Educational Technologies in a Challenging Economy

On January 21st, as part of our fifth annual Passport to Technology event, we held a national teleconference on the economic impact of technology in education. I moderated the multipoint teleconference which included a distinguished panel of Frye Fellows from 2005: Dr. Sharon E. Blanton, CIO Office of Information Technologies Portland State University; Gardner Campbell, Ph.D., Director of the Academy for Teaching and Learning at Baylor University and Assoc. Prof. of Literature and Media, Honors College; Helen Chu, Director, Academic Technology, University of Oregon; Rick Holmgren, Ph.D., Executive Director, Learning, Information, and Technology Services, Allegany College; William Mayer, Librarian, American University, Washington, D.C.; Jenny Mehmedovic, Assistant to the Provost, University of Kansas.

Each panelist responded to a wide variety of important questions facing faculty, administrators, and students. To learn more about this program, you may connect to a webcast of the event by clicking on the Passport logo.

2008 International Rich Media Award

On May 15th. my colleague Terry Wirkus and myself were honored to receive the Mediasite Rich Media Award for the Return on Investment Category. It was a great honor on how we utilized web casting to forward the academic and administrative mission of the university.

On May 14th, I presented a program at the WiscNet Future Technologies Conference, Madision, WI. The presentation was entitled "Impact Through Innovation-Redrawing the Big Picture"explained the utilization of web casting for a myriad of university activities and functions. Of paricular note was the use of web casting to promote discussion on effective Learning Space Design, in particular the room design, furniture, lighting, and technology integration.

Thinking Outside the Box

On March 25, 2008 I presented a live webcast at Sonic Foundry in Madison, Wisconsin. I utilized Mediasite to provide a global reach to discuss innovative strategies to utilize web casting. Participants were from China, Japan, Russia, Mexico and most of the U.S. The web cast showcases strategies to engage both academic and external audiences of an unviersity environment. To learn more about this presentation, click here.

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/

Rules of Engagement-EDUCAUSE 2006, Dallas, TX

On October 11th, 2006 I presented at the EDUCAUSE international conference in Dallas. The program, entitled, Rules of Engagement, presented a variety of strategies to engage the "Millennial" student. Topics covered included learning space design, digital video, Video Over IP, Tablet PC technologies, and student response systems. Of particular interest to the group was a discussion on how to design and develop collaborative learning spaces. There is a growing trend for universities and colleges to set aside spaces in new and remodeled spaces where students can interact and collaborate on specific projects. The key is to decide early on what the teaching and learning activities will be. From there, it is important to consider both room design and technologies employed simultaneously. After your space has been completed, it is important to make sure the space is being utilized as you envisioned. If the space isn't promoting collaboration, it could be due to several reasons. One reason could be that your faculty haven't developed curriculum that focuses on collaborative projects. Another obstacle is that students may not be aware that they can talk openly in newly developed collaborative spaces. This is a common phenomena in newly created library collaborative learning space. Careful planning, effective implementation, and prudent assessment will yield successful results.

Transforming old spaces to new meeting and learning environments

There are many potential areas that could be transformed into vibrant examples of new learning spaces. It takes vision, careful planning, and advocacy to make it happen. Take the following example. The before image (left) is a photo of our traditional faculty senate chambers. It was used for many years, including the smart yellow chairs and elegant orange carpeting. The important point here, is that someone needs to present the case of "what if's", or in other words, "How could this space be remodeled to foster interactive meetings, and also provide a new learning space for faculty and students with appropriate technology.

After conceiving of the transformation, a presentation to the faculty senate committee was the next step. It was here that I layed out the potential for lighting/dimming control, touch panel control of all technology, wireless internet, and new chairs, U-shaped tables, electronically controlled shades, and video conferencing capability. The capacity to record proceedings and meetings to a digital video recorder was an added plus.

The after image clearly shows the transformation. People are put into a more interactive and collaborative space. The technology, while present, is actually translucent to the space. It's a comfortable environment promoting interaction, as well as presentation. Lighting, audio, and projection can be customized for practially any situation. The key to this success is vision, planning, and advocacy. With these three elements, your new space is more likely to be successful.

Collaborative Learning Space Unveiled

Collaborative Learning Environments 2

A new collaborative learning space was unveiled on our campus, as part of our Passport to Technology 3. A small version of the Herman Miller Resolve system has been installed, to complement a larger layout in our Murphy Library. There has been a continual and collaborative process of meetings and discussion between myself and the planning committee in our library. The layout in the photo (left) shows a system to introduce a collaborative learning environment to faculty and students. It will be a place where we can discuss the philosophy of collaborative learning, and how we develop teaching strategies to enhance student learning. We will be tracking how students utilize these new learning environments, and assess how we may "roll out" additional collaborative learning areas in the library and around campus.

