III. Classroom Media and Instructor Control Systems

Classroom media systems provide audio and video capabilities to instructional environments. These systems can vary widely, from a simple overhead projector to a "smart" lectern controlling many input/output devices in a media-rich environment. Classroom media systems also vary widely in cost and ease of use. Faculty representatives, working closely with Media Services (and perhaps a consultant), should design the classroom media systems within the specific budget allocation. If a "control center" podium is to be used, faculty representatives should decide between a "smart" podium (all electronics embedded in the podium) and a Niemeyer podium (see Appendix B) as soon as possible. Since the demands of each classroom are somewhat discipline-specific, each room may be unique. Actual design, and installation, should be coordinated by the Head of Media Services.

Any contract with an instructional technologies vendor should include a requirement to participate in a follow-up session with affected faculty/staff within five to seven months after the room is used. This session should be used to determine how the room equipment needs to be "tweaked" and to learn from the experience and should always take place before any warranties expire.

Funding of classroom media and instructor control systems can come from a variety of sources.

Important: Funding discussions should be held with the Chief Information Officer during the initial concept. Do not wait until the design stage.

It is important that funding be discussed before the appropriation request so that appropriate line item estimates can be included. Room furnishings should also be discussed at this stage.

For any room that may be used as an interactive television (BearNet, GrizzNet, VineNet) facility, contact Distance Learning and Instructional Technology Center for design criteria and recommendations and cost estimates.

Classrooms will be categorized into the following four levels for the purposes of room scheduling, standardization, and tracking the University's progress as classrooms are upgraded over time. Classrooms will be assigned a target level during the design phase of construction/remodeling projects so more accurate cost estimates can be provided.

Level 1 Room: Provides accommodations for minimal instructional technologies. Typically contains only electrical outlets on the four walls and in a recessed floor outlet (for an overhead projector, mobile media cart, etc.), a pull-down projection screen, and window coverings to darken the room as needed.

Level 2 Room: Provides accommodations for minimal instructional technologies by providing the same features as a Level 1 room, but also includes a network port for the instructor's use. Thus, the room allows the instructor to bring in a computer for networked use in the classroom and a portable data/video projector, but does not provide the computer or any display device permanently housed within the room.

Level 3 Room: Provides the same features as a Level 2 room, plus a permanently mounted data/video projector and motorized projection screen. Thus, the instructor can bring a media input device (computer, VCR, laser disc player, etc.) into the room, easily connect into the projection system, and display the image on the projection screen for student viewing.

Level 4 Room: Provides the same features as a Level 3 room, plus other permanently installed instructional technologies (e.g., "smart" podium with control system, computer for instructor and/or students, installed media input devices such as VCR or laser disc player, audio system) to create a "media rich" environment. This type of room may also include special lighting control systems that allow separate control of lighting at the front, center, and rear of the classrooms. These rooms should provide adequate marker board space for the instructor to use even when the projection screen is in use.

The following matrix shows the types of devices and features typically found in each level of classroom. While these guidelines are not absolutely firm, the intention is to provide a general impression of the level of instructional technologies or accommodations present in each classroom for room scheduling, comparison, and tracking purposes.

The following are the guidelines per classroom level:

A. Level 1 Room

• An electrical outlet should be located in a recessed floor box where the equipment is most likely to be used. The location will be determined by the Head of Media Services after consultation with the "owning" facility.
• Projection screen location and size should be determined.
• Blackout shades should be available so students in the back row with normal sight can see the projected image.

B. Level 2 Room

• Follow all Level 1 design guidelines (above).
• The data network port should be located near the instructor's teaching location. Typically, this is not in front of the projection screen since the instructor will want to stand/sit to one side of the screen during a presentation.
• An optional data network port may be required near the center or back of the classroom for network access if a computer-based cart will be used. Consider location of the media cart while in use (distance from screen may force location in middle of room) and the subsequent impact on seating arrangements. Room must be available to both maneuver the cart into the desired location and provide adequate student viewing around the cart when in use. Based on past experience, a mobile media cart tends to be clumsy and may not be the optimal solution in all situations.
• A conduit may be required in the back of the room if a slide projector will be used. The conduit will be required only if a wired remote is to be used. A wireless remote will not require this conduit expense and is recommended, however, secure storage must be provided.

