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Physical Learning Spaces
l Virtual Learning Spaces
l Providing Computers
l Issues of
Standardization
The activities
described in this web site almost all depend on
instructors and students being able to easily use computers
in the physical or virtual learning space.
Physical learning spaces: There are
several ways to provide computer access and connectivity in
a physical space, including
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Computers provided at every seat, or
every set of seats (for team use)' sometimes shared
computers are preferable, to encourage collaborative
work;
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Rooms that enable students to bring their
own machines, or a laptop or tablet provided for the
room, and hook it into the institution's network;
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Wireless (advantages include making it
easier to rearrange seating; fewer cords to trip over);
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Access to shareable displays so that students, working
in formal or informal groups, can see a display more
easily. For more on this theme,
click here.
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Do you know of rooms, buildings or
institutions that have done an especially good job of
providing computing and network access?
Send us examples and, if possible, include images
that can be linked to this web page.)
Virtual learning spaces: As soon as
you think about the virtual classroom (whether used for a
purely virtual course or a "blended course" that involves
both face-to-face and online interaction), the question
shifts to how students get computers and connectivity that
they can use on their own terms. Among the strategies used
to make this easier and/or less expensive:
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laptop sale and leasing programs;
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"loaner" computers for students working
in libraries or who have other short-term needs for a
machine;
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states that assure that computers and
connectivity are available in public libraries or public
schools (and are available specifically for students
taking college courses). Maine and West Virginia, for
example, implemented such programs in the early 1990s.
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Use of inexpensive standards-based
technology for connectivity. For example,
this
videoconferencing classroom at Old Dominion University
is one of many that uses H.323 compliant technology so
that anyone can be invited to participate in a class,
whether or not they have ODU accounts, with no
requirement that they go to a studio or use proprietary
equipment. A $50 'videophone' and a DSL line are quite
adequate for a guest expert, for example, to participate
in a class's meeting.
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it's my impression that at least a few
institutions have agreement with local cable television
companies to help provide relatively low cost Internet
connectivity to homes in the area near the campus. Know
any examples?
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(Other strategies you can add?
Send us examples that name institutions and, if
possible, include images that can be linked to this web
page.)
How to provide computers: Most
institutions rely on a mix of computers purchased by
students, faculty, and staff plus some publicly and
semi-publicly available machines; these latter machines
often have capabilities, peripherals or expensive software
not likely to be found in personal machines. Some
institutions, committed to substantial and frequent use of
computing, take steps to assure that most or all students,
faculty, and staff have the same machine. (Requiring
computer ownership can have implications for financial aid
if students are required to purchase machines; such policies
can help poorer students get machines, for example.) One of
our subscribers, Buena Vista University, has provided
wireless laptops for everyone for several years.
This entry from "Two Steves and a
Blog" describes some of the advantages BVU sees in this
policy as well as a clever training video, developed by
students, to help other students learn to use laptops and
support service appropriately.
Issues of
Standardization: A conversation with Larry MacPhee
(Northern Arizona University) reminded me that allowing
freedom for units to buy equipment for their spaces provides
variety of different approaches and technology. On the other
hand, it can discourage faculty from using
technology-equipped spaces if, too frequently, they need to
learn a new equipment layout (e.g., for a control podium) in
order to use a space. Spaces with specialized
equipment can also be more difficult and expensive to
support in the long run, and can subtly discourage
interdisciplinary collaboration. One partial solution
may be the use of Intel-equipped Macintoshes that can run
the Macintosh, Windows XP/Vista, and Linux operating
systems: one hardware box that can be used by more faculty
for more purposes.
Physical Learning Spaces
l Virtual Learning Spaces
l Providing Computers
l Issues of
Standardization
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