Collaborative Learning Spaces

Collaborative Learning Environments
When designing new learning spaces, it is important to consider the physical environment, the layout of the space, and the objective of the space in relation to the student. If you have the opportunity to begin with an open area (new or remodeled), surveying many different learning environment before you begin drawing the first line of your design is very important. In my research, I came upon the Herman Miller Resolve system. It is a very unique design with excellent design characteristics. The concept is built upon a matrix structure based upon 120-degree angles. As the literature states, it is an "open, inviting, space-efficient workstations where people feel "comfortable and connected." This concept is very conducive for collaborative learning. I have designed a small demonstration space for this system in our Wing Technology Center, and have been working with our collaborative planning group in Murphy Library to integrate a larger "wishbone" layout. We will be working together to collect data on how students use these spaces to promote learning and interaction in their "university experience." Future postings of our experiences will be posted to this blog. Feel free provide your opinions on this concept.

For more information on Herman Miller products, consider going to their excellent web site.

Collaborative Learning Spaces in England

Collaborative Spaces in Europe
Designing new collaborative learning spaces has become an important discussion in IT and Library circles. This trend is not only occurring in the United States, but also worldwide. The image on the left is from the Metropolitan University in London. This collaborative space is used by college students, but also for special computer workshops for younger adults. These spaces provide an opportunity for learners to work individually, in groups, and also provides the chance to work collaboratively with faculty and instructors. In this example, a group is given a project to solve a problem. The students formulate their own individual solutions, work as a group, and then consult with the teacher. This changes the classroom dynamic from a traditional (more passive) lecture format, to a situation where the learner and teacher are more engaged. Designing collaborative environments requires the designer to think about space, furniture, and room flexibility. AC power is probably more of a concern than network access, as wireless connectivity is becoming more of a standard for technology spaces. Carefully thinking about the space well in advance of any implementation is essential to provide an environment for effective teaching and learning. Look for more discussions on collaborative spaces in upcoming postings.

Designing Effective Learning Spaces

When you think about redesigning a classroom, it includes much more than just room height, width, and depth. In addition to the traditional measurements, one has to consider how the room matches the teaching and learning activities for the curriculum. For example, does the teaching activities require an interactive U-shaped table, does the activity require a collaborative environment for flexible work group? All of these issues need to be part of the discussion early on in the planning process. Involving key stake holders is very important. Other key elements to consider are lighting, sound reinforcement and insulation, table and chair ergonomics, line of site and projection screen placement, and technology equipment considerations. All of these elements must be considered in an interactive way. If you change or modify one element, it will likely have an impact on others. The key in this process, is frequent discussions well before the architect begins to draw the first wall boundary on paper. You should decide upon on the building or room philosophy, and then work collaboratively to design the most effective learning space to accentuate student learning or training. The extra up front work will pay huge dividends down the road.

Welcome to 2006

Welcome to the new year. As we begin our new spring semester, this blog will begin to devote more time to classroom space design, presentation styles, and how to choose effective and appropriate technology for teaching/learning activities. I encourage you to respond to these posts so you can join in on the discussion forums.

Have a great 2006!

Happy Holiday Greetings

May your holiday season be filled with the joy, warm, and friendship. Enjoy your special time with family and friends.

Wing Technology Center

This is the Wing Technology Center where I am located. I had the distinct opportunity to work closely with the architectural firm in designing teaching and learning spaces in this facility. Interestingly enough, the original building was a library built back in 1956, the year I was born. And then, I had a chance to work with a team to create a new technology hub for the campus. The Florence Wing Building was renamed Wing Technology Center in the fall of 2001. For more information on the architectural firm who collaborated on the design and to learn more about the project, go to River Architects at: http://www.river-architects.com/

Learning Spaces With Technology

In some regard, the title of this blog, "Learning Space" has a variety of meanings. This site is meant to provide you with many items to learn and experience. One area I have a specific interest is the design of actual learning environments or, in this case "learning spaces." At the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, I have had the opportunity to conceive and build a variety of spaces for various teaching and learning activities. If I had a trademark design, it would be my U-shaped interactive space. In this design, the U-shaped table promotes interaction between the participants, and allows for good site lines to a presenter in front of the room. With the appropriate technology and control, ergonomic seating, and room lighting, this can be a very effective teaching and learning area. If you would like to preview some of the many technology classrooms we have on our campus, please feel free to visit:

http://www.uwlax.edu/edtech/de/Classroom_Guide/index.html


Looking particularly at Wing Rooms 104, 126, and 31. In the Health Science Building, look at rooms, 2002 and 2006.

Enjoy.