Project Technology

This year, we are following five faculty members as they work towards integrating appropriate technology into their classes. This project is a "take off" of the popular reality TV program, Project Runway, which appears on the Bravo TV Channel. For our "project" we followed faculty members as they undertook a four-part challenge: 1) to integrate appropriate technology into their teaching and learning activities, 2) to engage students, 3) to improve learning, and 4) to document their results. Basically we took the TV camera into their offices and
into their classrooms. Some of the initial faculty issues that have arisen include: Time, Help & Support, Environments,IT Infrastructure, and Teaching Styles. To view a Mediasite presentation of this program go to:

Part #1 Main Project Technology Program http://edtech-media.intra.uwlax.edu/UWLMediaSite/Viewer/?peid=7d12445e-ef07-4a6a-b09d-a63409d4658d
Part #2 Winner of Project Technology http://edtech-media.intra.uwlax.edu/UWLMediaSite/Viewer/?peid=123dad90-f927-490f-8883-826aba51fe3e

To read more detailed information on Project Technology, go to:

http://www.uwlax.edu/Advancement/connectx/07-issues/11-12/project.htm

Redefining Residence Halls

Residence halls are now providing opportunities to provide new presentation areas, as well as offering the chance to provide a wide variety of student services. Universities and campuses across the U.S. are considering ways to enhance the student experience by providing additional services such as tutoring, counseling, and technology support in residence halls. Some institutions are also considering embedding faculty in the building to assist students in their learning. This is an important step in providing services to the Millennial student of today. Today, learning occurs well beyond 5:00pm. The Internet is open 24 hours a day. This begs the question, "are we available to help students during the same time frame?" The photo (left) shows a technology space in Reuter Hall on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. It comes with a full complement of presentation equipment with remote control of the equipment, large front projection screen complemented with a large screen flat panel which can display presentation material, cable TV, or provide video conferencing capability.

On May 21, 2007 I was invited to visit and present at Central College located in Pella, IA. It was an excellent example of a smaller private college with a commitment to effective classroom technologies with an eye on the importance of LEED certification. Classroom designs were refreshing and innovative. Classroom controls was through touch panel AMX units, with attention to room design, color, and ergonomics. I was able to lead a campus discussion on a the "what if's" of engaging students with technology, while addressing the need for vibrant learning environments. Currently the campus is looking into a new $20 million facility with the goal of a Platinum LEED certification.

Learning Space Design-UW-System

On April 23, 2007 I presented a session on focusing on learning space design entitled, "Strategic Advances with Technology." The presentation was given at the UW-System Joint Technology Conference held in Green Lake, WI. This conference brings together technology professionals in networking, faculty development, media, and libraries. The presentation showcased learning space design principles throughout the US and in Europe. Special emphasis was placed on collaborative learning spaces in libraries. I was able to show the transformation of a collaborative space in a library by documenting the process through video. The results graphically show student first working individually, then working in groups, and finally enjoying a new coffee area which brings faculty together with students. In the end, engaging both groups make for a stronger connection in the learning process, particularly outside the traditional classroom.

Naval Postgraduate School Visit

On March 28 and 29th, I had the opportunity to present two keynote addresses on "Rules of Engagement-Strategic Advances with Technology" at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Nearly 1,500 students attend the Naval Postgraduate School. The student body consists of officers from the five U.S. uniformed services, officers from approximately 30 other countries and a small number of civilian employees. Selection of officers for fully funded graduate education is based upon outstanding professional performance as an officer, promotion potential and a strong academic background.

(photos courtesy Javier Chagoya, NPS staff photographer)


The presentations focused on learning space design, but also included best practices in utilizing specific technologies to engage the learner. Technologies such as Tablet PC's, DyKnow collaborative software, Camtasia, and Mediasite streaming were highlighted. In addition, some time was spent on new innovations such as Perceptive Pixel's finger display technology and flexible displays for the future were discussed.


The Naval School has a full complement of technology classrooms and is analyzing and researching how we can enhance our learning spaces to engage current and future learners. Time was also spent in discussing how we may refine the library of the future. Creating new collaborative learning spaces in the library is of high interest.

Mediasite Collaborative Learning Space Presentation

A new Mediasite presentation on Learning Space Design for Collaborative Spaces is now available. The presentation traces our historical perceptions on how we approached learning spaces, to how we now can design collaborative environments for the students of today. Examples from around the U.S. and Europe are hightlighted. A video is included at approximately 18:00 into the presentation hightlighting a new collaborative space developed in cooperation with Murphy Library on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. You may connect to this presentation by going to: http://www.uwlax.edu/edtech/sat/learningspaces/