Classroom Types

The evolution of classroom technology at Case Western Reserve University has resulted in the development of a three-tier approach to system design and implementation. Each tier is designed to add an additional level of functionality to the overall system. They are built upon a foundation consisting of a well-designed classroom environment and campus network. The following table shows the components available to each level of classroom. Clicking on the levels (1, 2, and 3) will take you to a more detailed explanation of each one.

Classroom Features Matrix

Classroom TEC Levels

Level 1

The Level 1 system starts with a ceiling-mounted video projection system that is chosen to best meet the requirements of the environment. A projection screen provides an ideal viewing surface for data or video, displaying clear, bright images. A convenient interface plate provides connections for network, computer (VGA), composite video and analog audio sources. The system is controlled by a user-friendly remote control panel that allows users to turn the system on and off, select various input sources and adjust audio volume. Wall-mounted program speakers provide stereo sound for a complete multimedia experience. The Level 1 classroom is designed to be deployed as a short-term solution and in rooms that seat less than 20 persons. (Back to table)

Level 1 HD

The Level 1 HD system includes all the components and features found in the Level 1 system, with the components upgraded to display HD images. These include either a native 720p projector with 16x9 format or a wall-mounted, flat panel display, HDMI input and updated control system. (Back to table)

Level 1.5

The Level 1.5 system includes all the components and features found in the Level 1 system plus the addition of presentation tools to provide greater flexibility in these smaller teaching spaces. Every Level 1.5 classroom features an equipment rack designed to house the room's technology which doubles as a teaching station. The teaching station features a built-in PC, retractable keyboard and mouse tray and LCD monitor. Also provided is a document camera, which can be used to display pages from a book or periodical, handwritten notes, pictures, photographs, x-rays and even three-dimensional objects. A rack-mounted combination VCR/DVD player allows the instructor to incorporate the highest quality video in the classroom. The system is controlled by a user-friendly remote control panel that contains all the features found in a Level 1 TEC.  (Back to table)

Level 1.5 HD

The Level 1.5 system includes all the components and features found in the Level 1 system plus the addition of presentation tools to provide greater flexibility in these smaller teaching spaces. Every Level 1.5 classroom features an equipment rack designed to house the room's technology which doubles as a teaching station. The teaching station features a built-in PC, retractable keyboard and mouse tray and LCD monitor. Also provided is a document camera, which can be used to display pages from a book or periodical, handwritten notes, pictures, photographs, x-rays and even three-dimensional objects. A rack-mounted combination VCR/DVD player allows the instructor to incorporate the highest quality video in the classroom. The system is controlled by a user-friendly remote control panel that contains all the features found in a Level 1 TEC.  (Back to table)

Level 2

The Level 2 system includes all the components and features found in the Level 1 system along with the addition of greatly enhanced presentation capabilities. Every Level 2 classroom features a teaching station that is specially designed to house the room's technology, yet has a relatively small footprint (2' x 4') that is no larger than the desks that are currently located in each classroom. The unit features a height-adjustable surface, which allows the system to be operated from a standing or seated position. The teaching station also features a retractable keyboard and mouse tray, along with a built-in LCD monitor, which serves as a confidence monitor that provides the ability to display the same image on both the built-in monitor and projection system, allowing instructors to maintain eye contact with their students. A document camera, serves as a significant upgrade for the traditional overhead projector. Not only does it offer the ability to display overhead transparencies, but it can be used to image (and capture) pages from a book or periodical, handwritten notes, pictures, photographs, x-rays and even three-dimensional objects. All of these images can be saved as HTML pages that can be retrieved over the network. A rack-mounted combination VCR/DVD player allows the instructor to incorporate the highest quality video in the classroom. The system is controlled by a user-friendly remote control panel that contains all the features found in a Level 1 room along with simple transport controls of the VCR and DVD players. The control system also features an expanded set of browser-based controls that enables access to more advanced system control features, such as chapter and menu search of DVD titles. It also enables remote support of the classroom in that it allows technical support personnel to access room systems from a central location. Each classroom also contains a telephone that allows faculty to contact technical support should the need arise. (Back to table)

Level 2 HD

The Level 2 HD system includes all the components and features found in the Level 2 system along with the addition of a new control panel and HD presentation tools. Each Level 2 HD classroom features a 15" LCD/Touch Panel which serves as a confidence monitor and system control center. HD component upgrades include a native 720p projector with 16x9 format (giving a resolution of 1280x720) or a wall-mounted, flat panel display, HDMI input, PC with LCD monitor, document camera and a Blu-Ray player to deliver presentations and videos in a clear, high-definition resolution. Many L2 HD classrooms also feature Mersive Solstice Pods for wireless sharing and display of video and audio. (Back to table)

Level 3

The Level 3 system includes all the components and features found in the Level 2 system along with a unique set of features, which enables the classroom to function as a video conference facility. A Level 3 classroom can be used as an endpoint for videoconferences. (Back to table)

Level 3 HD

The Level 3 HD system includes all the components and features found in the Level 2 HD system along with a unique set of features, which enables the classroom to function as a video conference facility. A Level 3 HD classroom can be used as an endpoint for videoconferences. Many L3 HD classrooms also feature Mersive Solstice Pods for wireless sharing and display of video and audio. (Back to table)

Zoom Room

Zoom Room spaces feature HD or 4k flat panel displays, PCs, camera(s), microphone(s) and speakers to facilitate a video conference via Zoom videoconferencing. Some Zoom Room displays allow for touch interactivity and wireless video sharing and collaboration. (Back to table)

Active Learning Classroom

In addition to the levels of TECs on campus, several spaces have been reimagined as active classrooms and built upon the TEC model with additional collaborative technology and furniture. A major difference between the TECs and the active learning environments is that they provide opportunities for students to use classroom technologies on a regular basis, thus enabling the teacher to move from a “Sage on the stage,” to a “guide on the side,” and allowing students to take more control over their learning. These spaces are part of a larger initiative that also provides faculty with an opportunity to redesign their courses with active learning pedagogies. (Back to table)