OIT has made several changes to general pool classrooms since the pandemic. In an effort to keep everyone informed, we are going to use this blog to publish a list of changes for the upcoming term, at the end of the current term. If you would like to receive emailed updates about classroom technology, including notifications of new blog posts related to classroom technology, please join the PSU Classroom Technology Google Group by selecting the “Join group” button at the top of the page. We will use this group to provide information about changes to classroom technology, and also to collect feedback about what you’d like to see change (or not change!) in the future. If you have any feedback that you’d like to share now, please fill out this Classroom Technology Feedback form.
Inclusive Access Classroom (IACs)
We are excited to announce the launch of Inclusive Access Classrooms (IACs) in both Broadway and the new Vernier Science Center. IACs feature intuitive technology that enables instructors to capture and enhance the in-person classroom experience, complete with a back of the room camera and microphones to cover the classroom for remote and asynchronous engagement. Zoom Whiteboards allow for interactive teaching. This new classroom technology standard has replaced the old “Distance Learning Classroom” (DLC) standard, and we will be migrating the last 3 DLCs in FMH to IACs over the next year. To support faculty, we offer in person training sessions and documentation. For instructions on using IACs, visit the Inclusive Access Classroom (IAC) Guide. To schedule a training, fill out the AV Classroom Support form and indicate that you would like “IAC training.” For assistance, contact help-classrooms@pdx.edu.
Podium Updates
Tethered Cables in Classrooms
Tethered HDMI, VGA, and 3.5mm cables will no longer be provided in podiums. While these cables will not be proactively removed, they will not be replaced if broken and will not be included in new podium installations. Faculty are encouraged to utilize wireless sharing from their device by launching a Zoom meeting on the podium PC, or, if Zoom isn’t an option, to bring their own HDMI cable that is compatible with their device.
Phasing Out Blu-Ray Players
Blu-ray players are being phased out from general pool classroom AV systems. While some rooms may still have them, they will not be replaced if broken. DVDs can still be played using the resident PC’s optical drive with VLC media player. For film screenings, consult your department’s PSU library liaison and visit the Library’s Using Film in Courses: Policy and Options for more information. To request the digitization of visual media, submit this Request to digitize visual media form.
Zoom Related Changes
Changes to Zoom Operation in Base Classrooms
The Zoom experience in general pool classrooms changed over the summer. Faculty wanting to use Zoom in the classroom will now need to use the Zoom desktop application on the podium PC instead of standalone Zoom Room systems to simplify the experience. We recognize the challenges this transition may bring and are committed to improving communication about future changes. For more details, visit our Changes To Zoom Operation page or explore resources on our AV Technology Resources page. Your feedback is invaluable, and we appreciate your understanding as we simplify the Zoom experience for everyone.
Default Automated Captions to “On” in Zoom Accounts
We are updating the default Zoom settings so that all pdx.edu Zoom host accounts will default to having automated captions available for all attendees in meetings. This means that the option to have automated captions display will be available for every meeting, unless the host has explicitly disallowed them, but each attendee will still need to individually turn on captions if they want to see them. Users can still disable this feature in their account settings if desired.