University of North Carolina
Classroom Technology Assistance Plan
The demand for access to high-end multi-media equipment, media production support and specialized technical assistance is escalating at UNCW. Faculty members at UNCW who are attempting to integrate instructional technology into their classroom instruction are demanding an organized response to providing networked audiovisual equipment. The Classroom Technology Assistance Plan was established in response to these needs as a means of assisting deans and department chairs with the initial cost and support of such equipment. The equipment configuration installed in classrooms is established by the Committee on A/V Media Services Committee. The adopted standards are reviewed annually.
The Department of Client Technology Services in the Information Technology Systems Division is charged by the Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Systems with providing audiovisual and multi-media technology support services to the university community. In cooperation with the Division of Academic Affairs, the Center for Teaching Excellence, and the Division of Student Affairs, the department delivers a wide range of technologies and support services. Ensuring that the faculty has access to quality equipment, which is built into the network, is essential to the delivery of technology-enhanced instruction. The Classroom Technology Assistance Plan will enable UNCW to purchase, maintain, and install multi-media equipment far more efficiently.
Organization and Management:
The Department of Client Technology Services is responsible for the administration of the Classroom Technology Assistance Plan. The Division of Academic Affairs in consultation with the VC-ITSD identifies and prioritizes rooms to be included in the plan. The Department of Client Technology Services then coordinates equipment selection, purchase, and the installation schedules. To qualify for inclusion, a room must have a minimum of 24 seats and be used for instruction at least 70% of the scheduled time.
The A/V Media Services Committee advises and guides the efforts of the Department of Client Technology Services to ensure that the type, quality and configuration of such technologies and support services meet the needs of users.
Committee recommendations are forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for ITSD.
Baseline Standards
Employing baseline standards for instructional technology is an effective resource management tool. Standardization enables the university to leverage bulk equipment purchases and installation agreements resulting in substantial cost savings. Reducing the number of equipment variations lowers cost, reduces maintenance and repair turn-around for malfunctions by permitting stock-piling of compatible equipment reserves. A standardized approach allows departments to expand peripherals from a predictable core configuration and makes faculty training and scheduling far easier.
The Current baseline addresses six (6) components as follows:
LCD Video Projector: Video services for the Classroom Technology Assistance Plan include installation of an LCD projector to support computer and videotape playback for instructional and general information purposes. Additional services for video capture, edit and production require a special request to the Department of Client Technology Services. Versatility in handling data projection and video input is vital to educational applications. The minimum technical/functional specifications that must be met are the picture brightness, pixel resolution, and unit functionality. Current minimum specifications for UNCW classroom installations are >3500 ANSI lumens, control response (i.e. power zoom/focus), 1028x768 resolution, and keystone correction.
Projector Screens: UNCW classrooms are equipped with manual wall mounted screens used for overhead projection (portrait). Video and data projectors need screens with a different aspect ratio (landscape). These should be replaced at the time of projector installation. Projection screens will be chosen considering “best practice for visual sight lines” to accommodate room dimensions and seating design arrangements.
Work Station/Equipment Rack: Specifications for such a workstation must include allowance for security of equipment and adequacy as a functional unit. The size of the station should allow for computer display, overhead projector/Elmo and allow sufficient workspace for faculty papers and classroom materials.
Computer Support: In accordance with the university policy for software licensing and baseline standards for academic and administrative computing software, the Department of Client Technology Services will only purchase university sanctioned hardware, software, and data network connections. All computer peripherals in approved classroom locations must be compatible with the assistance plan equipment and must meet the recommendation of the University Computer and Network Baseline Standards Committee.
Telecommunications/Data Networking: To guarantee the successful integration and operation of instructional technologies requiring telecommunication and networking services, all technology classroom equipment peripherals must meet the industry guidelines and standards of the Electronic Industry Association (EIA), Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) regarding telecommunication network services. They must also be consistent with existing UNCW standards (See Telecommunication Standards and Management and Network Standards and Management).
Audio System: The classroom may require support not only for individuals speaking in the classroom, but also for source input from computer playback, VCR, or other peripherals. Only with proper acoustics can multi-media presentations, VCR playback, audio hyperlink on the Internet, or future applications successfully delivered.
The A/V Media Services Committee recognizes that the establishment of these standards is only the first step in providing an environment that is conducive to technology enhanced instruction. The production assistance, training and pedagogical guidance provided by the Department of Client Services and the Center for Teaching Excellence are critical to the overall success of the effort.
Equipment Acquisition/Purchase
Representatives from the Divisions of Information Technology Systems survey classrooms on a regular basis to determine the current status of available technology and to document needs. In collaboration with the Business Affairs Division, the Department of Client Technology Services will identify an installer for electrical wiring and outlets and develop a process for estimating and handling installations and associated costs. The Department of Client Technology Services will then proceed with equipment purchases and installation schedules providing regular progress reports to the Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Systems.
Departmental Equipment Purchases Outside the CTAP
Regardless of the source of funds, all classroom multi-media equipment should conform to the baseline standards specified by the Committee on A/V Media Services. Purchase and installation should be coordinated with the Client Technology Services Department.
Accessibility
Technology classroom design and equipment installation services are made available to all authorized users at UNCW. Equipment placement and right of entry are in compliance with ADA requirements for granting physical access to university resources, including technology equipped classrooms.
Classroom equipment usage for rooms outside the CTAP or CTAP rooms needing extra equipment for a special event can be scheduled by first contacting the academic department assigned to schedule a particular room. The chair will then contact Client Technology Services as appropriate. Those seeking after-hours use of equipment, whether a university employee, student or guest, should contact the Department of Client Technology Services.
Security Protection
The Department of Client Technology Services is not responsible for the physical safety or intellectual property of users. Client Technology Services works with university officials in the design and installation of physical security measures to prevent loss or damage of equipment. Physical security measures include the installation of both passive and active systems such as contact alarms, hardware restraints, and/or other prevention measures. In accordance with university interests, the Department of Client Technology Services has implemented numerous security steps as follows:
Phase I (Short-Term)
Replacing Transparent Panels in Equipment Cabinets
Securing All Cables of Ceiling Equipment to Structural I-Beams
Branding or Stenciling of Equipment
Changing Inventory Tags
Creating Database for Equipment Tracking
Modifying Brackets to Prevent Tampering
Attaching Equipment Racks to the Floor
Phase II (Long-Term)
Installing Passive /Active Electronic Alarms
Restricting Door Access
Building Monitor Systems
Program Maintenance/Sustainability
The Department of Client Technology Services will be responsible for maintenance of technology purchased through the Classroom Technology Assistance Plan. Once a room is identified as a site to be supported under the CTAP, available program resources will provide for the repair or replacement of equipment as necessary. Equipment acquisitions which occurred prior to the introduction of the plan or equipment purchased through departments are the responsibility of the asset owner and must be made compatible with the standards when replaced.
In order to sustain a high level of quality, the A/V Media Services Committee conducts an annual review of the baseline standards relative to emerging technologies and innovations. If a perceived demand for technical performance warrants research, the Department of Client Technology Services will conduct an analysis and may recommend amending the baseline standards as necessary.
The Department of Client Technology Services generates monthly and yearly reports tracking project advancement for the Classroom Technology Assistance Plan. These reports are intended for internal review and provide a means of work assessment, project management, and administrative planning.
