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Jan. 30, 2003
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724)
738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
WIRELESS CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES
LEARNING AT SRU --UNIVERSITY PURCHASES $704,531 OF
HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.
– Major technology equipment purchases at Slippery Rock
University will place additional interactive communication systems,
hand-held computers, laptops and digital cameras in a number of
classrooms, including physics, chemistry, geology, geography and
dance.
The
equipment – on order and funded by the new State System of
Higher Education technology fee – enhances learning by
permitting real-time interaction between faculty and students. The
acquisition of a digital communication system permits students to
use data input devices to respond to questions, with a central
computer tabulating responses and displaying them for the
instructor or entire class.
Such
technology improves an instructor’s ability to assess student
comprehension and make changes or immediately clarify
misconceptions. The result: better teaching and
learning.
The
Rock purchased $704,531 of equipment with resources generated from
the assessment of a$100-a-year technology fee
initiated by state system’s board of governors for 2002-2003.
Some of the equipment has already come in; all of it is expected by
June 30.
Students
in a wide range of majors will benefit. Here’s a sampling of
the equipment by department:
• Geography,
geology and the environment: high-speed computer with large-screen
display; 25 hand-held computers; digital camera; and polarizing
microscope
• Biology:
three SMART boards (large, front-of-the-class screens) connected to
computers at student desks allow question responses or writing
samples to be displayed for the entire class to
review
• Chemistry
and physics: a digital communication system
• Communication,
government and public affairs, business, and sociology,
anthropology and social work: 30 hand-held computers with student
voice data and analysis software
• English:
three, wireless computer carts with 30 laptops to be used in
enhancing writing classes
• Dance
and art departments: laptops, wireless cameras and laser Web system
for movement analysis
• Allied
health: six laptops and related software
• Bailey
Library: 24 laptops with wireless capability
• Information
technology: independent student Web server to be used by academic
groups
• Music:
An electronic drum set and a keyboard with a
"brain"
Hand-held units enhance
fieldwork
The
hand-held computers, which allow data entry, will facilitate
research methodology instruction with fieldwork in seven areas:
communication, government and public affairs, business, sociology,
anthropology and social work, says Dr. Bruce Russell, dean of the
College of Business, Information and Social
Sciences.
The
units enable students to collect data at remote sites, input the
information then send it to a Web site for analysis. Within
minutes, students can download a report, Russell says. The
advantage is students have access to more information in a more
timely manner. As an example, he says, sociology students could use
the technology to map crime statistics, census trends or
homelessness in a given area.
Making high-tech music
Music
has ordered an electronic keyboard with a "brain." The keyboard
resembles a xylophone but has rubber pads instead of wooden
bars. The keyboard simulates the mallet sounds of a vibraphone,
xylophone and marimba, making it a great, multi-purpose instrument
for percussionists.
The
high-tech comes a year after SRU replaced its computer network to
improve Internet speed in all residence hall rooms and classrooms.
Yahoo!, in a survey of nearly 3,000 colleges and universities last
year, said SRU had the 147th most useful campus network
in the country.
PN, PgN, PR,
PT
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