Office of Information Technology and Learning Experience

Over the years, how we name and describe our classrooms have changed. We mainly labeled our classrooms by the function they serve. If a room has multiple purposes, we call it a multi-purpose room. If we held conferences in them, they were called conference rooms. Very unique, right? But as technology advanced, terms that were not identifiable to the average HACC employee were used. Terms like SMART classroom. Which identifies the room by the type of equipment in it that is made by SMART Technologies, not the IQ of the room. We then moved back to a function-type room description, and below is how we are identifying our rooms currently:

• Legacy Classroom or Classroom - This classroom varies in the description. It may contain a computer and projector. It may have speakers. But the technology in these rooms is usually older, and the projected image could be brighter and clearer in newer classrooms.

• Presentation Classroom - This room contains a computer, projector or displays, speakers, and a document camera. It allows the instructor to project their PowerPoint, web content, or documents in a large format so all in-class students can view them. It will have an Extron control box to control the room's projection, sound, and device inputs.

• ZOOM Classroom - This classroom is designed to connect classes across the college and connect guests and students remotely. It also allows for the scheduling of ZOOM classes with the ability to be connected and disconnected automatically. It contains a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera and microphone to capture the instructor and audio discussion in the classroom. It also has two large displays for viewing content and the remotely connected classroom or students. Due to the configuration, these classrooms are limited to 10-15 students and are used mainly for the secondary classroom.

• FLEX 1 Classroom - This classroom is designed to connect classes across the college, along with connecting guests and students remotely. This room must be connected to ZOOM and managed by the instructor manually. This classroom is equipped with a PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera that allows the instructor to choose different areas in the room they want to teach from or have the ability to be tracked as they roam the front of the room. It also has a microphone that can capture audio from the whole classroom. These rooms are mainly used to add ZOOM capability to connect students remotely.

• Flex 2 Classroom - This classroom is the same as FLEX 1 and has a large display in the back of the classroom. The instructor can see the remotely connected students while teaching from anywhere in the room. Finally, it has a student-facing camera to allow remotely connected students to see the classroom and in-person students. These rooms are mainly used to add ZOOM capability to connect students remotely.

• Collaboration Classroom - This room is the same as a Presentation classroom. Also, it contains multiple whiteboards around the room and movable student furniture so that students can quickly move into groups and collaborate.

As technology keeps advancing, how we use rooms will change. But we are always focused on the ease of use by the instructor and, most importantly, the student experience.