SIGUCCS 2017

In the course of 3 years, Library and Academic Technology at Washington College managed to create successful academic learning environments that benefit both teachers and learners. Our existing classroom audio/visual systems were old, convoluted and unreliable. Additionally, the furniture was designed for utility and cost efficiency, as opposed to student creativity and collaboration.

The Center for Teaching and Learning at WC funded a pilot updated classroom, designed with modern, reliable AV and student collaboration as the focus. This update included digital BYOD capabilities, updated projection equipment, and a simple to use control interface. We also removed the old tablet armchairs, and replaced them with Node Chairs. The room redesign was an overwhelming success.

LAT began implementing the new classroom technology standard campus wide. Classroom installations were completed during breaks in the academic year, as to not disrupt instruction. Performing most technology installations in-house helped keep labor costs to a minimum. Furniture updates in learning spaces is moving more slowly due to budget constraints and coordination difficulties with other campus departments.
Over 80% of the learning spaces on campus have been updated. Five spaces have received a furniture redesign with a focus on active learning.

Future updates and plans for this series of projects includes incorporating wireless presentation capabilities as well as working with the finance office to establish a replacement cycle for classroom furniture and technologies.