Specifications

General Overview
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The Fourth Street Academic Technology Centerʼs experimental classroom, (FSATCEC) is
designed as an active learning and teaching environment. The technologies integrated into this
learning space have been selected to encourage student and instructor engagement, foster
collaboration and facilitate a constructivist (constructionist) approach to teaching and learning.
The classroom, designed for flexibility and ease of use, supports a broad range of teaching and
learning styles. A major component and focus of activity in the classroom is the Presentation
Wall. A 65” interactive SmartBoard, powered by an Apple Mac Pro networked computer offers a
dynamic and recordable collaborative workspace. An open area in front of the Presentation Wall,
invites all 25 students to join with the instructor and actively share ideas and discoveries.
Annotate, notate, capture and record board activity using the SmartBoard Tools. Captured
material can then be archived in a Course Management System (CMS) or Learning Management
System (LMS), e.g. Blackboard, for later review and reflection.
The Presentation Wall includes a rich array of multimedia devices and work surfaces, mounted
on articulating arms that enable the presenter, faculty, student or guest speaker, to shape the
presentational space according to his or her instructional requirements and teaching style.
Presentation Wall activity can be projected out into the middle of the classroom where two
opposing wall-mounted plasma displays, are located. Using the wireless Keyboard and Mouse
and/or the Crestron remote control the focus of learning can be shifted into the classroom
enabling the centers of learning to shift around the room.
The Crestron remote control provides simple push-button control of the multimedia devices
available in the classroom. By default the Presentation Wall activity (video and audio) is mirrored
on the two HD displays in the center of the classroom. The presenter has the capability to display
SmartBoard computer activity on the Presentation Wall, display an attached Laptop computer on
the second display, and a DVD movie on the third.
The two wall-mounted plasma displays are multi-purpose. Firstly, they are used to mirror the
activity of the Presentation Wall. Secondly, they are game console displays. Thirdly, they can
be as a large display area for group and team collaborations and presentations.
Desktop management software allows presenters, working at the Presentation Wall, to display
SmartBoard computer activity on one or more of the 25 student computers in the classroom.
All of the 25 student computer desktops may be actively displayed on the presentation wall
(simultaneously) facilitating impromptu learning moments.
Two round tables located in the center of the classroom provide physical breakout spaces and
space for student laptops and the wireless Crestron remote control and the wireless keyboard
& mouse.
An online Computer Classroom Reservation Form must be submitted to reserve an ITS
Student Technology Servicesʼ experimental classroom, http://www.nyu.edu/its/classrooms.
Gemeral Overview 3