Proposal

Narrative

The purpose of this project is to expand the accessibility of academic workshops in the smart classroom to students in remote locations. Over the last year the Academic Coaching and Career Enhancement for Student Success (ACCESS) coaching center in SU 227 has been successfully offering a growing number of academic workshops to develop essential academic skills in the areas of time management, goal setting, test taking strategies, study skills and financial literacy. The focus has been primarily freshman and sophomore students, but this has expanded to support other student groups as needed and on request (i.e. Student government leaders, Student athletes, Urban Male initiative (UMI) etc.). ACCESS support has resulted in a consistent 70% average retention rate of students who were previously struggling academically along with 97% average coaching/advising satisfaction over the last six years. A primary function of academic coaching is providing the aforementioned interactive academic workshops year round. One of the challenges/opportunities has been reaching a greater number of our students through electronic media that compliments and facilitates multiple learning styles. Since we first updated the classroom, new technology that was not available at the time has since been developed. A SMART Kapp IQ digital white board will allow for students in remote locations anywhere in the world to directly connect via a mobile/Bluetooth/web connected device to the white board and contribute in real-time to the workshop. This cutting edge technology allows for two-way interaction, engaging the students by allowing them to digitally connect from their personal devices to all monitors in an immersive experience. In addition, we would like to incorporate video conferencing capabilities to provide a lecture/capture type of environment. This would allow those students who were interacting with the digital whiteboards from afar to be a part of the live broadcast of the workshop. In the event that a student was still unable to remotely attend we could now record workshops for later viewing. This would further increase attendance and the development of vital academic skillsets of all our students. 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 (whether in person or remotely) with the fulfillment of having learned something practical while thoroughly enjoying themselves. The number of freshman and sophomores that we can reach is approximately 5500 with the potential for any upper classmen that want to connect remotely. 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 remote experience, enhancing the quality of their academic understanding. The data and trends still hold true; engaged students are successful students.

Facilities

There would be a need to add one electrical outlet and data port in order to support the new equipment. We would also have to activate two existing data ports not in use in the copy room adjacent to the classroom and add an additional port for a phone line. Five Cat 6 data cables will be installed.

Hardware Requirements

See attached estimate.

Software Requirements

N/A

Personnel Costs

N/A

Other Costs

See attached estimate from Worx Electrical Service and Jade Commnications Inc.

Timeline

Equipment will be purchased on approval and allocation of funds. The new interactive white board and video conferencing will be used as soon as installation is complete.

Sustainability

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

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

ACCESS/University Advising Services