Physical location: Cook Library, Room 404B
Room capacity: 24

The DMC is one of the newest technology systems for delivering instructional content in the natural setting of a face-to-face classroom while being able to reach students at a distance (synchronously and asynchronously). Using digital media, the entire instructional unit is monitored, video recorded, archived and simultaneously delivered through the oversight of a technician at the back of the room. With little advanced preparation by the professor, we are able to create an atmosphere much like a traditional classroom where all the instructor needs to worry about is teaching!

• A brief demonstration of the capabilities of the DMC
• Other samples filmed at Towson University

 

 

DMC features

Traditional instructional classroom setting Classroom technology managed by a technician in the back of the classroom Little advanced preparation required by the professor Managed Web-publishing environment that conveys the classroom experience through a computer’s Web browser 24-station Windows-based PC lab with monitors serving to project the instructional presentation Three remote-controlled digital cameras operated by a technician in the classroom Faculty and student participation captured without obstruction to teaching and learning

Distance students participate through interactive features such as polling and Q&A Professor’s written notes captured on a tablet PC to be read on in-class monitors and on remote participants’ computers Delivery of various media formats -- digital video and still images, computer applications, Web-based resources, sound files, and scanned materials Presentations optimized for viewing on Broadband (high quality) and lower bandwidth (lower quality) connections Recorded session available on the Web in 30 minutes or less.

Applications

To use the DMC, send in the appropriate application. A staff person will contact you to schedule your presentation:

• Standard application for mini-lectures & courses (DOC)
• Online Course application (DOC)

Hours of availability for recording

The DMC will be available for scheduled presenters use during the hours of 8:00 AM through 10:00 PM Monday through Fridays.

If recording times are needed outside the scope of the above hours, please submit an application and we will try to accommodate your needs.

Testimonials

From students in China participating in Patricia Ryan and Paul Jones' online course Advanced Processes of Teaching and Learning (SCED647) in Spring 2007:

"I just watched the digital media classroom twice. It is excellent. The image and the sound were both very clear. ...you gave us very necessary guidance about leaning Module Three…We also get the opportunity to see our instructors, although it is not face to face, it still provided vivid pictures of our instructors to help us to know our instructors better. "

"I can see you online. It's amazing! … You have made a really clear and helpful presentation... I believe I will learn better with the information and instruction given by you. I do hope you can make more presentations on our course like this one in the later time. Thank you!"

"This is the first time for me to learn online, which is quite interesting and meaningful as well. Nowadays, with the help of technology, the world is just like a small village. Great, I enjoy the feeling of this village."

Support For DMC Presenters

• Instructor tips for teaching in the DMC (PDF)
• How to place your presentation in Blackboard (PDF)
• Video Permission Form (DOC)
  Both presenters and attendees are required to sign this form prior to filming in the DMC.

Content digitization support from CIAT

CIAT staff will be available to assist in the digitization of existing course content for display on the in-room tablet PC. Arrangements for content digitization can be made through the CIAT Multimedia Services at 410-704-3546.

Tablet sign-out

CIAT may be able to sign out a loaner tablet PC to presenters for one week. The purpose of this loan is for the presenter to build comfort and competency with the presentation and annotation tools available. This tablet will be identical to the one that will be used during the presentation recording.

Copyright assistance

All users of the room are required to have all non-original content reviewed by the Cook Library Copyright Officer prior to the recording session to ensure compliance with all content distribution restrictions. For more information, email rkdavis@towson.edu or call 410-704-2686.

 

More Information

For assistance with the DMC contact La Tonya Dyer (410-704-4723 ldyer@towson.edu).

• For more on the main system employed by the DMC see Mediasite.com