Classroom Support

SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROPOSAL FORMs

Click Here to download the Request for GPC upgrade form (MicroSoft Word Document)
Click Here to download the Request for GPC upgrade form (PDF Document)

Click Here to download the Application to Install Departmental Equipment in a GPC (MicroSoft Word Document)
Click Here to download the Application to Install Departmental Equipment in a GPC (PDF Document)

Please send to:
Dale Vander Wall
Center for Advanced Study of Language
Box 25 College Park, Maryland 20742-0025
(301) 226-8822

The infusion of funds from the Student Technology Fee will enable the campus to expand the availability of both permanently-installed and portable classroom technology equipment in many classroom buildings. This expansion provides an ideal opportunity to build on the knowledge and experience gained from the Classroom Support Pilot Project in order to ensure that instructors can use reliable equipment and obtain timely support from knowledgeable staff.

One of the hallmarks of the pilot project has been the establishment of a seamless support network of staff that work with instructors to integrate technology into their teaching and respond to any equipment/classroom problems in a timely way. Instructors access this support network through a single point of contact in the Scheduling Office and receive help in the classroom from local support staff located in various places on campus (Key, Math, Tydings, CSS).

If a department or college has an interest in upgrading a general purpose classroom (GPC) it frequently uses, it can put in a request to the Teaching Facilities Committee for support (see attached form). A combination of Teaching Facilities Committee and Student Tech Fee funds* can provide any or all of the following:

1. Funds to upgrade the classroom itself (lighting, HVAC, screens, boards, etc.)
2. Funds to install/upgrade the teaching technology in the room or provide portable carts
3. Funds to hire students or other staff to help maintain the equipment and support all instructors using it, regardless of their department.
* Operating and life cycle replacement costs will be covered by the Student Tech Fee funds

We want to maintain the current standards of service and support as we expand the pilot project with these new funds. Adding equipment without a corresponding commitment to staff support and life cycle replacement simply creates more problems. As a result, we suggest that departments or colleges that want to propose new classroom technology projects in general purpose classrooms should:

1. consult with Sue Clabaugh and her staff in OIT when choosing equipment and/or configuring classrooms for upgrades. A standard system and configuration will be used as a starting point for this discussion. Any departures from the standard configuration will need to be discussed to help ensure that the equipment chosen can be supported and maintained. Teaching Facilities Committee monies can only be used to purchase equipment agreed to by the OIT group.

2. be willing to participate in the Pilot Project Operations Committee. This involvement will ensure seamless communication to campus users and help extend the reach of the pilot project.

3. show sufficient demand by instructors and/or students for the proposed upgrades. Use of existing equipment should be an appropriate measure for current demand and a good predictor of future use.

When reviewing potential projects, the Teaching Facilities Committee will give priority to departments or colleges that:

1. have existing structures and staff to support their proposed upgrades. Timely support of instructors using classroom technology equipment can best be accomplished by local support staff. Instructors who need immediate help at the beginning of a class period cannot afford to wait 10-20 minutes for staff to arrive. Support must be for all instructors, regardless of their departments.

2. demonstrate the potential for positive effects on the greatest numbers of students. In most cases, large and/or high-demand GPCs will be considered first, but not exclusively.

3. demonstrate the classroom(s) chosen for upgrades addresses campus classroom upgrade priorities (i.e., size, location, etc.). In most cases, classrooms that meet a particular campus need in terms of size and/or location will be considered first.