The Evolving Electronic Classroom

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The Evolving Electronic Classroom

• Robert W. Cavenagh
• Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA
• cavenagh_at_dickinson.edu
• www.dickinson.edu/cavenagh

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Presentation overview

• A quick review of classroom evolution
• Computer equipped classrooms
• Needs assessment
• Smart3 A standard for our campus
• The emerging issue Groupwork
• Discussion so, what do they DO?

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Our common classroom heritage (a really
superficial view)
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Dickinson growth of smart Electronic
Classrooms

• 1974, the computer lab with many terminals, and
  later with microcomputers
• 1983, rooms with installed data
  projector/computer
• 1994, the arrival of studio classrooms and
  carts
• 1998, the addition of collaboration stations
  and hybrids
• 2001, our Smart3 protocol--our third generation.
• 2002, the design of collaborative classrooms.
• Future more, More, MORE
  (we are currently at 66 classrooms,
  labs, carts and similar facilities)

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A new generation of computer labs-- multiple
computers that face the instructors station and
seem to facilitate lecturing.
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This lab uses LCD monitors to improve eye
contact between participants, facilitates
discussion.
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A basic smart classroom computer, projector,
video, sound, workstation. Early versions were
custom designed for their users. We have gone
from 3-gun projectors to LCDs to brighter LCDs.
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This one adds a Smart Board
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A studio format classroom. We first observed
these at MIT and Middlebury. Face in for
discussion, face screen for presentation, turn to
computers for individual work. Satisfactory for
up to two students per computer, not more.
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Some hybrid classrooms and labs
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This physics lab integrates collaboration on
computing and experiments into its very fabric.
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Since 1997 we have been experimenting with
collaborative workstations that place users on
the outside of a curve. They work.
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Our early smart classrooms were driven by
WANTS. We are now attempting to document NEEDS.
We used these strategies

• A facilities utilization study by an
  architecture and planning firm
• A careful analysis of Registrars records
• Lists of un-met requests when faculty seek rooms.
• Student and faculty surveys
• A committee to monitor progress

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Evolution of the Smart3 protocol

• Early smart rooms had a Taj Mahal tendency.
• Costs were too high and many features were
  under-utilized.
• Training for a wide range of different facilities
  proved difficult.
• Everything was custom.

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In creating the Smart3 model we sought to

• Create a minimal useful configuration
• Standardize both components and installation
  styles
• Achieve some scale economies
• Simplify the learning process for users
• Simplify the instruction process for ourselves

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Our current components list

• Mac or PC with LCD monitor
• Data projector (Sanyo or Proxima for
  compatibility)
• Small audio system
• Combo VCR/DVD player
• Custom, minimal lectern (houses all but
  projector)
• (rooms already have screens, darkening)
• Standard software package

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Here is a pair of sample lecterns with equipment
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The Smart3 classroom allows us to create
standardized instruction sets for users of the
rooms. The various details are cut and pasted
from a master list, with photos of the particular
room.
http//www.dickinson.edu/it/instructionaltechnolog
y/classrooms/strn102.shtml
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Our current need is to find improved ways to
support group work within the classroom. Our
group stations do fine, but they havent fit into
classrooms. Faculty want something that will
support groups, but also not get in the way for
other things. They want flexibility.We are
working on two models1. Corner stationsthis
one is a bittoo narrow. Note the compact
computer.
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2. Folding stations. The concept is to have
stations that will fold out of the way when not
in use. The sketch shows our latest thinking.
4-5 would line the walls of a Smart3 classroom
with small worktables and chairs.
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Discussion possible topics

• What are these rooms used for???
• Why does collaboration matter?
• Are these projects worth the effort?
• What are costs?
• ??

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This has beenThe Evolving Electronic Classroom

• Robert W. Cavenagh
• Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA
• cavenagh_at_dickinson.edu
• www.dickinson.edu/cavenagh