McMaster invests in classroom renewal
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mdcldesk.jpg” caption=”The classroom renewal project will enhance learning technologies in classrooms across campus. Photo by David Kidney. “]The recently merged Classroom Audio-Visual Services (CAVS) and McMaster University Library is launching a million-dollar classroom renewal project.
Provost Ilene Busch-Vishniac and vice-president, Administration Karen Belaire have identified approximately $1 million dollars in funding for the initiative. The money will go towards upgrading and enhancing classroom technologies in approximately 50 classrooms on campus.
“It's like Christmas,” says CAVS manager David Kidney. “This is the most money we've had at one time to improve technologies. As we redefine learning spaces and change teaching styles, now we'll be able to support these new directions with up-to-date materials and media.”
Classroom technologies can help make the teaching environment more flexible, interactive and — most importantly — successful. Some examples of potential improvements include:
Kidney, whose unit now reports to the University Librarian's Office, will be leading the project and soliciting input from the McMaster community in the coming weeks.
Referring to the merger, University librarian Jeff Trzeciak says, “It will allow us to take a more holistic approach to supporting and encouraging innovative uses of 21st century academic resources and technologies. It represents another step in the evolution of the library as partner in teaching and learning.”
The project is expected to be completed by January 2009.
