New SMART Boards were installed in Hillside Hall, rooms 200 and 202, during the summer to help education majors at IU Southeast.
These SMART Boards help acclimate education students who will eventually need to know how to properly use them when they begin to teach in schools.
“SMART Boards are used throughout many K-12 schools,” Lee Staton, director of Information Technology, said. “Our education students need to learn how to use them effectively and integrate them into their curriculum as teachers.”
The two SMART Boards that were installed are a campus-first when it comes to widescreens and the latest technology.
“The cost per SMART board — with the screen, projector, computer and cables — is less than $5,000,” Staton said.
Knowing how to use SMART Boards is something education students may encounter in classrooms and in lesson planning.
Another recent installation that was made on campus was new PC processors. IU and its satellite campuses are on a three-year replacement program, which was renewed this year at IU Southeast.
The computers were installed specifically for the faculty to use.
“The replacement program ensures that our technology is up-to-date, as newer software often demands faster processors,” Staton said.
When the old computers are replaced with new ones, they are then given to the IUS Bookstore, where they may be sold.
Another piece of technology recently installed was in Physical Sciences, room 200.
A flat-panel TV was added due to sunlight shining into the room from the windows on the back wall. A flat-panel TV is easier to see compared to a projector.
With a flat-panel TV, there is no expensive light that burns out, which the projector often requires.
“The TVs we’re now buying use 40 percent less electricity than LCDs, so they’re a greener technology too,” Staton said.
A new high-definition video conference unit was added to Knobview Hall, room 112.
This particular room is used for both meetings and classes, so students and staff have the privilege and capability of using this new technology.
This piece of technology was provided by IU Bloomington, which is used for distance learning.
The high-definition video conference unit was of no cost to IU Southeast.
“Having the right technology available is part of providing a quality education for our students,” Staton said.
The IT Department is in charge of most installations made on campus. The IT Department installs the technology based on the requests from the deans, faculty and department heads. If there are any student requests, they usually come through Student Affairs.
“A great effort is put forth to give our students and faculty current tools for teaching and learning,” Staton said.
The IT and Institute for Learning & Teaching Excellence Departments train faculty members in how to use the equipment.
By HANNAH COMBS
Staff
hacombs@umail.iu.edu
