February 17, 1999
Tiffin University adds computer enhanced classroom
By Cathy Willoughby
Staff Writer
Tiffin University board members have witnessed the new wave of enhanced computer technology in the classroom.
They saw a demonstration last week of the TEC &emdash; Technology Enhanced Classroom.
The room, in the main classroom building, has more than 40 laptop computers, glare-proof lighting and soundproof walls. In the near future, a television, front and rear cameras and 12 microphones should enable students and faculty to participate in distance learning.
Anthony Joy, network administrator and Richard Nicklas, assistant professor of information systems, explained how the room was set up and the applications planned for it.
Joy said coursework already is being done in the facility.
''It is here for the enhancement of the student's learning,'' he said. ''They are going from the having the exposure to the technology to experiencing it and using it.''
Nicklas said the university had three goals for the enhanced classroom: to improve the overall educational experience for the students; to serve as a recruitment tool to increase the enrollment and the outreach of the university; and to provide a value-added resource to the community.
Some of the added community benefits cited are summer computer camps and workshops, continuing computer-related education that is already taking place and expanding the university as a resource for industry seminars and training.
The classroom allows students already taking information systems coursework to enhance the content of what is offered. Also, TU plans to offer other courses to attract students with different majors.
''It is also another resource as we prepare to move into the realm of distance learning,'' Nicklas told those gathered. ''We will be overcoming the traditional model of instruction, the limitations of 'same time, same place' instruction.
''And it will increase the reach of the university. Eventually, through the use of computers, classes will be interactive between different spaces and times. Students will be able to receive instruction when it is convenient for them.''
Nicklas said that the students have the opportunity to use the equipment while exploring different applications.
''They actually try it, make their initial mistakes in class and then they have questions,'' he said.
The students are learning Word Excel, programming using a data base and are able to take part in a new course on designing Web pages. Nicklas said that when class time is over, he experiences something new &emdash; students still hard at work, not conscious of the time.
The cost of the classroom with all of the equipment ranged from $150,000 to $200,000. This includes a fiber-optic security system.