Proposal

Narrative

The purpose of this project is to create a smart classroom, including three separate work stations for student use and one tablet for tracking all student flow through the center utilizing the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Success Network.

University Advising Services (UAS), now serving all freshman and sophomores, was given an additional seven advisors which forced the need for a new physical space. UAS’ second location has been approved to become the Academic Coaching and Career Enhancement for Student Success (ACCESS) coaching center in SU 227. ACCESS support has resulted in a consistent 70% (up 30%) average retention rate along with over 97% average advising satisfaction over the last four years. As part of UAS, ACCESS will provide academic coaching that will more than triple the size of its current population.

A primary function of the academic coaching will be providing multiple interactive academic workshops year round on topics such as time management, goal setting, test taking strategies and study skills. A portion of the new center is a large storage room that has the dimensions to accommodate a SMART classroom dedicated to the academic workshops. The classroom is in need of electronic media that will compliment and facilitate learning for the students while updating the classroom and meeting their technological expectations. It will be used for meetings with groups of students, work stations for surveys, course scheduling, online assessments and training sessions. Additionally, adding iClicker technology will work seamlessly with all applications (including PowerPoint, Keynote, Adobe, Word and websites), enabling coaches/advisors to provide surveys and questions while receiving instantaneous feedback at any point during their presentation. Using this cutting edge technology, the SMART Board and SMART Kapp will engage the students by allowing them to digitally connect from their personal devices to all monitors in an immersive experience. This type of environment is beneficial for many students who may find it a challenge to connect with a pedagogical style of teaching and learning. We want students excited about participating and leaving with the fulfillment of having learned something practical while thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Due to the importance of the successful implementation of the aforementioned, it is fundamentally imperative for our center to provide a space for students to have the opportunity to learn, feel engaged, create a relationship with their academic coach/advisor and other coaches/advisors, all while learning how to be a more successful college student with a connection to FAU improving the quality of the undergraduate experience that we offer.

This proposal aligns with Goal 1 of the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan: Enhance the Educational Experience:

Kinesthetic learning through technological manipulation is a commonality among all of our students. We can use this cutting edge technology, creating a truly immersive experience, enhancing the quality of their academic understanding. Engaged students are successful students.

Facilities

Currently the room that we will be utilizing was used as a file storage and Server room. Existing electrical outlets and Ethernet ports will need to be relocated in order to support the new equipment. The cost for this has been included in with the hardware and other costs for the installation.

Hardware Requirements

Creating a smart classroom will require the installation of a multimedia hub to centralize its control. The multimedia hub or lectern is similar to those found in other classrooms. It would house the computer, audiovisual equipment such as a Blu-ray player, a document camera, and contain a control unit to permit the user to switch between pieces of equipment including laptops and tablets. The room will use iClicker technology which students are familiar with from it's use in their classrooms, SMART Kapps, and a SMART Board. To document student traffic we will also need to include a computer that will be used as a dedicated kiosk. To create this interactive smart classroom we will need the following items:

Presentation Classroom w/ Digital Media Connectivity & Transport Deck Controls
Presentation PC (1)
SMART Kapp (Digital Whiteboard) (4)
SMART Board (1)
Tablet/PC (Kiosk) (1)
Tablet Case and Lock (1)
iClicker instructors kit (1)
iClicker 2 (15)
Workstation PCs (3)

Software Requirements

Windows 8.1
MS Office 2013

Personnel Costs

N/A

Other Costs

In order to convert this space into a usable classroom for student workshops and collaborative student learning, capable of supporting the technology we will need to move and add data ports and power outlets. The attached proposal for $2,863.42 from Worx Electrical Service outlines the cost and work needed to add/modify the data and electrical outlets. Email confirmation (attached) from Physical Plant Operations indicates the costs to repair, patch and paint walls after electrical and data work will cost approximately $1000. Email confirmation (attached) from Johnson, Levinson, Ragan, Davila, Inc.Consulting Engineers for the HVAC estimate $8500 to increase ventilation in classroom to accommodate heat given off from students and electronics.

Timeline

Equipment will be purchased on approval and allocation of funds. The Smart Classroom will be used as soon as summer 2015.

Sustainability

All of the materials being acquired for this project will come with a minimum manufacturer's warranty.

An additional $2,000 will be needed in the second year to acquire/replace damaged or malfunctioning iClickers, surge protection, storage, and repairs of the equipment in the room.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

ACCESS/University Advising Services