C. Level 3 Room

• Follow all Level 1 and 2 design guidelines (above).
• The instructor will provide a portable computer; one will not be furnished with the room.
• The Head of Media Services should coordinate equipment to facilitate the design of Level 3 rooms.
• Projection screen should typically be located in the front, center of the classroom. Consult with the faculty representatives for exact location, however, since some may prefer the screen in the corner of the room (thus enabling the instructor to stand in the front, middle of the classroom rather than to one side). Regardless, the instructor's station should not be located directly in front of the projection screen. If a power outlet is needed on the ceiling for the projector, it must be noted during the design process. Waiting for a multimedia contract vendor may result in reconstructing the ceiling. A projection screen of sufficient size (based on Dr. Niemeyer's specifications) should be included in the design. The choice of a manual or a powered screen will be based on budget considerations. If a powered screen is to be installed, the switch should be located near the instructor's station.
• The marker board should be as wide as possible (as standard marker boards allow) so sufficient space is available to the instructor. Lighting should be provided so that, during an electronic presentation, the marker board can be seen without washing out the projection screen.
• The data/video projector should be ceiling mounted whenever possible. (Mounting can be accomplished "in house" by the Maintenance and Head of Media Services departments or can sometimes be contracted with the supplying vendor. The use of a safety cable should be considered.) Conduit should be provided (at least 1 1/2") in the wall and ceiling between the projector and instructor's location. An electrical power outlet should be provided in the ceiling near the location of the projector (as determined by Head of Media Services or the contracted vendor). If installation and configuration of this equipment is included in the bid, the contractor will perform these duties. Otherwise, installation is to be completed by Missouri State personnel. Maintenance and Head of Media Services will install, wire, configure, and test the projector.
• The Head of Media Services provides the ongoing maintenance and support for these units (unless ongoing maintenance and support was included in the contract with an off-campus vendor).

D. Level 4 Room

• Follow all Level 1, 2, and 3 design guidelines (above).
• The Head of Media Services should help coordinate the design of Level 4 rooms.
• If "smart" podiums are to be included in the room, their location should be to one side of the presentation screen. These podiums may contain equipment racks to house computers, VCRs, laser disc players, control systems, amplifiers, and other media input and control devices. They may also include a flip-up shelf on which to place other media input devices (e.g., document cameras) and the input panels into which to plug these devices and laptop computers. A small light should be included atop the podium for the instructor's convenience. An "auto shut off" feature is desired for the entire podium. A clock should also be included.
  • These podiums should be serviced by wiring that has been run through the floor. Consider using multiple floor boxes rather that one large one. For remodeled rooms, the podium should be tethered to the side wall, rather than the front wall, to minimize the instructor's inconvenience
  • Conduit should be placed in the wall where the "smart" podium is serviced. The largest PVC conduit that can fit vertically in standard walls should be included. This conduit should be considered in all future classroom designs, even if the associated equipment is not going to be installed in the near future.
  • A fiber optic "lacing" security cable should be snaked through the same conduit, attached to the tethering cable, and looped through the "smart" podium.
• The data/video projector may be controlled via either a remote control, a touch-screen control panel, or computer software. The faculty representatives and the Head of Media Services should be consulted as to which of these solutions is most appropriate and cost effective.
• Storage for mobile media carts within the building should be provided, if these are to be used.
• Approval of the "smart" podium's computer configuration must be received through Design & Construction and the Chief Information Officer.
• Appropriate lighting control is vital to the use of these technologies. Separate lighting controls should be provided for the front and rear of the room. Dimmable or phased controls are desired.  Window coverings should provide for adequate darkening of rooms so that projections can be adequately viewed.
• The sound quality required in the room should be determined. Based on this established need, a separate audio system may be required/desired. If low- to medium-quality sound is required in the room, the speakers within the data/video projector should be considered. If high-quality sound is required, a separate audio system (external speakers, amplifier, cabling, switcher) should be considered.
  • If a "smart" podium is being used, the volume should be controlled from the podium.
  • If external speakers are required, they should be located at the front of the class near the projection screen since this is a more natural (less distracting) location for the listener.

Other details such as corkboards, power/data floor box size, ventilation specifications, and required room temperature for equipment should be addressed.