Jones Classroom Changes Coming for Fall 2018

This summer, all four computer classrooms in Jones are being renovated and will reopen in Fall 2018 with the following improvements:

Jones 35 Video Recording and Web Conferencing:
The updated video recording system will give instructors local control. In place of the old remotely-controlled system, instructors will be able to set up and execute their own recordings. This will make it easier for instructors scheduled in the room to add video recording to their class activities.

New web conferencing equipment will make it easier to include remote participants. Instructors can use the Mac instructor computer or a personal laptop to run their web conferencing program of choice.

Best of all, the video recording and web conferencing systems will be able to use either one of two cameras which are controlled from the instructor podium. One camera will be aimed at the front of the room to capture lectures or presentations. The second will be aimed at the front tables to capture small group discussions.

The video recording system in Jones 30 is not changing, and the recording will still be controlled remotely by Language Center staff.

Although instructors scheduled in Jones 35 will be able to add video recording or web conferencing to their itinerary at the last minute, the Language Center staff still requires that they provide this information at the time of the reservation request to ensure that they are scheduled in a classroom with the appropriate technology. All instructors are invited to an open house to learn more about the changes, and consult on using the technology.

Jones 10, 15, 30 and 35 Classroom Projection Systems:
The projection systems in all four classrooms are being replaced with all new equipment. This is a major upgrade that will require new digital wiring and projection controls. Our current systems were originally installed in 2005 when the Language Center first moved into Jones Hall. As part of the upgrade, the data projectors in Jones 10, 15 and 30 will be replaced with laser projectors; the projector in Jones 35 was replaced just last year.

The new systems will be similar to those found in classrooms managed by the Office of Classroom Management. These improvements should result in brighter images with higher resolution and color accuracy in all four Jones classrooms.