Students starting at and returning to OUWB’s campus this year will be welcomed with technology upgrades in the school’s two main lecture halls.
The new audio-visual equipment has been installed in rooms 203 and 204 of O’Dowd Hall.
The changes have been in the works for more than two years and were completed over the summer.
Adam Gordon, help desk manager, OUWB, said the project was designed to improve the educational experience for faculty and students.
“We feel really good about it,” said Gordon. “We’re excited that the project is done and the rooms are usable … these changes will help everyone.”
“It’s like going from an old Blackberry or iPhone to the latest model,” he added.
The list of updates consists of:
- New outlets/USB ports: Available at every other seat, the new equipment allows users to charge computers and other devices more efficiently. Charging blocks are no longer necessary.
- New microphones/audio system: The old system was analog and damaged wires caused audio static and cracking. The new system prevents this disruption.
- New cameras: Previously, the rooms had only a front-facing camera on the instructor. New cameras allow for views of anyone speaking in the audience.
- New document camera: A 4K camera delivers much-improved quality.
- Apple TV integration: Both rooms now allow AirPlay from laptops, like other spaces in O’Dowd.
- New touch panel interface: Replacing a 13-year-old touch panel, the new system features a simpler, more modern layout that delivers more intuitive controls, faster setup, and is designed to result in fewer user errors.
Gordon said such updates are generally needed every eight to 12 years, yet some of the equipment (like the touch panel interface) was at least 13 years old.
The project essentially began more than two years ago, when exact needs were identified by the school’s in-house team of technology specialists: Gordon, Dawn Gorris (recently retired), Fred Haydon, and Faye Luman.
Due to the scope of the project, it went through the request-for-proposals (RFP) process. The contract was awarded to Conti LLC of Sterling Heights. (The company previously has done other projects on the campus of Oakland University and O’Dowd Hall.) The upgrades are valued at about $250,000.
Replacing about 150 microphones and a similar number of power outlets – and testing each one – took time, which is why the project had to be completed in the summer.
The result, according to Gordon, is greater reliability, flexibility, and peace of mind for those using the rooms.
“It's important for us to provide state-of-the-art technology for our medical students and faculty, especially in our primary teaching space,” said Steve Collard, CMA, vice dean, Business and Administration.
Collard said the improvements in 203 and 204 are just the latest examples of how school officials have “greatly improved (OUWB’s) capacity to handle whatever study needs our students have, 24/7.”
“This latest investment in technology improves not only instruction, but the testing environment as well,” said Collard. “We have flexible, well-equipped spaces that will allow our faculty to (advance) in the next best direction for curriculum enhancement and design.”
“I am really pleased that all of the classroom space is ready for the new academic year.”
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For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].
To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.
