Smart classrooms enhance campuses

Nursing Instructor Marianne Jones, leads her lessons using PowerPoint and sometimes accesses the Internet during a lesson.

Jones and other instructors using the podiums can access their files from USB drives or an AC server through the Windows or OS X operating systems.

They can choose between DVD, VHS, laptop or iPod (all complete with audio), switching between the devices with one push of a button. Any device selected is automatically projected onto a large screen at the front of the classroom.

“We try to make it as easy as pressing a button so multiple types of media can be used to form one cohesive message in a lecture,” said Luke Bivins, a Technology Information Center field support technician.

Bivins is one of 27 employees working at the TIC, AC’s technology support center for students, staff and faculty. The TIC handles anything to do with technology, whether that’s answering questions about hardware, installing new equipment or offering step-by-step “how-to” advice.

The TIC also has a lending program where AC students, staff and faculty can borrow electronic equipment such as projectors, computers and cameras.

“If it’s anything to do with technology, we work on it,” said Lee Colaw, dean of information technology services.

For example, “If you have a cell phone, we should be able to hook it up to your e-mail,” Colaw said. “The goal is to make information accessible from any place, at any time, from any device.”

Another part of realizing that goal includes a plan to implement wireless Internet access across campuses, according to Colaw.

“You should be able to walk in here with your own personal device and – if you’re part of AC – be able to get on,” he said.