Tag: TEC

AV Services, EMC, TEC

TEC Updates 2024

Instructor touching computer screen in a TEC.

By the end of 2024, several updates or modifications were made to the Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs) due to feedback from the campus technology needs assessment and instructors. These included:

  • Removing the temporary, grant-funded, hybrid kit equipment from select TECs based on instructor feedback.
    • A select few rooms opted to keep a modified hybrid kit consisting of the (Elmo) document camera connected to the computer, the (Wacom) graphics tablet, and the (Zoom Q2n4K) video recorder with tripod.
  • Permanently installing the (Elmo) document camera into the TEC room system as an input device you can select from the AV control panel.
  • Adding a moveable monitor arm and laptop riser in several TECs (with more planning to be installed in 2025).
AV Services, EMC, TEC

New Technology Room Resources (2024)

The EMC is excited to share with you new resources for the supported technology rooms on campus, notably the Kaʻala Room (GT 105) and the Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs). These were developed in response to feedback from the campus technology needs assessment.

Kaʻala Room

Our Kaʻala Room (GT 105) quick guide has been recently updated for you to view/download and is available on the podium in the room for your convenience. You can find this and more resources on the Technology Rooms website.

Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs)

TEC computer and control panel

In a collaborative effort, the EMC created a new self-help website, Technology Tool Profiles (featuring TEC tool profiles), to help instructors and staff using the TECs familiarize themselves with each piece of equipment or tool. The website resource includes a profile for each TEC tool, which includes detailed 360 videos, close-ups of buttons, and a teaching example.

As an accompanying resource, we also designed Quick Cards for each TEC tool, which you can print for yourself. Alternatively, you can print them at our Copy Center for a reasonable cost. Each card has a QR code leading to the how-to videos for the TEC equipment, you can scan and watch the videos via your phone, as needed, and jot down notes for yourself on the card.

TEC tech profile card

Technology Rooms

Need to look up what a room has? The Technology Rooms website has a link to a spreadsheet with all the information. Contact the EMC’s AV Services unit for additional assistance.

EMC, Leeward CC

Summer 2022 TEC and Smart Classroom Changes in Preparation for Fall 2022

As summer approaches, we would like to share changes that will affect instructors and employees using classrooms starting Fall 2022. (Complete information about technology classrooms on campus can be found on our website.)

Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs)

Here is a list of TECs. The fourth column indicates if the classroom is a TEC.

TECs have the most updated technology including a hybrid kit bundle of equipment to facilitate various modalities of teaching and learning using equipment, such as a video recorder on a tripod, Elmo document camera, Wacom graphics tablet, and video capture card to input a secondary video source into the classroom computer.

TECs (with the exception of BS 104 and BS 109 Mac computer labs) will be equipped with a new Windows all-in-one computer with a touchscreen monitor. Instructors who prefer Windows or do not have a preference should use a TEC. (Instructors can also bring their own laptop (including Mac brand) to use in the TEC by connecting to the provided HDMI cable. They must bring their own adapter, if needed.)

TECs will continue to be supported and upgraded by the campus.

Smart Classrooms

Here is a list of Smart Classrooms. The third column indicates if the classroom is a Smart Classroom.

Smart Classrooms will continue to be supported until the equipment stops working. The Smart Classrooms currently have iMac computers running both macOS and Windows OS. However, because of Apple’s recent updates to the macOS, the iMacs cannot run Windows OS. Therefore, iMacs in Smart Classrooms will be re-imaged over the summer and will only run macOS starting Fall 2022. Instructors who prefer macOS should use a Smart Classroom.

A note about Smart Classrooms – the life expectancy of the iMac computers are 1-2 years. These computers will not be replaced if they fail or if Apple puts them on the obsolete list. Smart Classrooms will eventually be phased out.

Scheduling

If you have a strong preference for Mac, please ask your Division Chair to schedule you in a Smart Classroom. If you have a preference for Windows OS, do not have a preference, or will be using your own laptop, please ask to be scheduled in a TEC (which has the most up-to-date equipment and technologies).

If you have any questions about the classroom computers you may contact the ITG Help Desk at 455-0271 or lcchelp@hawaii.edu. If you are planning to teach in any of these classrooms in the Fall, it is highly recommended that you acquaint yourselves with the equipment and technology prior to the start of the Fall semester. You may contact Brent Hirata, Educational Technologist, for an orientation or consultation on using the technologies in the classrooms for teaching.

AV Services, EMC

Introducing the Technology Enhanced Classroom (TEC)

Move over Smart Classrooms, there’s a new kid in town. As most of you already heard by now, we have a new technology classroom called the Technology Enhanced Classroom (TEC). Thanks to CARES funding, the campus was able to purchase equipment for 50 TECs (most were former Smart Classrooms and some non-Smart Classrooms) and two casual hires to assist with installation. The TECs are more powerful and flexible than the Smart Classrooms to accommodate different modalities (i.e. in-person, hybrid, and DE) for teaching and learning.

View a complete list of all technology classrooms on campus including the installation status of the TECs.

 

Modular Design

The new modular design for the TECs was created by our very own Electronics Technician, Garrett Chaves. It features:

  • laser projector providing brighter images and quieter operation
  • flat-field speakers
  • longer lifespan
  • centralized control
  • standardized user-friendly control panel
  • ADA lectern with more table space for instructors
  • the functionality of adding modules without affecting the overall operation of the room

Hybrid Kit Add-On

One such “module” added onto the TECs (funded by CARES) to support socially-distanced in-person and various hybrid and DE modalities were the “hybrid kits.” The hybrid kit contains:

  • Video recorder on a tripod for capturing video in the classroom for streaming, for instance, on Zoom, or creating video recordings
  • Elmo document camera for showing 3D objects or demonstrating
  • Wacom digital tablet for annotating or drawing on the computer, for instance on Zoom or slides
  • Elgato video capture card to allow multiple video inputs for streaming, for instance, on Zoom, or creating video recordings
  • Lanyard mic to allow the instructor to be heard, for instance, in Zoom, as they walk about in the classroom

TEC

Installation

Our AV Services staff, Iban Urmeneta and Garrett Chaves (Electronics Technicians) and Ryuko Tanner and Jacob Gabriel (Classroom AV Installers) were instrumental for installing and testing equipment to get these classrooms ready for instructors to use starting in Fall 2021. TECs scheduled for Spring 2022 should be ready by the start of the semester.

Iban and Jacob TEC installation

Electronics Technician installing in the ceiling

Garrett and Ryuko TEC installation

 

TEC + Hybrid Kit Support

Visit our Hybrid Classroom Orientation webpage to get acquainted with the equipment, tools, and tips for planning for hybrid instruction.

EMC’s Ed Tech and AV Services units will be providing a TEC + Hybrid Kit Orientation on January 6, 2022 at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in LA 110. Please register to attend. Alternatively or if preferred, you can make a 1-1 appointment.

 

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