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Classroom Renovations

By Hayley Rydowski
Staff Writer

Many classrooms in the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library, Pell Hall, Kahn Hall, Life Science and Humanities Hall, have undergone changes within the past year to enhance the teaching and learning infrastructure. The information technology department has partnered with facilities to upgrade classroom spaces; the ultimate goal in mind: upgrade over 100 classrooms 2017.

Renovations started over the summer of 2015, and have continued since. Forty-five classrooms were upgraded with new technology in several building on campus, according the IT Department.

Humanities room 119. Photo: Moa Golster
Humanities room 119.
Photo: Moa Golster

The most recent renovation was done in Humanities Hall, room 119, which was finished during winter break. Televisions were installed on either side of the room as well as charging stations. New carpeting was added as well.

Michael Soupios, professor of political science, who teaches several classes in room 119, is known for writing notes on the chalkboard. “The renovations are great, but l am an old dog, slow to learn new tricks,” he stated when asked why he continues to use the chalkboard instead of the new SMART Board.

Humanities room 119. Photo: Moa Golster
Humanities room 119.
Photo: Moa Golster

The renovated learning spaces, also referred to as “SMART classrooms” are equipped with multimedia features, including multi-touch Epson wireless data projection, centralized Simple Creston control panel system, wall-mounted audio speakers, a whiteboard that doubles as a surface for projection and for traditional whiteboard use; and standard VGA/HDMI ports to connect your laptop.

Gary Miller, the lab manager for the computer grahics department, stated that the computer graphics labs are also in the process of being upgraded. The boards are in the process of being equipped with a menu-driven software that is required to communicate with the computers.

Blake Alessi, a senior public relations major, believes that the new technology in the classrooms are a worthwhile improvement. “The new SMART Boards are great. I wish they would have had them when I started here, students now are constantly using technology, so learning on the new SMART Boards compared to old white boards is great,” he said. Students are now constantly using technology, so learning on the new SMART Boards compared to old whiteboards is great,” he added.

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