Search tool helps faculty learn more about classroom tech

UIT Digital Learning Technologies (DLT) and the Web Support & Usability (WSU) team in UIT’s University Support Services (USS) recently partnered to develop a classroom search tool, which launched at the beginning of spring semester. The tool, which is featured on the DLT website’s top navigation menu, is designed to help faculty familiarize themselves with the audiovisual capabilities and space attributes of 188 general assignment classrooms on the University of Utah’s main campus.

“The classroom search feature allows instructors an opportunity to preview equipment in classrooms to make sure technologies align with their particular teaching needs,” said Adam Stewart, associate director for AV & Technology Services in DLT.

Search filters include:

• Building
• Room type
• Instructional capabilities
• Furniture
• Displays
• Presentation sources
• Audio equipment
• Video capture/conference equipment

Note: All general assignment classrooms offer a projector or monitor display, audio speakers, an HDMI input for laptop connections, and an AirMedia device for wireless presentations. An HDMI cable is needed to connect a laptop to the wired input. Some laptops may require an HDMI adapter.  HDMI cables and adapters are available for semester checkout at the Faculty Center in Marriott Library, Room 1705.

Stewart said the idea for the tool was inspired partially by feedback from faculty on a technology needs survey distributed by Jim Agutter, senior associate dean in the Office of Undergraduate Studies  and co-chair of the Teaching and Learning Portfolio. In addition to Shellie Eide, Web Support & Usability senior web software developer, campus partners on the project include Liz Johnson, associate registrar. Eide additionally credited student employees on her team for help coding while Stewart lauded students in his group for taking inventory and photographing all classrooms featured in the tool. 

In addition to search filters, landing pages for individual classrooms contain images, a link to a classroom glossary, and information on room capacity, amenities, and physical location (including a pointer to Campus Map). 

The tool, Stewart noted, features only general assignment rooms, which contain equipment owned and maintained by DLT. Other rooms equipped by departments and colleges are not part of the tool at this time. 

Stewart and his team manage classroom data through an administrator interface, but the goal is to eventually pull data directly from Astra, a web-based management system used by the Office of the Registrar and other campus organizations to schedule academic classes, meetings, and events. For now, room scheduling is a separate function. Classrooms in Marriott Library are scheduled using a different process than classrooms outside of the library, which the Office of the Registrar manages. 

Stewart encourages instructors to explore the new tool and bookmark it for easy access.

 

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