With the availability of new technologies, distance learning facilities are not only easier to use, but they are also better able to facilitate teaching and learning. In our quest to provide state-of-the-art services, the Faculty Innovation Center (FIC) recently upgraded the College of Engineering’s primary distance learning classroom in ETC 5.148.

The renovation consisted of:

• Replacement of antiquated equipment with state-of-the-art audio-video components for reliability and easy of use.
• Remote Crestron Control system in control room and classroom that easily allows professors to control the display system with the touch of a button.
• New speakers in classroom for clear sound.
• Combo DVD/VCR player in classroom for easy viewing.
• Cable management for cleaner, more professional appearance in the room.
• Removal of unused equipment and cabling for a clean appearance.
• General classroom facelift adds to more effective presentation.

The College of Engineering now boasts three state-of-the-art distance learning facilities (besides ETC 5.148, there is ETC 2.136 and ETC. 2.132) and one self-service video-conferencing room. The College is now uniquely positioned to help you teach beyond your classroom walls.

While you can use the classrooms to teach an ongoing class, you might want to consider letting the Faculty Innovation Center tape you lecturing in ETC 5.148 when you are forced to cancel class due to a conference or scheduling conflict. We can post your lecture to BlackBoard™, burn to CD or dub to videotape so that your students can watch your lecture at their convenience. You may consider having students attend this lecture in order to have a genuine classroom experience. The classroom has a document camera, electronic whiteboard, and laptop connectivity.

Numerous engineering professors already use these facilities. Jon Olson of Petroleum Engineering remarks, “"I find the teleconference facility very useful for pre-taping make-up lectures for the rare occasions when I have to miss a lecture for travel reasons. In addition, I use the facility to film supplemental lectures of remedial material that I don't want to cover during class time. Those students who need to brush up on particular topic can view the lecture at their leisure."