9-14-04
TECHNOLOGY INSTALLATION COMPLETE
IN ALL PENN STATE BEHREND CLASSROOMS
Penn State Behrend recently completed installation of technology in the Behrend Science Building, bringing the last of the college's classrooms in line with Penn State's technological goals.
"I believe that we are now the first of Penn State's twenty-four locations to reach 100 percent technology classrooms," said Jim Carroll, manager of Media and Instructional Services. "We've been working steadily toward this goal for the past seven years, and it's very rewarding to see all Penn State Behrend's classrooms achieve this level of service."
"We achieved 100 percent technology classrooms thanks to the determination of Behrend's administration to become a leader in academic excellence through the use of information technology," said Ron Hoffman, manager of Network and Information Systems, the office that shares responsibility for supporting the technology classrooms on campus. "Our administration continues to find funding sources to maintain and enhance the College's information technology infrastructure even when budgets become tight."
"Having every classroom equipped with the latest technology encourages faculty to make use of all the resources available to them," said Carla Torgerson, director of Penn State Behrend's Center for Teaching and Educational Technologies. "They don't need to be concerned about which classroom they are assigned, because they know all their teaching tools will be available in every classroom."
Torgerson added that Penn State Behrend faculty are tech-savvy users, opting for teaching tools such as ANGEL, PowerPoint, eLion, QuizWizard, and more. Students also benefit from the convenience of technology, according to Jen Town, a recent Behrend graduate.
"Technology allows faculty to post their teaching notes online, so if you miss a class, you can always catch up," said Town. "You also get faster response from faculty on questions. Tests can be taken online, and test grades are available sooner by computer."
Carroll said Penn State offers several definitions of a technology classroom, but that most at Behrend are Installed Technology Classrooms (ITEC) featuring an Internet connection; an instructor podium with a permanently installed computer; plug-in capability for an instructor-supplied computer; CD- ROM; zip drive; remote/wireless mouse; ceiling-mounted video/data projector; microphone; audio system for multimedia presentations; room lighting controls; DVD/VHS player; and a help phone connected to the Media and Instructional Support Center.
Penn State also defines other technology classrooms as STEC or VTEC, with STEC having student work stations and VTEC having video-conferencing equipment.
Contact: Jen Town 814-898-6522 e-mail: jlt234@psu.edu