Proposal
Name:
Anthropology Classroom Audio Improvement
FiscalYear:
2021
Audience:
Arts & Letters, College of
Submitter:
Harris, Michael
Budget Manager:
Dimaggio, Kathleen M.
Project Manager:
Proposal Approvers
Dept. Chair:
Harris, Michael S
Local IT:
N/A
Dean:
Barrios, Barclay J.
Facilities:
N/A
OIT:
Bagdonas, Joseph A.
Proposal Funding
Year 1:
$ 7,425.90
Year 2:
$ 0.00
Year 3:
$ 0.00
Total:
$ 7,425.90
Proposal Funding versus Average
Questionnaire
Narrative
The anthropology classroom, SO 190, is the primary teaching space for undergraduate and graduate courses in anthropology. The room is well-appointed with lab tables, osteological specimens, casts of fossil remains, and artifacts from many prehistoric cultures. The computer, projection system, and ceiling speakers are up to university standards and are in good working order. However, the primary constraint to holding useful, interactive classes for students attending in-person and those attending virtually (e.g., through Zoom or WebEx) is the microphone system.
As currently configured, student conversation between those physically in class and those attending virtually is not truly possible. In class student questions currently are not heard directly by students attending virtually. The only microphone in the room is located at the podium and is insufficient to pick up student voices in the classroom. This fact significantly reduces the potential for in class discussion among students.
To foster an active learning environment for in person students interacting with virtual students, we request funding for the purchase and installation of a ceiling microphone system that will allow in person students to have their voices picked up from anywhere in the room by those attending virtually. This simple innovation will greatly enhance the overall effectiveness of course discussion, questioning, and collaboration.
I estimate that 500 students will be impacted during a semester, as the classroom SO 190 is the primary room in which the department's courses of 50 students or less, both undergraduate and graduate, are taught.
Facilities
I do not believe that facility renovations or upgrades will be required.
Hardware Requirements
Ceiling/Beam-tracking microphones and associated hardware. Approximate cost $5940.72
(per quote by Eric Davidson)
Audio DSP
1 Biamp TesiraForte VT AVB Audio DSP w/ 12 AEC analog inputs
1 Biamp TesiraCONNECT TC-5D 5-Port Dante&AVB Switch with PoE+ on 4 ports
Audience Mic Options - Beamtracking ceiling array parley, low profile, mics (Requires AVB port)
2 Biamp TCM-X White Beamtracking Ceiling Microphone, white
2 Biamp TCM-XEX White Beamtracking Ceiling Microphone, expander/add'l mic, white AV
Software Requirements
None (per Eric Davidson)
Personnel Costs
Installation cost estimate (per Eric Davidson):
$1485.18 (installation contractor)
Other Costs
No expected costs beyond hardware and contractor labor for installation.
Timeline
Purchase: Spring 2022
Installation: end of Spring 2022 semester/beginning of Summer 2022 semester
Sustainability
Once installed, the equipment can be expected to be functional over the long term.
Resource Matching
None expected.
Implementing Organization
Department of Anthropology
Proposal Budget
|
Fiscal Year 1 |
Fiscal Year 2 |
Fiscal Year 3 |
Total |
| Hardware One-Time |
$ 5,940.72 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 5,940.72 |
| Hardware Recurring |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
| Software One-time |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
| Software Recurring |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
| Personnel One-time |
$ 1,485.18 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 1,485.18 |
| Personnel Recurring |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
| Other One-time |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
| Other Recurring |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
| Totals |
$ 7,425.90 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$ 7,425.90 |
Supporting Documentation
