Click here to receive your FREE subscription to Campus Technology
Features
Managing and Securing Classroom Technology Assets
2/27/2004
AMX’s MeetingManager has proved extremely useful because it finds problems with classroom audio and video equipment, and notifies system administrators of these issues before they become problems for the instructor. It reduces classroom down time, saving time and resources.
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities had been paying students to go to each classroom weekly and test the equipment in the room, but it was looking for something more cost-effective and timely. With the new system administrators know immediately when the network has gone offline, or when equipment such as computers, DVD players, and document cameras are malfunctioning. And as for projector lamps, the software keeps track of lamp life so those system administrators are notified before lamps die.
The university originally focused on the need to monitor rooms to keep up with equipment problems, but also was impressed with the software’s reporting capabilities. They receive valuable usage data such as how much time various media devices are being used, how often lamps need changing, and which equipment needs attention. This proves useful for technology planning, operations, and management.
Where asset management and security remain a high priority, the system provides greater efficiencies and improved response times. It can detect instantly if a device has been disconnected without authorization and notify security of a possible theft in progress, helping to protect significant investment in high-end presentation electronics and control technology.
Both NetLinx and MeetingManager are cost effective because of the reduction in time and resources, as well as the number of potential thefts being prevented. The university found the technology solutions they deployed so effective that they are making the classroom presentation systems and management technology support available to other institutions. Monitoring, managing, and securing classroom equipment are issues university departments are grappling with, but it’s a manageable process. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is confident that it has implemented an innovative answer to successfully and cost-effectively save time and resources, while protecting valuable technology assets.
Jim Gregory (jgregory@umn.edu) is the manager of Classroom Technical Services
in the Office of Classroom Management at the University of Minnesota.
Cite this Site
copy text (above) for proper citation
Recommended Reading
- California Community Colleges Partner with Waterfall Mobile on Statewide Emergency Notification Coverage
The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) has awarded a statewide emergency alert notification contract to Waterfall Mobile. The contract establishes Waterfall's AlertU as an approved technology through the official non-profit foundation for the California Community College (CCC) system office. Through this partnership, individual colleges may directly implement emergency communication services, eliminating lengthy technology evaluation and RFP processes.
- King's College and ASU Add e2Campus for Improved Emergency Notifications
King's College and Arizona State University have switched to Omnilert's e2Campus for emergency notification. Omnilert also has introduced a new program called the ENS Conversion Service that allows schools to bulk upload data from their previous emergency notification system into e2Campus at no charge.
- Saint Joseph Builds Out Wireless Network in Multi-year Upgrade
Saint Joseph's University has begun deploying a Meru Networks wireless local area network across its Philadelphia campus as part of a multi-year effort to bring wireless coverage to every building on campus.
- Vista Ramp Up Is Happening Now, Study Says
Organizations may have been slow to adopt Microsoft Windows Vista, but expect that to change by late 2008 to 2009, according to a Forrester Research report by Benjamin Gray et al., published last week.
- Talisma Launches New Version of CRM with Built-in Application Management
Talisma Corp. announced version 8.0 of its constituent relationship management (CRM) application for higher education. The new release includes application management, a revamped user interface, two-way text messaging, personalized Web portals, and an ADA-compliant Web client, among other enhancements.
- Bringing Composers into Classrooms Through Skype
Two Pennsylvania teaching colleagues with an interest in music and technology are bringing remote experts into classrooms at almost no cost, using Skype's free videoconferencing technology.
