Faculty Facilities Focus Group 2002

Faculty Focus Group
Topic: Instructional Facilities
April 2002
Notes

How do you typically use a technology facility on campus? How well is it supported? How could the support be improved?

Projection
Networking
Interactive computers
Freedom to install software in labs, more open architecture
- May need more specific facilities-some like up and running model, others would like to be able to be more interactive with computers.
Hard to get smart classroom
Inefficient use of smart classrooms-many professors only need technology a couple of times a semester. Would be more efficient to have a central location to pick up projector and screen.
Paying for site licenses is also inefficient-feel like they are being nickeled and dimed. - Would like less central control of labs-would prefer to support labs departmentally with grad student or other tech person.

Describe a positive experience you have had with a lab or a smart classroom?

Able to expose students to technology-student demand is very high
Labs are very good when they work
Engineering labs are good
Humanities labs and classrooms have very good, local support
Key card entries are good
Wireless labs are good

Describe a negative experience you have had with a lab or smart classroom?

Servers going down in ITLL
Network congestion
Software doesn't work
Cable TV signals not working
Post lab hours
Extend lab hours at end of semester-longer hours needed in general
Ergonomics, lighting, heating a problem
Horseshoe configuration is wanted in teaching labs
Listen to faculty

What technology should every classroom on campus have?

They would like at least ACCESS TO:

Overhead

Network connection

Screen

Whiteboard/chalkboard

Video projector

Laptop

Sound system

VHS

DVD/CD

Labs should all have:

Up to date computer and software

Network access with at least 8 extra jacks

OR wireless