Proposal

Narrative

The Chemistry Department seeks funding to upgrade the Audio-visual (AV) tools and equipment in General Chemistry Computer Laboratories (PS204A and PS206A), Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry Computer Labs (PS228), and PS 337 office hours and graduate teaching assistants’ training space. Currently, General Chemistry Labs utilize computers, flat panel TVs, and external speakers for audio-visual needs. Maintaining and coordinating all the components of the existing system is often challenging; in addition, flat panel TVs are coming of age in their life cycle and are likely to be broken soon. With this funding, we plan to integrate AV tools such as Smart Podium Interactive display, high-definition wall-mounted displays, and sound systems to create an interactive learning environment that can encourage student participation, collaboration, and engagement in General Chemistry Computer spaces. It's important to mention that the annual student enrollment in General Chemistry 1 and 2 Laboratory courses alone exceeds 2000 students each year, and integrating multimedia content and interactive digital delivery will, without a doubt, significantly impact our students. Computer Lab Space for upper-level Physical Chemistry/Biochemistry Labs has only a whiteboard. It does not have an AV capability to explain complex concepts, simulations, and topics more effectively using visual aids where it is critical to enhance the depth of understanding of material specifically for the Physical Chemistry Lab. With AV aids, the content can be accessible to students, foster learning, and disseminate knowledge efficiently. The existing technology needs to be updated in room PS337. The room is currently used as office hours and GTA training space for all-level teaching and professional development. Upgrading the space with audio conferencing equipment and tools will make synchronous communication possible with remote students and faculty, support discussions, and reduce physical barriers.

Facilities

Some rooms may be required to update electrical outlets. Please see attached quotes.

Hardware Requirements

OIT provided a list of AV equipment required to complete this project. A detailed list is given in the quote and attached to the submission. 65" Ultra High Definition Commercial Display, 350 nits Ultra-Slim Surge Power Distribution Unit Fixed Wall Mount for Flat Panels (For 55"-75" Displays) DM Lite® 4K60 4:4:4 Receiver for HDMI® Signal Extension over CATx Cabl Podium 624 Interactive 24" Pen Display Crestron® Certified HDMI-DVI® Interface Cable, 12' Crestron® Certified HDMI® Interface Cable, 6' DisplayPort® to HDMI® Video Adapter Converter DM Lite® 4K60 4:4:4 Transmitter for HDMI® Signal Extension over CATx C 2x75W Commercial Power Amplifier, 4/8Ohm or 70/100 Saros 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker, White Textured LCD laser light projector, WUXGA, 5000 ANSI Lumens Type 10 Power Filter for displays Projector Mount - Ceiling Portion Fully Threaded Pipe for Mount, 0"-6" Length, Black Projector Mount - Projector Portion, White (Lock "A") 109"D 16:10 Manual Pull-Down Screen, Luma2 Model DM Lite® 4K60 4:4:4 Receiver for HDMI® Signal Extension over CATx Cable Room PC MRB-L-X400-C Certified meeting room bundle Audio/Conferencing Equipment Control/Switching Equipment [DMPS] Furniture, AV Interface Equipment

Software Requirements

There are no software requirements for this project.

Personnel Costs

OIT provided a list of items required to complete this project. A detailed list is given in the quote and attached to the submission. Contractor Labor for Installations

Other Costs

OIT has provided a detailed quote, which is included in the attachment. Electrical: New outlets will be installed for each display, projector and for rack location. Telecom and installation contractor supplies

Timeline

Project will start Spring 2024 semester and will be completed over Summer 2024.

Sustainability

The proposal has only one-time hardware costs and will not have recurring fees. We plan to use the technology for at least five years without upgrades.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

Chemistry and Biochemistry Department will work with OIT to implement this project.