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Smart classroom renovations in Warner this December & January

November 7, 2012 by
Categories: LIS Staff Interest, Post for MiddPoints

Lighting and audio/video renovations will take place between Dec 16 and Jan 6 in all Warner classrooms except the Hemicycle. LIS will offer orientation sessions prior to December in identical classrooms, as well as during the first week of J-term (orientation dates will be posted on the LIS blog, soon).

As part of the renovation, Facilities Services will upgrade the lighting systems in Warner 202, 203, 207, 208, 506 and 507. The new lighting system will use LED lights which are more energy efficient and longer lasting. This upgrade will begin after the end of exams, on Dec 16th. The lighting upgrade will be completed before J-term starts. As each room gets an upgraded lighting system, LIS will also upgrade the audio/video equipment. If there is a delay in any room, the upgrade will be rescheduled for the February recess and the existing lighting and A/V will remain in place and will be functional.

As part of these renovations:

  • The VHS players from the classrooms will be removed. Please see our Analog Sunset web page for more information on the future of VHS players.
  • A new Blu-ray/DVD combo player will be installed.
  • The option for connecting a laptop with a VGA cable will remain, and we will add an option for connecting a laptop digitally (via HDMI).
  • The podium computers will remain, as well.
  • The existing document cameras will remain and they can be moved from classroom to classroom as needed.
  • The existing screens will remain in place, so no chalkboard space will be lost.

Due to the extensive electrical work required for Warner Hemicycle, this space will not be part of the lighting or audio/video upgrade. We are working with Facilities Services to make this a project for 2013-2014.

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New Computer Lab in Library 140 Supports Quantitative Analysis and Experimental Social Sciences

September 14, 2012 by
Categories: LIS Staff Interest

In September 2012 we opened a new 35 seat computer lab in Library 140. The new lab is designed to support both work in quantitative analysis, and also for use as a space for conducting experiments. Scheduling of the lab is through the Registrar’s office, with preference for courses requiring specialized statistical packages. Kudos and thanks to our colleagues in Facilities and Media Services for their work in getting this built during an already busy summer season.

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New Smart Classrooms & Renovations – AXT 305, CHT 110, MBH 305 plus Carr 005 and LIB140

August 10, 2012 by
Categories: LIS Staff Interest, Middlebury Community Interest, Post for MiddPoints

In June and July (and in time for the Language Schools!), LIS installed new audio/video projection systems in four classrooms that were lacking technology:

  • Twilight Hall 305 (AXT 305)
  • Chateau 110 (CHT 110)
  • McCardell Bicentennial Hall 305 (MBH 305)
  • Sunderland 123 (SDL 123)

Thanks to all the hard work from Facilities Services, Sherwin Electric and BTS, we were able to get the equipment installed and operational very quickly. The classrooms are HD-ready and provide both analog and digital computer connections, as well as Blu-ray and DVD/VHS players.

The technology in all the classrooms is virtually the same, with AXT 305 being slightly different. The AXT 305 classroom features a 60″ energy efficient LED TV instead of the more traditional drop-down projection screen. This is our first LED TV classroom, a pilot project to examine the feasibility of using TVs instead of projection screens in smaller classrooms. Using a TV instead of a drop down projection screen saves time and money, while providing a brighter display. Moreover, LED TVs use less electricity than projectors.

In addition to the new smart classrooms above, the technology system in Carr Hall 005 received an upgrade in July, as well. We completed this project in collaboration with UVM and thanks to the efforts of Bob Cluss.

Carr 005 is one of our videoconferencing spaces. It now features a new high definition videoconferencing unit and the ability to share a computer screen or other content during a videoconference. The space can also be used as a regular classroom – the equipment supports computer projection as well as DVD and VHS playback.

Last, but not least, Library 140 received a major renovation – it now has seating capacity for 36 people and features a dual projection system! The new audio/video system features two high definition projectors and provides full digital connectivity, as well as support for older analog formats.

Instructions for using the technology in these space are available here:

Here are some photos from a few of the classrooms (hover your mouse over each photo for a description):
Twilight 305
Sunderland 123
Davis Family Library 140

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New Smart Classrooms in MBH plus a Smartboard

March 11, 2011 by

During J-term and February we built three new smart classrooms in McCardell Bicentennial Hall:
- MBH309
- MBH405
- MBH467 More →

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Media Services Meeting Notes 110409

November 5, 2009 by

Dean proposed a template for any/all blogs that we submit reflecting results of the weekly meetings.
Elin Waagen will perhaps give us a few how-to’s on this.

1)Discussion of reduction in services proposals and ramifications.
With the rollout of new website in early 2010 it was determined that important service level updates be included in this
Scott will be writing draft of Videotaping guidelines with cost analysis and brought up possible charging for services
His DLA team is also looking at needs and guidelines
Stewart has been charged with writing a draft on revised screening policy
Possible training of designated students( by professor) in booth projection spaces.
Dean and Charlie will be writing a draft for equipment loans
Each of these drafts will be due on the 18th of November

2) Charlie will take responsibility for meeting with language school directors during the winter around equipment distribution needs in the past /present and future. Will be working closely with a computer tech who will oversee the distribution of computers and peripherals

3) Room 140 was discussed as an upgrade option and several ideas were discussed;
Using slim-clients and a virtual machine.
Black box?
Eliminating laptops in that space entirely and having students ( if needed) take from circ.
The future of ILC 1, 2, 3, 24 hour lab SDL 202 and possible reductions in computer lab space.

4)Emergency line coverage was discussed with the understanding that we will be down to 3 people
The importance of phone coverage from 8 -5:00 pm was discussed with an increased awareness that this is a priority of Media Services. We, as a group, must be aware that emergency phone coverage is crucial.

5)Discussion of the Arts Technical Support group and its impact on us as a group if this becomes a sanctioned process.

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