Technology continues to be a powerful tool for professors, specifically when it comes to helping them learn more about their students. Among professors and administrators surveyed across the U.S., one benefit is to give professors the opportunity be more creative in their curriculum and freeing up time to provide more individual assistance to students.  Integrating technology into the classroom is an effective way to connect with students of all learning styles.

 

The need to update technology in classrooms at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) was identified as a top priority by the current administration. It is clear that technology plays a significant role in helping students develop the skills needed to be successful in today’s competitive, ever-changing global workplace.

 

This Academic Technology Enhancement Project demonstrates PVAMU’s commitment to providing technology infused instructional spaces that are convenient and allow faculty to provide quality instruction.

 

The technology enhancements primary benefit to the students is access to the same technology across campus to make the learning experience more balanced and more effective. One particular enhancement that will instantly affect instruction is the addition of wireless connectivity to the instructional displays. The wireless connectivity the university is using will allow faculty and students to host presentations from nearly any device with a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection; improving opportunities for engagement and making instruction more interactive.

 

Studies show if used correctly, mobile devices and the applications they support, will help prepare students for their future careers. When students are actively engaged they tend to do better overall, by integrating technology effectively to connect with students of all learning styles.

 

All classrooms will have a system that allows multiple inputs for audio and visual reinforcement of the learning objectives. PVAMU’s Academic Technology Enhancement Project Team is putting the basic instructional technology of today in over 90 percent of classrooms. This upgrade will ensure the campus’ classrooms will be cohesive, and increase its space utilization, and improve the visibility of programs.

 

As rooms receive technology upgrade, faculty and staff are invited to attend training sessions or request one-on-one training sessions.  Charlene Stubblefield and the Center for Instructional Innovation and Technology Services staff will have available online, mobile, and face-to-face training on all components of the classroom. Before classes reconvene Fall 2018, the Office of Administration, led by Dr. Michael L. McFrazier and Audio Visual Manager Michael West’s staff will be on hand to provide support. The university’s Director of Academic Technology, Demitris Cambric has been very instrumental in the project’s success and serves as the unit’s point of contact for information and training.

 

The Initial technology upgrade included approximately 40 rooms in the College of Nursing, College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology, W.R. Banks, Hilliard Hall, and Hobart Taylor.  Currently, classroom enhancement and lab technology upgrades include approximately 152 classrooms, 20smart classrooms, 132 regular classroom, and labs.  The university anticipates the $2.5 million project to be completed in Fall 2018.

 

PVAMU Buildings where academic technology enhancements have/are being done:

  • Agriculture Business Multipurpose Building
  • Nathelyne Archie-Kennedy Building
  • C. L. Wilson Engineering Building
  • Wilhelmina R. F. Delco Building
  • Don K. Clark Building
  • Electrical Engineering Building
  • Gilchrist Engineering Building
  • M. T. Harrington Science Building
  • Hilliard Hall Communication Building
  • Hobart Taylor Hall
  • Leroy G. Moore, Jr. Intramural Gymnasium
  • Northwest Houston Campus
  • William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Health and Physical Education Building
  • College of Nursing Building, Texas Medical Center
  • E. E. O’Banion Science Building
  • S. R. Collins Engineering Building
  • G. R. Woolfolk Political Science Building
  • W. R. Banks Building

Author:  Maurice Perkins