Faculty Able to Test New Technology in Classroom Innovation Lab

Utah State University’s (USU) new Classroom Innovation Lab gives faculty a hands-on look to new educational technology and allows them to see first-hand how to implement it in their courses. Using more technology in a class increases student engagement and success in mastering course content. The lab is a response to the faculty’s forward-thinking and constant effort to adapt and improve teaching for students.

“It’s one thing to tell faculty they have access to new technology, and it’s another to show them the technology and give them the chance to experiment with it,” said Kevin Reeve, director of Teaching and Learning Technologies in Academic and Instructional Services (AIS). “Our new lab provides a private space for faculty to interact with new technology and see it’s practical application in the classroom.”

Many classrooms across campus have been equipped with the Microsoft Surface Studio, and this lab allows faculty to learn how to unlock the technology’s full potential. Some of the technologies on display are: virtual reality, 360 degree video, augmented reality, voice-controlled classrooms, active learning furniture, Microsoft Surface Studio, write-on walls and more. The lab will continue to add new technology as it becomes available.

According to Robby Sproul, classroom innovation engineer, faculty have found solutions to problems because they were able to use the technology.

“One of the labs major benefits is faculty can experiment and find solutions they normally wouldn’t be able to find,” Sproul said. “Seeing it all in action opens their eyes to the possibilities it brings to the classroom.”

For example, Piotr Runge, a mathematics lecturer at USU-Tooele, believes one reason many students struggle with math is because they are 3D concepts being taught in 2D. Virtual reality allows students to view these concepts in 3D so they can visualize and grasp the information easier.

Faculty are encouraged to visit the Classroom Innovation Lab in the Distance Education building room 003 as often as they want. Contact Sproul at robby.sproul@usu.edu to set up a time.

Contact: Jay Wright, 435-797-2080