The Smart Classrooms Are Here!

A smart classroom is a classroom installed with the following equipment: a computer (including the mouse, keyboard and monitor); a desk/workstation; a projector; VCR; whiteboard; speakers; and some are installed with a document camera. All of this equipment, wired together, form a state-of-the-art teaching and learning tool. As well as being a very valuable tool for lectures and presentations, the need to reserve AV equipment has become unnecessary.

One of the most impressive pieces of equipment used in the smart classroom is the whiteboard, also used as the projection screen. It is touch sensitive (a finger or pointer can be used as a mouse) and is interactive and calibrated with the computer. The whiteboard itself is equipped with toolbars and drawing tools. The projection is brighter and clearer than overheads used in the past. In addition, the classroom lights can be kept on when projecting notes, thus eliminating the strain on students' eyes when they are trying to write notes and see the board at the same time. Another feature is the internet can be live in the classroom for lectures and presentations.

The document camera is used as another source for projecting, in that an object can be placed underneath and it will be projected onto the whiteboard. For example, in an automotive lab, the instructor can simply place the camera over the engine and project it onto the screen. An instructor can also place a written article under this camera and project it, thus eliminating the need for photocopied handouts. Another plus is that a class can watch a movie on the whiteboard, thus eliminating the need to wheel in and reserve a TV and VCR, and have the added benefit of quality projection and a large screen.

Student and faculty feedback about smart classrooms has been extremely positive. Faculty with questions about the equipment may contact Gary Smith, NEIT's AV technician at ext. 3398.

Graduate Mailbox

The following are excerpts from a letter submitted by a graduate who wrote to tell us how he is doing. All grads are welcome to submit a letter to TECH NEWS. If possible, please include a photo. Letters should be sent to Cathy Kennedy, VP for Career Development, NEIT 2500 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886 or ckennedy@neit.edu.

American Buffalo, Amistad, to name a few, and couldn't find my way in. I went to college to be a theatre major and I couldn't deal with the politics of stardom. So I joined a band (which I am still in), to think for a while. I knew that what I wanted was right there in front of me so now I have just reached out and touched it.

My movie is called, Beezotche, an Action/Sci-fi/Comedy, a story of three ordinary men trying to sort out the meaning of their lives, when they are interrupted by a sequence of dreams featuring a man known only as Beezotche. They discuss the dreams they are having and try to dismiss them until he materializes into their reality. A cast of odd characters pursue Beezotche and the three characters are forced to protect him. From who? For what purpose? To find that out, you can check out the finished trailor on IFILM.com in October-November (depending on post editing). My rehearsals will be at the neighborhood Guild in Wakefield, RI, the whole month of August, and shooting the first week in September. I am giving this one my all, and I hope it makes it to the big time. Wish me luck.

Gregory Pratt (VRP, 3/00)