In collaboration with Classroom Management and Operations, OTLT Learning Spaces Technology (LST) has established North Hall 103 as a sandbox classroom. This partnership will introduce new classroom tools and technologies into a production environment within the sandbox classroom.
The sandbox environment will allow us to obtain real-world feedback from faculty and students to better inform classroom technology needs and product selection and reliability. It will also help us improve documentation, technology support, and installation and classroom standards development.
The North Hall 103 sandbox classroom is going online in fall 2024 with new enhanced technologies, including:
- An ADA-compliant lectern, providing electronically adjustable sit-stand options with larger surface areas
- A new lectern equipped with Dell 24” all-in-one workstations having touch-sensitive screens and a second 24” extended monitor
- A new powered USB-C input option is also available for projecting and/or charging devices, in addition to the existing HDMI-cable input on lecterns
- Various new ceiling microphones
- Various document cameras
- An enterprise-networked AVoIP environment, among other technologies
North Hall 103, a University Classroom that seats 30, is a natural choice for a sandbox classroom as the space has updated environmental equipment and flexible furnishings. Most importantly, it is conveniently located next to LST's offices for A/V technology support. This adjacency allows for the introduction of new and innovative tools, easy training, and immediate access to third-tier support A/V engineers.
It’s expected faculty scheduled for NH 103 will provide input and feedback on future technology considerations in this space. Initial communication will largely be with Classroom Management staff and selected faculty. As plans solidify for this classroom, LST will invite collegiate IT leaders and other partners in the teaching and learning community to visit and provide feedback on newer technologies.
We expect substantial changes to classroom technologies in the coming three to five years:
- AI-controlled cameras and microphones
- Computer-based A/V switching
- Increased use of capture technologies (camera, audio recording)
- Direct view displays
- AV over IP (AVoIP)
- Assistive listening systems
- Teams/Zoom rooms for hybrid/remote inclusive collaboration
- Integrated digital classroom schedulers
- Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Interested in the sandbox classroom?
The sandbox classroom is coordinated through the Office of the Registrar. All instructors will be considered, and one-off events can also be scheduled there before, after, and in between other classes as well, under the condition the sandbox learning space contains experimental classroom A/V technology, and they should be willing to provide feedback. For questions or concerns regarding sandbox classroom scheduling, please contact the Office of the Registrar’s Classroom Scheduling team.
LST can provide interested instructors a walkthrough demonstration of the space.