Sympodiums, Document Camera Installed in Mateer
dwaldron October 15th, 2007
SMART Sympodium interactive pen displays have been installed in Mateer G01, 203 and 305. The Sympodiums, small flat screen devices, have been installed on the tables or work benches in front of each of these three rooms. They are connected to the classrooms’ computers and ceiling-mounted projectors. The Sympodiums allow instructors to project images from the computer onto the classroom screen. While facing the class, instructors can add notes to the projected images in multiple colors. At the end of the class, the presentation–including both the projected images and the instructor’s notes–can be digitally saved and, if desired, distributed. This distribution can take place via Moodle.
Also added to Mateer is a mobile cart with a projector and document camera. A document camera is special video camera designed to display documents and three dimensional objects via a projector, monitor or similar device. Document cameras can also be used to project the performance of small-scale lab demonstrations onto a wall-mounted screen.
This equipment was funded by a Hewlett-Mellon grant. The proposal was developed by Sharon Lynn of Biology and Janet Russell of Instructional Technology. The grant application sites the following benefits of these technologies:
- Increased student interaction during class
- Greater flexibility for instructors during class
- Development of notes with students that can be further adapted outside of class
- Improved demonstration of laboratory techniques
- Enhanced motivation on the part of students
- Enhanced retention of material
Installation of the new equipment was overseen by Vince Di Scipio, Director of Networks, Telecommunications and Systems. This role fell to Vince when Media Services was shifted from Instructional Technology to NTS.
A Sympodium and a document camera are currently available for inspection and experimentation in the Classroom Technology Demo Room. Questions about them can be directed to Jon Breitenbucher or Joe Benfield.