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Eastern Michigan University: High-Tech Gear Integrates Diverse Format Presentations
5/30/2003
By Dr. Donna K. Woodiel
All of our classrooms are wired. Media carts, which provide a computer and projector, are available for checkout from the Bonisteel Computer Lab. In addition, four of our classrooms are completely equipped with all of this technology set into a single equipment rack. These have been labeled our "smart classrooms." There are also two "smart" lecture halls and a distance/compressed video "smart" classroom for a total of seven. Porter is a wireless building and a laptop cart in any classroom can connect to the Web.
Class Load
My teaching load typically includes classes such as Health Education in the
Elementary Grades, Substance Use and Abuse, Psychosocial Health, and Women's
Health. The lectures for these classes are formatted with PowerPoint slides,
and my classes have Web pages that include an outline of each lecture in order
to encourage the engagement of students in classroom discussion. Typical lectures
include PowerPoint slides, VHS video segments, and music using the CD-ROM and/or
ELMO high-resolution digital presenter.
Integrating Systems
One piece of technology that has proven particularly helpful in integrating
the various systems engaged in our classroom presentation is the Sony SRP-X351P
powered mixer. Already installed in five classrooms on the college's campus,
this sophisticated mixer has increased our efficiency by saving us considerable
time in the preparation and delivery of lectures.
For example, if I am using PowerPoint slides, a video segment and/or a CD in class, the Sony system allows me to easily switch teaching mediums in a matter of seconds. While this would be beneficial to any teaching field or discipline, it is particularly important for the field of health education.
Interpretations in terms of human need, human value, and human potential require that health education go beyond providing fundamental knowledge about the various health topics.
It is imperative that we assist students with increased self-awareness of their individual health status; that we help them utilize personal and community resources to create their individual health profile, and that we challenge them to think carefully before making decisions that affect their health status.
Keeping Up-to-Date
Health decisions should be based on the best available research and be consistent
with who the student is, their values, and beliefs. Classroom technology is
a valuable tool for assisting students in finding the best information to guide
their health decisions. Technology allows students and teachers to access the
most current information available in the ever-changing field of health education.
Because of health's "ever-changing" nature, it is necessary and important that we share "new" information with our students when it is available. Technology in general—and the Sony system specifically—facilitate immediate changes in lecture information when necessary.
Recommended Reading
- California Community Colleges Partner with Waterfall Mobile on Statewide Emergency Notification Coverage
The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) has awarded a statewide emergency alert notification contract to Waterfall Mobile. The contract establishes Waterfall's AlertU as an approved technology through the official non-profit foundation for the California Community College (CCC) system office. Through this partnership, individual colleges may directly implement emergency communication services, eliminating lengthy technology evaluation and RFP processes.
- King's College and ASU Add e2Campus for Improved Emergency Notifications
King's College and Arizona State University have switched to Omnilert's e2Campus for emergency notification. Omnilert also has introduced a new program called the ENS Conversion Service that allows schools to bulk upload data from their previous emergency notification system into e2Campus at no charge.
- Saint Joseph Builds Out Wireless Network in Multi-year Upgrade
Saint Joseph's University has begun deploying a Meru Networks wireless local area network across its Philadelphia campus as part of a multi-year effort to bring wireless coverage to every building on campus.
- Vista Ramp Up Is Happening Now, Study Says
Organizations may have been slow to adopt Microsoft Windows Vista, but expect that to change by late 2008 to 2009, according to a Forrester Research report by Benjamin Gray et al., published last week.
- Talisma Launches New Version of CRM with Built-in Application Management
Talisma Corp. announced version 8.0 of its constituent relationship management (CRM) application for higher education. The new release includes application management, a revamped user interface, two-way text messaging, personalized Web portals, and an ADA-compliant Web client, among other enhancements.
- Bringing Composers into Classrooms Through Skype
Two Pennsylvania teaching colleagues with an interest in music and technology are bringing remote experts into classrooms at almost no cost, using Skype's free videoconferencing technology.
