Page 19 - Campus Technology, April/May 2017

LEARNING SPACES
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Two large monitors on each table to allow students and instructors to view, critique, adapt and edit multiple files simultaneously without crowding around small screens of personal devices (thus not invading personal space);
Whiteboards mounted on all four walls to provide space for mini-lectures and significant project design;
Connectors/adaptors that provide all student devices with access to the monitors;
Small whiteboards that can be taken to tables for problem-solving by one or two students;
10 to 12 laptops for drop-in use, required testing environments and use by those without appropriate hardware (or those whose devices aren’t working); Access to required software via a reliable network for students whose devices don’t have appropriate software; and
Ability for faculty and teaching assistants to easily move around the room and view what students are working on without being intrusive.
How the Renovated Lab Works
The new room has three modes: presentation, collaboration and open lab.
In presentation mode, the instructor’s device is displayed on all monitors in the room. The press of a button turns on all system equipment and switches all monitors to the same input. As soon as the instructor connects his or her own device — either through a wired connection like HDMI or wirelessly through Apple TV — everything is automated. In this mode, any image on the instructor’s device shows up on the main projection screen as well as the displays at student workstations. In place of a standard projection screen, a dual-surface board allows instructors and students to mark up whatever is displayed.
When instructors are done presenting or want students to do individual work, they press a button to shift the room into collaboration mode. In this mode, students work together or on their own by connecting their laptops to workstation displays, while the instructor’s display is still visible on the main projector screen. As instructors walk around the room, they can help students individually or, if they see many students needing direction, they can quickly switch back to presentation mode.
Open mode is commonly used outside of formal labs. In this mode, each workstation is operated independently by the students. Nothing is displayed on the main projector screen.4
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CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY | April/May 2017
The lab is also a place where students can get help with their work.
St. Norbert College