MODEL CLASSROOM DESCRIPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

INDIANA UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON

© Indiana University

For permission to use this document or for further information, please contact:

Beverly Teach, Co-Chair
IU Bloomington Classroom Committee
Instructional Support Services
601 E. Kirkwood/Franklin Hall 0003
Bloomington, IN  47405-1223

INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS                                                                          ROOM TYPE:     IV  

                                                                                                                                SQ. FT.: varies        

DESCRIPTION

Video origination addendum to Type IV:  Advanced Technology Auditorium Classroom specifications

INTENDED USE

This feature in an Advanced Technology Auditorium classroom will support the use of videoconferencing for teaching and learning.  Room systems will produce origination of audio and video for two-way communication.  Control systems will be sufficiently user friendly to enable operation by the instructor, although the capability may exist for additional cameras and operators to be brought in for special events.  Cameras will capture live video of the teaching area and the audience, with at least one designated area for audience feedback.

SPECIAL ROOM REQUIREMENTS

Architectural

·        Minimum of two mounted camera locations  Generally a camera location at the back of the room focuses on the teaching station and a location at the front of the room focuses on the audience. Audience camera(s) should be mounted as closely as possible to main projection screen.  Depending on size and shape of room, additional camera locations of either type may be desirable.

·        At least one designated location for audience participation.  Depending on size of room, additional locations may be desirable.

·        Use neutral colors for walls.

·        Use acoustic wall panels to improve sound quality.

·        Use solid, neutral colors for table surfaces and tablet arms (avoid white and wood grain).

·        Use non-reflective, uniform texture, non-pattern backdrops.

·        Avoid dark backgrounds and wood grain paneling.

·        Avoid reflective objects (glass, mirrors, whiteboards) in the camera field of view. [NOTE that this specification may be in conflict with instructor need to write on board at front of room; see note at end of addendum.]

·        If fixed seats, carpet should be used in aisles and concrete under seats.

·        If loose seating, carpet should be used throughout.

·        Fixed seating should be cushioned; other seating should be cushioned whenever possible.

·        Drape to cover chalkboard.  (Optional)

Electrical

·        Provide (1) 1 ½ " conduit from a 2 gang junction box at all camera positions to conduit rack in media equipment closet.

·        Provide duplex outlets to all camera positions. 

·        Provide microphone inputs at selected locations for audience participation (number and location depends on size and shape of room).

·        Provide supplementary light at an appropriate location to reinforce lighting at front of room.  Ability to light talent/instructor and audience participation location(s) without spill on projection screen is imperative.  Lighting should be a uniform color temperature (2800-4100K, 3200K recommended).  If windows exist, shades should have the ability to completely block outside light.

Telecommunications

·        Required dedicated data outlet provided by classroom communication outlet in MEC.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

·        Two video cameras at minimum; three may be required to cover designated audience participation location.  Prefer low-light visibility cameras with remote pan/tilt/zoom controls and RS-232 controls.  Camera should have ability to frame the instructor in a head and shoulders view.

·        Wireless microphones

·        Automatic gating audio mixer

·        Video conferencing device with RS232 and/or IR control

·        Echo-cancelling feature in videoconferencing device or audio mixer required

·        VGA to NTSC scan converter

·        Visual concert FX

Note on use of whiteboards:

Use of a gray rather than white writing surface and a matte marker board combined with setting the lights at 45 degree angles helps to avoid glare.  If white surfaces must be used, careful positioning of the lights seems to help the situation.

Last updated:  July 8, 2002
URL:  http://www.indiana.edu/~classrms/ccmodvog.html
Comments to: teach@indiana.edu
Copyright 2001-2003, the Trustees of Indiana University