Introduction This document is a guide to the technology classrooms, technology carts, and teaching labs at University Park. It provides information about the following: *Where technology classrooms and teaching labs are located *What is available in technology classrooms and labs *How and when to schedule classrooms, carts and labs *Whom to contact for assistance and training in classroom use *Where to find answers for further questions A Short History of Technology Classrooms at Penn State The Strategic Plan for Academic Computing for 1991-1994 identified the importance of improving faculty support in the use of instructional technology. One of its goals was to make computer-enhanced instructional technology a stable and predictable part of the classroom environment. In January 1992 three prototype technology classrooms opened for teaching use, two at University Park and one at McKeesport. Several more technology classrooms became available in Fall 1992 with the opening of the new Classroom Building at University Park. As of Fall 94, there were 16 technology classrooms and 15 mobile carts at University Park; and at least 7 technology classrooms and 5 carts at other Penn State campuses. Technology Classroom Models The technology classrooms are designed to accommodate a variety of faculty instructional needs. Nearly all technology classrooms are equipped with computers, VCRs, laserdisk players, audio systems and CD-ROM players. Three basic technology models exist around the Macintosh, IBM, and UNIX platforms. Software on these models is, in most cases, standardized and similar to that found in public labs. Thus, one classroom model should resemble another of the same type at a different location. Faculty may also install their own licensed software onto the machines for the semester. All technology classrooms described in this guide are general purpose classrooms requested and scheduled through university scheduling offices. Each technology classroom has a connection to the campus backbone network (with the exception of the Forum). This connection allows access to data on the campus net and the Internet. Faculty may, for example, access data on the university's mainframe, on computers in their offices, or on a computer at another university. Given appropriate software/hardware compatibility, faculty may access, execute and transfer their own files across the backbone into the classroom. Some private applications may need to be run locally on the classroom computer, however, if those applications cannot be run on a network. Technology Classroom List Below is a list of all technology classrooms, carts and teaching labs available at University Park as of Summer 94. I= IBM/DOS machine M= Macintosh U= Unix Workstation C= CD-ROM L= Laser Disk V= VCR Building; Room; Seats; Machine; Other features; Projection equipment ASI 101 202 I,M C,L,V LCD panel ASI 107 55 I,M C,L,V LCD panel Chambers Cart varies M C,L,V LCD panel Classroom 101 242 I,U L,V Hi res ceiling mtd. Classroom 102 171 I,M C,L,V Hi res ceiling mtd. Classroom 104 94 I C,L,V Hi res ceiling mtd. Classroom 201 94 M C,L,V Hi res ceiling mtd. Classroom 219 32 I C,L,V LCD panel Classroom 220 38 U Hi res ceiling mtd. Classroom 222 26 M C,L,V LCD panel Classroom 223 26 I C,L,V LCD panel Classroom Cart 1 30-46 I C LCD panel Classroom Cart 2 30-46 I C LCD panel Classroom Cart 3 30-46 I C LCD panel Classroom Cart 4 30-46 I C LCD panel Classroom Cart 5 30-46 M C LCD panel Classroom Cart 6 30-46 M C LCD panel Classroom Cart 7 30-46 I LCD panel Forum ** Cart 1 378 I C,L***,V*** Hi res ceiling mtd. Forum ** Cart 2 378 M C,L***,V*** Hi res ceiling mtd. Hammond 215 102 U V Hi res ceiling mtd. McAllister 115 42 U Hi res ceiling mtd. Walker 12 60 M Hi res ceiling mtd. Willard 62 113 I C Low res ceiling mtd. Willard Cart 1 M C LCD Panel Teaching Labs Chambers 202 30 I Findlay 6A 20 M black/white LCD panel Sparks 15A 20 M Wagner 116 15 M LCD panel Wagner 117 18 I LCD panel Waring 108 45**** I Willard 6 25 I * Backbone connection only available in room 232 until Summer 94, when it will move to room 106. ** Backbone connection not available. *** VCRs and Laserdisk players must be scheduled when the cart is scheduled. Some additional carts are available in other buildings; however, only the classrooms and carts in this list offer current hardware and software. **** May be scheduled only until noon.