Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has implemented significant upgrades in classroom technology throughout 2024, enhancing the academic experience for both faculty and students. The Classroom Technology and Support Services team continues to roll out these improvements across campus.

One notable project involved the renovation of the Earth and Space Sciences (ESS) 001 lecture hall, which now features new seats, flooring, ceilings, and advanced technology. However, more substantial upgrades have been made in classrooms such as Humanities lecture hall 1003.

“What we did in Humanities 1003 was install dual projection technology with two new 98-inch screens, which allows instructors to display multiple pieces of content simultaneously,” explained Jarrod McFarlane, director of Classroom Technology and Support Solutions in the Division of Information Technology. “This means professors can put up their slides, have remote students participate, and show annotations all at the same time or use the physical board while still having digital content projecting. This is the standard we established in Javits lecture halls and are pushing through across other major lecture halls and large classrooms.”

Currently, over half of the lecture halls feature this dual projection setup, with plans to expand it further into areas like the Health Sciences Center. Upgrades also extend beyond Stony Brook’s East and West campuses; for instance, Duke Lecture Hall on the Southampton campus now boasts a 110-inch 4K LCD screen replacing an older projector. “That was a significant project for us as it aligns with our standard of providing the best visual quality for all lecture spaces,” McFarlane shared.

The new Active Learning Room in Javits 106 exemplifies innovative space design with ten screens facilitating student collaboration. “Students can break into groups, each with their own screen to work on, and then bring their work together for class discussion. It’s a great example of where we’re headed with classroom design,” McFarlane said. Faculty are encouraged to utilize this setup to enhance learning experiences by working with the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT).

The university's strategy includes support systems for both faculty and students. “We’ve introduced over-the-counter equipment like iPads and conferencing cameras available for loan,” said McFarlane. “If a faculty member wants to borrow an iPad for wireless annotation or a Logitech Rally Cam for conferencing in a larger space, it’s now possible.” Faculty may reserve equipment online.

McFarlane emphasized his team's commitment to creating innovative, student-centered classrooms: “We’re just getting started,” he added. “There’s more to come.”

— Beth Squire