Technology Models

Commonwealth Classroom

Version: 1.0
Status: Proposed: 5/15/96
Contact: Scott Langhorst

PURPOSE

To define the commonwealth classroom model.

SCOPE

This model covers the premises, expectations, and configurations of commonwealth classrooms.

APPLICABILITY

This model is applicable to all colleges and campuses within the VCCS.

DEFINITION

Determines local college requirements for each alternative configuration.

MODEL

The model outlined in this document defines a minimum set of expectations and configurations. This model will be reviewed as necessary to reflect changes in technology and customer requirements.

Premises:

  1. VCCS faculty need common facilities definitions and shared expectations regarding VCCS electronic classrooms, information technology resources, and network access to adequately prepare course materials and conduct classes.

  2. VCCS colleges have classroom facilities that are located in regions and localities of the Commonwealth that are desirable to senior institutions.

  3. The VCCS has wide-area and local-area network services on VCCS campuses that are desirable to senior institutions.

  4. However, VCCS colleges lack adequate classroom space to accommodate all senior institutions that may desire exclusive use of VCCS facilities and services.

  5. It is proper and advantageous for the VCCS to partner with senior institutions.

  6. Dedicated or duplicated facilities for each senior institution on VCCS campuses are not desirable or cost effective.

  7. The VCCS needs to provide an efficient model for sharing college classroom facilities and network services with senior institutions, i.e., the commonwealth classroom model.

  8. Participating senior institutions should contribute to the operational expenditures of VCCS campuses on which they offer programs or courses. Cost recovery for shared resources is a crucial premise of the commonwealth classroom model.

  9. VCCS colleges will manage all aspects of commonwealth classroom facilities and network services.

  10. ODU TELETECHNET classrooms serve as an working example of commonwealth classroom operations. Commonwealth classrooms complement existing TELETECHNET arrangements, but do not replace them. Some current TELETECHNET facilities could be used as “commonwealth classrooms” as scheduled availability may allow.

  11. If demand for utilization of commonwealth classrooms exceeds existing campus capacity, additional space and capital funding will be requested on a joint basis by the VCCS and participating senior institutions.

Expectations:

  1. Each VCCS campus will provide at least one classroom to be configured and dedicated for commonwealth classroom purposes.

  2. Equipment, configurations, and support of commonwealth classrooms should be standardized throughout the VCCS.

  3. All commonwealth classroom resources will be integrated into the campus local- area network and the VCCS wide-area network.

  4. General academic support for commonwealth classroom students (including access to other VCCS computer labs) will be provided by VCCS colleges.

  5. Commonwealth classrooms are shared campus resources available to all appropriate users on a scheduled basis.

  6. Scheduling priorities for commonwealth classrooms will be established by VCCS colleges.

  7. Cost recovery for commonwealth classroom users shall be for equipment and support personnel, in the form of standardized fees to be set on a systemwide basis, i.e., similar to the cost recovery model established in the ODU TELETECHNET partnership.

  8. Specialty equipment, beyond commonwealth classroom configuration definitions, is the responsibility of the user.

  9. Technical and administrative support (e.g., scheduling) for commonwealth classrooms will be provided by the VCCS college.

  10. In lieu of commonwealth classroom usage, a senior institution may elect to pay for the use of other instructional/network resources provided by a local college on an ad hoc basis.

Configurations:

  1. Current configuration for a commonwealth classroom is a classroom with local- area network access, satellite down-link access, and telephone service.

  2. Acceptable alternative configurations for commonwealth classrooms may include:

  3. student computer workstations, network server access, and Internet access;
    or,
  4. electronic lecture hall with electronic white boards, computer projection equipment, network access, and other electronic peripherals (e.g., multi-sync video monitors or graphics cameras);
    or,
  5. VTEL 227M compressed video unit and peripheral equipment with T-1 access. (Off-network access though VCCS MCU.)

  6. Equipment purchases and installation of computers and compressed video units will conform to current minimum specifications outlined in VCCS Information Technology Services Guidelines.

  7. A standard suite of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and communications software will be provided by the VCCS in commonwealth classrooms containing student computer workstations. Specialty software and servers will be provided by the user. Shared laser printers will also be provided by the VCCS.

  8. Colleges may configure more than one commonwealth classroom and/or instructional mode, based upon input garnered from campus Teaching, Learning, and Technology Roundtables.

 

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