CHALLENGE

With a two-campus distance learning Doctor of Pharmacy program, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy (UIC-COP) needed a technology automation solution that could tie its campuses and 800 students together while simultaneously ensuring efficiency and ease for the >100 faculty and staff who use the system on a weekly basis. There were three challenges to this process: 1) Finding an automated system for classroom set-up and shut down to remove a 30-minute turnaround time per space 2) Minimize classroom disruption and ensure active learning can occur in the classroom 3) Save time and money for the College through lean staff support, energy management and service

SOLUTION

To achieve a high level of automation, an AMX NetLinx Integrated Controller and custom programming are used to connect the classrooms across campuses. Every room on the network is equipped identically with a touch screen monitor and custom graphical user interface. Users can 1) p ower-up, 2) connect, and 3) access preset default audio, video, and lighting settings in their local and far side rooms with one touch. This saves the instructor time at class startup and end and automation sets up the room in preparation for the next user. To ensure active learning, active audience cameras were integrated at both locations allowing a class to switch between the student and in structor for in-session question and answer. Remote access to the classroom minimizes class disruptions while Resource Management Suite proactively tracks the lamp hours so they are replaced before reaching life expectancy.

IMPACT

"The College has saved cost and time. Over a four-year period, no additional in-room AV support staff were hired to physically setup and shut down the class, resulting in a cost savings of approximately $260,000 over the past four years. Additionally, over the last four years, approximately 800 course hours have been preserved due to rooms being online, ready and predictable for professors."

– Suzanne Soliman, Assistant Dean