Smart Classrooms

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Smart Classrooms

• Amy Bracciale
• Julia Marasa
• ISTC 201
• December 2, 2005

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What is a Smart Classroom?

• Smart classrooms are electronically enhanced
  lecture theaters and classrooms. These rooms
  create new opportunities in teaching and learning
  by integrating computer, multimedia and network
  technology (University of Alberta, n.d.).

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In a Smart Classroom you may find

• Computers (with internet access)
• Microphones and audio systems
• Overhead / LCD projectors
• VHS and DVD players
• Touch screen control panels
• Cameras
• Many more

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Found in Universities Nationwide

• Fordham University
• Rutgers University
• Wake Forest University
• The University of Maryland
• The University of Nevada
• The University of NC Chapelhill
• Duke University
• FIT
• Albany State
• Bowie State University
• TOWSON UNIVERSITY!!!
• MANY more

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• Towson University incorporates technology in the
  classroom. In 1995 Towson began raising money to
  enhance the teaching and learning environment.
  Five and a half million dollars were raised with
  the intent to purchase and install technology on
  the campus.

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Smart Classrooms at Towson may include

• Personal desktops
• Access to laser printers
• Lecture microphone and audio equipment
• VCR and DVD players
• Document camera
• Magnetic swipe card access control
• Ceiling and wall speakers
• Data display projectors
• Overhead and LCD projectors
• Cordless mouse and keyboard

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Benefits for Teachers

• Provides new visual aids to enhance teaching
• Increases assignment options (Blackboard,
  PowerPoint, Blogs, etc.)
• Allows professors to be in contact with students
  outside of the classroom

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Benefits for Students

• Broadens their knowledge of technology
• Helps visual learners process information
• Increases and improves organization
• Allows students to be in contact with professors
  outside of the classroom
• Exposes students to technology used in the
  workforce
• Creates alternate means for research
• May help to keep students interested and focused
  in class

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Downfalls

• EXPENSIVE (often takes times to acquire new
  technology)
• Requires knowledge and experience of teachers to
  use many technological services/tools
• Requires that students be familiar with the
  technology in order to use it to its fullest
  potential
• Requires that students have access to computers
  in order to complete online assignments,
  research, word processing, etc.
• Can be dangerous if teachers rely too much on
  technology to teach

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Ideas to improve Smart Classrooms include...

• Better educate the faculty
• Make controls more accessible to teachers
• Provide larger screens for projection
• Make classrooms wider (not deeper)
• Stress Simplicity
• Focus on details (lighting, acoustics, room
  setup, etc.)

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Conclusion

• This is just the beginning
• Benefits outweigh the downfalls
• Learn about technology so you are prepared for
  teaching!