Learn from Anywhere

During the summer of 2020, a cross-University team comprising members from the Provost’s and Registrar’s offices, IS&T Learning & Event Technology Services, Educational Media, and Campus Planning & Operations brainstormed with the undergraduate and graduate recovery task forces to de-densify and install technology solutions in over 600 rooms being used as classrooms for the University’s LfA model.

The team collaborated to identify the best use of classrooms, which had to incorporate six feet of physical distance spacing. This initiative determined where classes were held during the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, and utilized spaces that had not previously been used for teachings, such as the George Sherman Union ballroom, Marsh Chapel, FitRec basketball courts, and various lounges and event spaces across our campuses. AV equipment was installed to enable faculty and in-room participants to engage with remote learners. The scope included web cameras, microphones, and infrastructure to enable faculty to use their own devices to thereby limiting high-touch surfaces. Creative solutions were found for every type of curriculum on campus from anatomy labs to studio arts classes, technology was so widely embraced that many programs want to retain it into the future. Acoustic enhancements were made over intercession to enhance audio in 48 rooms.