Strategies for Optimizing Classroom Technology in Higher Education

BC Hatchett, Associate Director

In an interview with Education Technology Insights, BC Hatchett, Associate Director of classroom technology at Vanderbilt University explores trends and challenges in the digital classroom space, particularly in higher education. An Instructional technology professional with experience in both an educational setting as well as a media production setting, Hatchett’s attention to detail as well as personal ownership of projects and support of users are a priority.

Today’s discussion revolves around the complex deployment of collaborative technologies, the need for user-friendly solutions, and the importance of choosing a consistent platform across institutions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of selecting the right integration partners, focusing on support, scalability, and understanding the unique dynamics of higher education.

I'd like to maybe get an idea of any particular trends or challenges that you're currently witnessing in the digital classroom space. Are there any particular developments that you'd like to bring our attention to?

Even though there's been a significant uptake of collaborative technologies over the past few years, deploying them at scale remains a challenge. Platforms such as Teams and Zoom were initially designed for meetings rather than for the complexity of classroom sessions with dynamic content. The higher education sector, along with the broader market, is still grappling with identifying the most effective deployment methods. A priority in navigate this landscape is simplifying strategies that are user-friendly for both faculty and students.

Is there any particular challenge that surrounds this? What would you say were some of the factors that contributed to this?

Identifying market leaders like Zoom and Teams and choosing one platform for consistency across the institution is crucial. This avoids the confusion that arises when different sets of faculty and students use disparate collaboration technologies. Ensuring uniformity in usage reduces complexities, especially concerning interoperability issues. An ongoing challenge is to enhance affordable and scalable audio deployment in classrooms. Quality audio is paramount for collaboration experiences, and the evolving microphone technology is becoming more accessible, promising better audio quality in smaller to mid-sized classrooms at more budget-friendly prices, which is a relief.

The whole digital classroom ecosystem itself requires a lot of associations and finding the right partners and solution providers. Could you talk to us about your approach to making that decision? What are some of your checklist points that you go by to find the right ones?

Within our team, our primary focus remains on support rather than onsite or in-house integration work, unlike some schools that excel in internal integration efforts. We recognize the significance of having integration partners, especially during equipment refresh cycles, it's vital to invest in solutions that will receive ongoing support and are backed by reliable manufacturers. We also emphasize the importance of manufacturers having a clear product roadmap.

Scalability is another essential aspect we carefully consider to implement solutions that seamlessly integrate into a broader ecosystem while avoiding silos across different schools or buildings. The goal is to ensure everything functions cohesively, facilitating streamlined support and training processes for our faculty and students.

The next factor is understanding the unique dynamics of the higher education ecosystem, where uptime is critical. Even a few malfunctioning classrooms can result in significant missed opportunities for both instructors and students. Given the substantial tuition dollars tied to these learning environments, ensuring maximal opportunities for students and teachers is paramount.

It's imperative that these integrators are as invested in our success as our internal teams and becomes more than a service or product seller; a genuine partnerships.

What would you say are some of the more common misconceptions when it comes to digital classroom technologies? Are there any particular ones that you see on a day-to-day basis? And how would you advise your peers on them accordingly?

In recent years, the growing acceptance of digital classrooms has helped demonstrate the significant value they bring, along with the contributions of both internal and external teams in advancing classroom technology. There's a broader understanding now of the specific challenges we encounter daily, such as staffing, equipment maintenance, and securing adequate funding for equipment updates.

To colleagues facing similar challenges, I encourage openness and clarity when communicating with administration about these pain points and obstacles. It's crucial to articulate how investing in digital classrooms and technology can benefit educational institutions. By ensuring equipment remains current and standardized, uptime in classrooms can be significantly enhanced. This not only facilitates seamless movement for instructors between classrooms but also enables them to teach more effectively when engaging with their students.

Is there any current project or initiative that you would be at liberty to elaborate on?

Presently, our primary focus is swiftly transitioning as much as possible to an AV over IP infrastructure model. Concurrently, we're intensifying efforts to enhance our remote support tools. Similar to other educational institutions, our team comprises a finite number of staff members, while the number of classrooms we support continues to grow. Implementing stronger remote support capabilities is crucial, as it enables us to provide more efficient assistance without physically sending someone to a room. This enhancement significantly improves our support times and ensures compliance with service level agreements. Additionally, preemptively addressing issues before they manifest in a classroom setting will contribute to a more reliable and stable environment.

In terms of the evolution a few years down the line, are there any predictions that you'd like to make for the future of digital classrooms?

Technology adoption in higher education tends to progress slowly because teaching modalities tend to evolve at a measured pace, often incorporating proven techniques that may not always involve technology. This pace of change is generally slower compared to the corporate sector. However, one significant trend anticipated is the continued growth of hybrid programs. Recent years have showcased the success of hybrid education when supported by appropriate teaching strategies and technology.

There's a likelihood of a shift away from specialized classrooms, with a growing demand for adaptable spaces that offer versatility in accommodating various activities. Rather than solely relying on dedicated lecture halls, labs, or active learning spaces, there's an increasing need for modular systems capable of multifunctionality. This trend reflects a push towards versatile environments that can serve diverse purposes effectively.

What piece of advice would you like to impart to a fellow professional who's looking to embark on a similar journey as yours in education, technology, or any particular thoughts or piece of advice you'd like to offer?

I would definitely say that it's crucial to step beyond your comfort zone, not just concerning technology but within the broader educational industry. I highly suggest engaging with industry associations, networking with peers, and actively participating in professional events to glean insights and experiences from colleagues. There's a wealth of knowledge within our field that we're eager to share with one another. By being proactive and immersed in these opportunities, you can foster a sense of ease and confidence within your professional environment.