, right now) needs to be a priority
for the ITS, AV, and BMS departments. Department budgets may need to be increased so that
additional student employees can be available to troubleshoot when faculty have problems.
Once the faculty rely on technology in the classroom, it is crucial to keep it running and to
provide on-demand, real-time assistance. Changes will need to be made at the Help Desk to
accommodate how a faculty request for help during class is routed and how staff are
dispatched.
Training
Faculty will need to be trained in how the technology in the room functions. One suggestion is
to outfit the TLC in Batmale Hall with the same equipment used in this project. That would
provide the Educational Technology department to provide one on one (or small group) training
sessions.
Furniture
Furniture standards (created with faculty input) exist, which encompass ROI, ADA standards,
ergonomics, comfort, green materials wherever possible, flexibility, esthetics and value. By
standardizing to specific colors and materials, furnishings may be moved between spaces as
needs demand, while still maintaining basic esthetics and assuring a similar student experience
across the campus. Flexibility, TCO, and adaptability to different instructional styles will be a key
consideration. Should it be a flexible design? Fixed? Tab-arm chairs or seminar style tables
and chairs?
Responsibilities and Roles:
Project Resources:
Academic Senate
Susan Lamb, Academic Affairs
Ron Gerhard, Finance and Administration
Jay Field, Information Technology
Kathy Hennig, Purchasing FF&E sourcing and selection
Fred Sturner, Facilities and Planning
Scott Cline, Buildings and Grounds
Jill Kersey, Audio Visual
Project Approvals and Review:
Executive Management
Academic Senate
Planning Committee
PGC