Classrooms across the Columbia campus received AV upgrades over the summer to prepare for Fall course delivery. Nearly 500 classrooms were upfitted with webcams and microphones to enable simultaneous in-person and virtual instruction. The new equipment also enables instructors to record lectures, allowing remote students to watch instruction in real-time or later, via the Blackboard Connect learning management system.
Uniform audiovisual equipment will offer a more consistent experience for faculty and students, improving teaching and learning. In addition, faculty will no longer need to take laptops to classrooms that are equipped with the new technology. Teaching materials can be accessed through thumb drives or the internet, if stored online.
Faculty are encouraged to view a training video or the written instructions below prior to the start of the semester to familiarize themselves with the new equipment. A QR code that links instructors to detailed instructions will be available in upgraded classrooms. Instructors can call the IT Service Desk at 803-777-1800 for assistance. The offices of several technicians will be housed in locations across campus to allow them to quickly reach the classrooms of instructors who experience issues.