Over the years how we name and describe our classrooms have changed. We mainly labeled our classrooms by the function they serve. If a room has multiple purposes, we would call it a multi-purpose room. If we held conferences in them, they were called conference rooms. Very unique, right? But as technology advanced, terms were used that were not so identifiable to the average HACC employee. Terms like the SMART classroom. Which identifies the room by the type of equipment in it that is made by SMART Technologies, not the IQ of the room. We then moved back to a function-type room description, and below is how we are identifying our rooms currently:
Legacy Classroom or Classroom
- This classroom varies in description. It may contain a computer and projector. It may have speakers. But usually, the technology in these rooms is older and the projected image is not as bright or clear as with newer classrooms.
Presentation Classroom
- This room contains a computer, projector or displays, speakers, and a document camera. It provides the instructor the ability to project their PowerPoint, web content, or documents in a large format so all in-class students can view them. It will have an Extron control box used to control the projection, sound, and device inputs in the room.
ZOOM Classroom
- This classroom is designed to allow classes to be connected together across the college along with connecting guests and students remotely. It also allows for the scheduling of ZOOM classes with the ability to be connected and disconnected automatically. It contains a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera and microphone to capture the instructor and audio discussion in the classroom. It also has two large displays for viewing content and the remotely connected classroom or students. Due to the configuration, these classrooms are limited to 10-15 students. Used mainly for a secondary classroom.
ZOOM Meeting Room
- This meeting room is designed to allow meeting rooms to be connected together across the college along with connecting guests remotely through ZOOM. It also allows for the scheduling of ZOOM meetings with the ability to be connected and disconnected automatically. It contains a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera and microphone to capture video and audio discussions in the room. It also has two large displays for viewing content and remotely connected rooms and guests.
FLEX 1 Classroom
- This classroom is designed to allow classes to be connected together across the college along with connecting guests and students remotely. This room will need to be connected to ZOOM and managed by the instructor manually. This classroom is equipped with a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera that allows the instructor to choose different areas in the room they want to teach from or have the ability to be tracked as they roam the front of the room. Along with that, it has a microphone that has the ability to capture audio from the whole classroom. These rooms are mainly used to add ZOOM capability to remotely connect students.
FLEX 2 Classroom
- This classroom is designed to allow classes to be connected together across the college along with connecting guests and students remotely. This room will need to be connected to ZOOM and managed by the instructor manually. This classroom is equipped with a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera that allows the instructor to choose different areas in the room they want to teach from or have the ability to be tracked as they roam the front of the room. Along with that, it has a microphone that has the ability to capture audio from the whole classroom. It also has a large display located in the back of the classroom, so that the instructor can see the remotely connected students while they are teaching from anywhere in the room. Finally, it has a student-facing camera to allow remotely connected students to see the classroom and in-person students. These rooms are mainly used to add ZOOM capability to remotely connect students.
Collaboration Classroom
- This room contains a computer, projector or displays, speakers, and a document camera. It provides the instructor the ability to project their PowerPoint, web content, or documents in a large format so all in-class students can view them. It also contains multiple whiteboards around the room and movable student furniture so that students have the ability to easily move into groups and collaborate together.
Active Learning Classroom
- This room contains a computer, projector or displays, speakers, and a document camera. It provides the instructor the ability to project their PowerPoint, web content, or documents in a large format so all in-class students can view them. This classroom is more student-centered. It contains multiple whiteboards or displays around the room and movable student furniture so that students have the ability to easily move into groups and collaborate together. These rooms are designed to encourage students to think, discuss, challenge, and analyze information.
COMM Classroom
- This room contains a computer, projector or displays, speakers, and a document camera. It provided the instructor the ability to project their PowerPoint, web content, or documents in a large format so all in-class students could view them. In addition, it contains a second instructor station, located in the back of the room, where the instructor can monitor, and record student speeches. There is a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera facing the front of the classroom and microphones to capture the student’s speeches.
As technology keeps advancing, how we use rooms will change. But we are always focused on the ease of use by the instructor and most importantly, the student experience.