For our Foundation's capital campaign, I had to write a concept paper
describing the ideal multimedia classroom. Here it is. Use it; modify
it; or toss it out.
The Ideal Multimedia Classroom
Too often, technology is viewed as a panacea. It will not make poor =
teachers better and it will not improve poor pedagogy. While planning
for technology remember.
1. Student learning is most important. Technology should enhance =
student learning.
2. Technology changes the way we teach and the way we learn.
Ideal Concept
A multimedia room should support all that an instructor wants to do
in a classroom to enhance learning and engage learners. The ideal
classroom should include--
* Connection to the Internet
* Connection to the campus network for the instructor and eventually
for each student
*Student feedback through notebook computers or personal digital =
assistants (PDA) connected to the campus network
* High quality flexible projection system to project computer images or
traditional video signals to screen in front of the room
* Pad camera to project a variety of images to the screen in front of =
the class
* Telephone line for old fashion audio teleconferences and video =
conferences using a product like Sharevision
* Video connection that includes satellite downlinks
* Ability play and project old fashion videos
* Ability to record classroom presentation on video tape for later =
broadcasting or editing
* Sound system that will connect to all audio sources--telephone, =
computer, and video
* Comfortable environment (A room we'd be proud to use for business and =
industry training.)
* Easily understood controls and connections
* Lighting control
* Rapid response technical support when things don't work.
Notes
1. Conversion of computer signal to a television signal works and is =
needed for some classrooms, but for the best images the special =
projectors such as a Proxima provide the best image.
2. E-mail and Internet access for all students outside of classroom
3. Each instructor needs a multimedia notebook or laptop computer to =
take into the classroom. (A less acceptable idea is to put a permanent =
computer in the classroom). Computer must be able to use CD's, connect =
to the network, have modem, large hard drive, at least 16 mb
of RAM and contain a sound card.
4. Outside the classroom the instructor must have access to all of the =
technology to develop multimedia classroom presentations--scanners, CD =
writers, imaging equipment, video capture and editing, presentation =
software, etc.
5. For instructors to use this technology, they will need on-going =
technical support, training and professional development.
6. More than anything else instructors need time to prepare for =
teaching in the multimedia classroom.
Rick Parker
Division Director
College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, ID
Ph: 208-733-9554 Ext 2402
ricpar@cyberhighway.net