eLearning I — Facilities

The University at Buffalo has realized tremendous growth in faculty requests for flexible classroom spaces that allow for videoconferencing and digital capture/distribution. Creating dedicated fully-interactive distance learning classrooms was not a cost effective option for capturing courses intended for delayed distribution via CD, streaming or DVD. The solution has been to use roll-in video capture carts and/or appliances to record classes on an "as needed" basis by leveraging resources in existing technology classrooms, creating "distance learning friendly" spaces with minimal facilities and design changes. This is leading to new thinking about how to best design future digital access classrooms.

Kevin Lijewski has over twenty years of experience engineering technology classrooms for UB which includes: R&D, developing system designs, cost estimates, purchase requisitions, and commissioning the systems. He has championed the use of static test environments as part of an R&D loop to increase repair and replacement efficiency. The goal is to realize Technology Classrooms which hide system complexity to the end-user by offering a simple and consistent interface. Dave Shurtleff is well-known throughout SUNY as the "bridge guy"- earning his telecommunications reputation from Binghamton University during the mid-90s launch of two state-wide videoconference consortia. He joined UB three years ago to implement a major research grant project: building-out a multi-platform MCU and webcasting application to serve a new state-wide consortia involving faculty from Buffalo, Syracuse, RPI, Clarkson, Cornell, Albany, Rochester, and Alfred. Lisa Stephens is Program Director for Distance Education and Videoconference Operations, also servings as an Associate Director for Academic Computing at the University at Buffalo. Lisa has a diverse background ranging from network broadcasting (ABC-TV Chicago) to academic research focused on opportunity cost and technology adoption in academic environments.

The recently dedicated Richard N. White Instructional Facility at Cornell University is one of 15 Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) sites funded by the NSF for earthquake engineering research. With an emphasis on supporting experiments occurring real time, Cornell's Classroom Technologies lead designer collaborated with the College of Civil Engineering's faculty, staff, and researchers to create AV/IT systems which are an innovative blend of cutting edge technologies to meet unique presentation, video monitoring, and video conferencing needs. This presentation highlights how a single integrated system was created using multi-image processing, a high-resolution wide display, a wireless mobile camera, remote-controlled cameras, IP videoconferencing, and a telepresence NEES grid to support earthquake simulation collaboration on an international level.

Jim Avery provides support and consulting for video distribution and classroom technologies. He develops instructional technology solutions using video streaming, conferencing, and distribution tools. Responsibilities also involve evaluating emerging classroom technologies used in modern classrooms on campus. Jim has worked for eight years at Cornell University. Greg Bronson, CTS-D, provides project design and coordination for the development of electronic teaching and meeting spaces throughout Cornell University. Greg has twenty years experience in supporting instructional technology applications for education. Tom Every, CTS, has a diversified technical and business background which includes experience in engineering, management, and technical marketing. He currently leads the Classroom Technologies group at Cornell University Information Technologies as an Assistant Director responsible for the development of video distribution, video services, and the integration of audio-visual and information technologies in learning and meeting facilities.

This panel discussion will cover the design philosophy of various electronic and distance learning facilities at Purdue University and include discussion from several campus experts regarding what has worked well and what could have been better. This session will cover practical and real world experiences from these experts who are directly involved in various functions of electronic and distance learning. This session will cover design and operation of facilities ranging from large-scale distance learning auditoriums to small classrooms to small conference room type facilities. The session will not be technology specific, but will discuss some specific technologies used in different facilities within the Purdue University system.