Classrooms upgraded across campus

Classrooms upgraded across campus

September 21, 2016

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Students and faculty members will have access to several revitalized teaching and learning spaces across campus beginning this fall.

The renovations are part of Queen’s multi-year commitment to improving teaching and learning environments on campus. The investment of $1 million per year for three years will go toward upgrading some of the 126 centrally booked classrooms at Queen’s.

[Duncan McArthur Auditorium]
In addition to new theatre-style chairs with writing surfaces, Duncan McArthur Auditorium has a new audiovisual suite, dual projection system, lecture capture technology, and a new moveable accessible podium.

“It’s exciting to see the results of the first phase of the renovation project,” says Peter Wolf, Associate Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning). “We anticipate that these improved spaces will facilitate greater engagement between instructors and students, and ultimately lead to improved learning outcomes.”

The largest renovation project occurred at Duncan McArthur Auditorium. Changes include a new audiovisual suite of technology, dual projection, lecture capture, a new moveable accessible podium and demonstration table. In addition, all chairs have been replaced with theatre chairs with writing surfaces, the walls have been painted, and the lighting has been upgraded.

Walter Light 212 was upgraded to enhance the university's inventory of small, flexible learning spaces. The room is now equipped with new technology and moveable tables and chairs.

One of the active learning classrooms, Theological Hall 203, was enhanced with the addition of rolling tablet arm chairs like those used in Ellis 319. This addition was informed by the success of the Ellis Hall active learning spaces pilot project conducted in 2014.

Repairs and upgrades also occurred to Walter Light 205, and 210. In addition, a new video conferencing suite in Kingston Hall 313 will come online in January 2017.

Classroom assistance made simple

In tandem with classroom renovations, the Information Technology (IT) Support Centre has launched a new website to handle all classroom services. Instructors can visit the website to book a room or submit an issue directly to the IT Support Centre, which will act as the first point of contact for faculty and staff.

The website – a collaboration between Information Technology Services, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Physical Plant Services, and Campus Planning – also details the specifications for each classroom and provides direct access to support and non-traditional classroom equipment available for loan.

“These changes are all about simplifying classroom assistance for faculty and staff,” says Bo Wandschneider, Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice-Principal (IT Services). “Working with our campus partners, the IT Support Centre will continue to explore ways to improve support for teaching and learning activities at Queen’s.”

Visit the Teaching and Learning Spaces website for more information.